AsianCity BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER
Issue 2 • July 19 - August 1, 2012
EE www.asiancity.co.uk R F
Deepika Padukone on being mixed up
Welcome Olympians
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
FULL STORY: PAGE 43
FULL STORY: PAGE 22 & 23
FATHER OF NATION’S SEXUALITY IN QUESTION
WAS GANDHI GAY? by SHIMA SHASTRY LETTERS that threatened to expose a fiery romance between Mahatma Gandhi and his German-Jewish male friend has been snapped up by the Indian government days before they were to go up for auction at Sotheby’s.
The letters are said to give considerable weight to the allegations made last year that Gandhi left his wife to live with his Jewish lover.
TURN TO PAGE TWO
Secret love letters between Mahatma and Jewish bodybuilder goes up for sale Indian government spends £700,000 to prevent auction going ahead
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“People forever ask me if I feel comfortable wearing revealing clothes. I prefer to think I reveal wearing comfortable clothes” VIDYA BALAN
GOVT GAGS GAY GANDHI GOSSIP FROM PAGE 1
The controversial autobiography of Gandhi published last year claimed the leader of the Indian independence movement was “deeply in love” with Hermann Kallenbach, a German-born Jewish architect and weightlifter, who he met after being banished to South Africa in 1904. The widely condemned book, titled Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India, written by former New York Times executive editor Joseph Lelyveld, claimed Gandhi was in love with the openly gay Kallenbach, to whom he had written: “How completely thou have taken possession of my body. This is slavery with a vengeance.” In another letter, Gandhi promised not to “look lustfully upon any woman,” and pledged that theirs was “such love as the world has not yet seen.” The book caused an outcry in India and remains banned in Gandhi’s hometown of Gujarat after it claimed he left his wife to be with Kallenbach, in an unwelcome portrayal of the father of the nation that the Wall Street Journal described as giving “readers more than enough information to discern that he was a sexual weirdo”. In his own autobiography, The Story of My Experiments With Truth, Gandhi referred to Kallenbach extensively, whom he lived with for almost four years, describing the homosexual Zionist as his “soulmate”. At the age of 13 Gandhi had been married to 14-year-old Kasturbai Makhanji, but after four children together they split in 1908 so he could be with Kallenbach, the book says. As well as admitting,”I cannot imagine a thing as ugly as the intercourse of men and women”, Gandhi also confessed to the
German in one of the letters: “Your portrait (the only one) stands on my mantelpiece in my bedroom. The mantelpiece is opposite to the bed.” But it was Gandhi’s admission that Vaseline was a “constant reminder” of Kallenbach that made many assume he might have been referring to a homosexual activity (Vaseline is a renowned lubrication), but several Gandhi scholars have since refuted the allegation, pointing out it referred to his irritation of Kallenbach’s habit of daily shaves. After reviewing the new documents, historian Ramachandra Guha has now concluded: “They show that the two used Vaseline on the corns they developed as they walked for many miles a day to their offices.”
Ambiguous The author of the controversial book, who has admitted he has not seen the new material, this week insisted that he did not claim Gandhi had been physically intimate with Kallenbach, and that the speculations made within the book about the pair’s “intimate” and “ambiguous” relationship had been taken out of context. According to Sanjiv Mittal, a joint secretary at India’s Culture Ministry, the government paid the highest •KEPT SECRET Gandhi’s letters expected bid of $1.3 million Denying the government dollars to prevent the sale from going ahead, after experts who purchased the documents to reviewed the letters between the avoid further embarrassment to two men recommended the Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, archive should be acquired “as a Mittal said: “These (papers) are of huge importance to India to matter of highest priority.”
•MORE THAN GOOD FRIENDS? Gandhi and Hermann Kallenbach carry out research on the Gandhian view on various things, that is why we decided to purchase them.” The archive includes over 1,000 letters, documents and telegrams exchanged by the two men between 1905 and 1945, as well as several gifts Gandhi gave to Kallenbach over the years. The material, much of it unpublished, is now in held in the National Archives, a research centre that has in the past been accused of withholding important documents.
