An interview with Kiki Chen — the story behind a string quartet bringing Bollywood music to life.

Q: How did it all begin?

It all started back in 2009, when I was playing in a band. One of our regular fans was an Asian doctor. He was getting married and wanted a string quartet to play Bollywood music at his wedding.

At the time, nobody had played Bollywood music in a Western classical way! He handed me a CD of his favourite Bollywood songs, and I spent the next month listening, transcribing and arranging them into instrumental sheet music for a Bollywood string quartet.

Little did I know that one wedding request would turn into something much bigger. Word spread, and before long, we were in high demand!

Q: What has been your most memorable performance?

That’s a difficult one! We’ve been incredibly fortunate to perform at some extraordinary events around the world.

One unforgettable experience was being invited to India to perform with the legendary Bollywood film music producers Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, whose music features in films such as Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), My Name Is Khan (2010) and Sam Bahadur (2023).

But a real turning point for us was performing at the House of Lords. Our music received wonderful praise from members of the House of Lords and distinguished guests.

We went on to perform at the UK Asian Music Awards and the UK Bangladesh Business Awards, and were featured in the BBC documentary The Very Best of British Weddings and BBC Radio 2’s Indian Britain.

Q: Just how far has your music taken you?

Quite literally around the world! We are all professional orchestra musicians by trade.

We’ve performed in New York, Boston, Washington DC, Canada, India, Turkey, Amsterdam, South Africa and Hong Kong, as well as across the UK.

It’s amazing to think that music arranged for one couple’s wedding has travelled across so many countries and cultures.

Q: If you could say something to that doctor today, what would it be?

First of all, “thank you — and thank goodness you had such great taste in music!“

The CD he handed me in 2009 not only became the foundation of our repertoire.

Over the years, I began hearing many of the same songs performed by other Bollywood ensembles; musicians approached us asking to buy our sheet music because they couldn’t find it anywhere else!

Looking back, I sometimes wonder whether he realises just how far his musical choices travelled.

Q: How do you see the current Asian wedding entertainment market?

I feel people often budget for what their guests will see but forget what they will feel.

To me, a good musician doesn’t just provide background entertainment; they create an atmosphere, connect people through emotion, and help turn a special occasion into a lasting memory.