BACK BEHIND BARS
A TERRORIST whose early release from prison was branded a “a disgrace and a blunder”, has been arrested again. Habib Ahmed, 32, the first person in the UK to be convicted for directing terrorist activities, was jailed in 2008 for ten years after being found in possession of notebooks with the names and phone numbers of key al-Qaeda figures, and for attempting to smuggle secret code books which were key to a potential UK massacre He was released after serving half of his sentence last September under strict conditions, two of which he has broken. Ahmed, from Manchester,
was arrested for worshipping in an “unauthorised” mosque and possessing a mobile phone that was not registered with the police for monitoring purposes. Ahmed will now face a hearing to see whether he must serve the remainder of his sentence behind bars.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
•HOT STUFF Katrina Kaif
•FLAME OF SHAME Tarnished
Toxic shame of Olympics THE reputation of the Olympics has been “tarnished” because of a £7 million sponsorship deal with owners of the Bhopal pesticide plant. Dow Chemical’s tie-up with the Games was condemned by members of the London Assembly, who urged organisers and mayor Boris Johnson to speak out against Dow in future. The company, held responsible for the gas leak at the Bhopal plant which killed 3,500 people in 1984, and 15,000 in the years that followed, sponsors the decorative wrap around the Olympic Stadium. “People do not want Dow’s toxic legacy tainting the Olympics,’ said Amnesty International. ‘The London Assembly motion is further testament to the sense of betrayal people feel.” Critics say Dow has not done enough to compensate casualties or clear the site.
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NO SMOKE WITHOUT FIREARMS
•FAKE ALERT E-cigarettes look like real cigarettes, but not like bombs
Counter-terrorist unit swoop on bus after man sparks fake cigarette by SHIMA SHASTRY
BRITAIN’S fear a terrorist attack during the Olympics took on a farcical edge when it was revealed that an electronic cigarette was to blame for the security scare that closed the M6 toll road last week, and drew in an armed counterterrorism unit, police helicopters, fire engines, ambulances, and scores of emergency workers.
•CAMPAIGN The right to choose
A force to reckon with
THE summer holidays doesn’t spell fun and freedom for all children. It’s the peak time for young people to be taken overseas and forced against their will to get married. The Right To Choose campaign, launched by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) to combat forced marriages, stresses the importance for children in such circumstances to speak up and seek advise. Alistair Burt from the FCO said: “Making forced marriage illegal is not enough on its own, we need to protect victims too.” The campaign is run by The Forced Marriage Unit. Call their confidential helpline on 020 7008 0151 or Out Of Hours line for emergency advice on 020 008 1500 and ask for the Foreign a& Commonwealth Global Response Centre. You can also email fmu@fco.gov.uk, or visit fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage
HURRICANE KATRINA Bolly star storms to the top again OH BOY! Someone hold Salman Khan back. Because Katrina Kaif, who is rumoured to have rekindled her stormy romance with the hot-headed star, who reportedly attacked her recently for wearing a skimpy outfit, has just been named the SEXIEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD by a lads’ mag. Katrina, one of the highest paid actress in Bollywood and the industry’s most sought after item girl, has topped the Indian edition of FHM’s annual “Hot List” for the second year running, beating a host of Hollywood starlets including Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba. Competition for the top spot was close, with the soon-to-be-married Kareena Kapoor being crowned second place. The list also saw style icon Vidya Balan ranked
number at number five, ahead of Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu, no doubt winning over a new army of male followers thanks to her erotic stint in The Dirty Picture. Bollywood newcomer, former glamour model and adult movie actress Sunny Leone, who has recently been signed up to star in the forthcoming film Jism 2 was number 10. Speaking of her new title, Katrina, who poses in a sexy shoot that’s likely to send Salman flying into another jealous rage, said: “Being sexy isn’t about trying. For me wearing a cotton sari and no make-up is sexy.” Salman’s ex Aishwarya Rai, who recently had a baby with Abhishek Bachchan, did not make the Top 100 list for the first time.
The mass panic was sparked after a man “of Asian appearance” travelling on a Megabus from Preston to London tried to light up an electronic cigarette that smokers use as an aid in quitting, causing another passenger who spied “vapour spiralling from the device” to alert the police through a mobile phone. “The information received concerned a report of vapour escaping from a bag which on investigation turned out to be a health improvement aid for smokers,” a spokeswoman for the Staffordshire police force said. Witnesses described how the 48 passengers had to come out of the coach “one by one holding their arms up” to prove they were not armed. “Given the nature of the report we responded swiftly and proportionately, treating the information as credible and extremely seriously, said the police spokeswoman, but added: “We are not treating this as a counter-terrorism incident.” When the truth quickly materialised, one onlooker said: “I know we should be on terrorist alert in the lead-up to the Olympics, but this is ridiculous.” The current terror level in Britain is considered “substantial”, which is the middle point on a five-point scale, which means intelligence agencies believe an attack is a strong possibility, but not imminent.
•ANYONE GOT A LIGHT? The smokeless Megabus passengers
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
‘I did not kill my daughter’
•MINDLESS KILLING Anuj Bidve
Racist killer loves prison
THE KILLER of Indian student Anuj Bidve told a court: “I love prison. I watch Coronation Street. I have got a fat canteen. Lock me up for 65 years.” Kiaran Stapleton, 21, admits shooting Anuj Bidve in an apparently random attack in Salford on Boxing Day but denies murder. When the prosecution asked if he hoped psychiatric reports would prevent him being jailed, he said: “To be honest, I’m not bothered.” Defying the jury, he added: “Does this face look bothered?” He then boasted: “I have even got a new rug and bedding coming for my cell.” The court heard Stapleton walked up to Mr Bidve, 23, asked for the time and fired a shot to his victim’s head without warning. He said: “If I said I was sorry, I would be telling a lie.”
Accused father denies murdering Shafilea Ahmed THE father accused of murdering his daughter Shafilea Ahmed for being too “westernised” denied being a “domineering and violent man”.
The accusation against Iftikhar Ahmed, 52, was made by his wife Farzana, 49, also standing trial for Shafilea’s death, who last week dramatically issued a new defence statement that solely implicated her husband in a single, violent act on the night of her disappearance. Iftikhar responded: “There has never been any violence.” Last month, the couple’s daughter, Alesha, gave evidence to say that she and her siblings watched as her parents pushed a plastic carrier bag into her mouth as they held her down. Denying his wife’s testimonial that on the day of Shafilea’s disappearance, his wife came downstairs to find Iftikhar slapping their daughter in the face, he said “that never happened”.
nothing. He hit me first, so I hit him.” In another alleged incident, he grabbed a man by his tie after he gave him £10 for a fare and he had no change. He conceded that his wife had left him, once, and taken the children. Iftikhar said: “We did not kill our daughter, and Alesha knows we haven’t done that.” Asked about his daughter becoming ill in Pakistan, after an incident when she drank bleach, he was asked if his daughter was “damaged goods”. Iftikhar replied: “My daughter was not damaged goods. She was ill. She is my Boost daughter, I did not kill her. I want to find out who did.” Earlier, the court heard Iftikhar’s history of violence was also detailed how Shafilea Ahmed, whose with the court told of an dismembered body was incident when Ahmed was found on a river bank nearly fined £40 by magistrates for seven years ago, appealed to criminal damage after he be moved out of the family damaged a taxi driver’s home because she was window, which he denied. He “scared going back to my also admitted hitting a fellow parents”. The trial continues. taxi driver. “It was not over Instead, he questioned Farzana’s mental health, saying she had been suffering from depression following Shafilea’s disappearance. It was put to him that he blamed his wife for not bringing their daughter up properly, but he denied the assertion. “I have never said she is not a good mother.” When asked if he recalled his wife pleading with him not to hit Shafilea, he responded: “Listen, I did not hit Shafilea.” He also denied hitting his wife, causing her to stumble on the sofa.
Wrestle in peace
TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Bollywood’s “first action hero”, the wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh, who passed away following a cardiac arrest last week. The Commonwealth champion and screen hardman, who remained unbeaten in more than 500 professional international wrestling bouts and starred in over 140 films, was once described by screen goddess Mumtaz, with whom he appeared in 16 films with, as “the perfect gentleman.” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed his sadness at Singh’s death and described him as a “noted film personality and an internationally acclaimed wrestler”. The nation’s grief at his passing was summed up by Sachin Tendulkar, who tweeted: “Along with the whole country I mourn the sad demise of Dara Singh ji. May his soul rest in peace.” His funeral was attended by a host of stars from the golden age, including Dharmendra, Rishi Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, who defined him as “a great Indian and one of the finest humans… An entire era of his celebrated presence gone.”
•RAPE DEN Dhaka Tandoori
Curry house pimps held
•GENTLE GIANT The legendary Dara Singh
blockbuster Anand. Despite his screen success, the actor-writer-producerdirector and member of parliament carried on wrestling until 1983, and is widely credited as creating the first template of the entertainment sport Success that has gone on to shape wrestling tournaments such as WWF, WWE The 6’ 2” gentle giant, who starred and TNA. He was inducted into the in B-movies such as Tarzan Comes to Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall Delhi, King Kong and Samson in the 50s of Fame in 1996. Describing a man as adored by a and 60s, who went onto become a household name by playing the role nation of film lovers as much as its of Hanuman in the hugely successful sports fans, Shah Rukh Khan wrote: TV adaptations of Ramayan and “Wrestlers are made of sweat, Mahabharat, is arguably best known determination and a hard to find for his role as the friendly alloy called guts... Most apt for Dara “pehelwan’” (wrestler) in the Singhji, our very own Superman. Amitabh Bachchan/Rajesh Khanna Will miss you sir.”
TWO brothers have been charged with grooming a pair of teenage girls for sex and persuading them to work as prostitutes for workers at a curry house. Mubarek Ali, 29, and Ahdel Ali, 24, ferried the girls, aged 15 and 16, to the Dhaka Tandoori restaurant in Shropshire. They are accused of pimping the teenage girls to the curry house workers for £150 a time. If convicted, the siblings face a total of 26 charges including controlling child prostitution, human trafficking and sexual exploitation, the Stafford Crown Court heard. The offences are alleged to have taken place between March 2008 and December 2009. One of the victims, now aged 19, told the court she and her friend were driven to the restaurant after it was closed and forced to have sex with three men. Both brothers deny the charges. The trial continues.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
STAR’S SKELETONS FOUND IN WELL
•REINSTATED Lord Ahmed
Labour peer reinstated
THE peer suspended by the Labour Party for allegedly offering a £10m bounty on the heads of George Bush and Barack Obama has had the suspension lifted. Lord Ahmed’s suspension followed an interview in Pakistani newspaper the Express Tribune, which quoted Lord Ahmed saying: “If the US can announce a reward of $10m for the captor of Hafiz Saeed (the founder of militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba), I can announce a bounty of £10m on President Obama and his predecessor George Bush.” He has since claimed he was misquoted, but Lord Ahmed maintained his antiwar stance by saying: “I said that there have been war crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. George W Bush and Tony Blair have been involved in illegal wars and should be brought to justice. I do not think there’s anything wrong with that…” This week, Lord Ahmed said he was “shocked and horrified” by the lies and is considering suing the Express Tribune, who has since corrected the article. Labour gave no reason why the suspension was lifted.
FLUENT OR OUT CHANGES being introduced to the visa system may affect up to 5,000 students, particularly those from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Under new powers, the UK Border Agency will be able to interview candidates, which could mean one in 20 of those could be denied entry. The new rules state that anyone who fails to comply with the “credibility test”, which includes checking their fluency in speaking English, can be refused a visa, without giving an explanation.
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TERROR OF JUDGEMENT LAILA WAS KILLED BY AN EXTREMIST BUT NOT FOR INDECENCY by NAZMUL HUDA
people unearthed in a well last week confirmed that the FOR the past year, the star and her family had been butchered to death by her most widely held view stepfather Pervaiz Ahmed regarding the Tak, a suspected Lashkar-edisappearance of Taiba militant, but the crime controversial Bollywood is said to be one of passion terror. siren Laila Khan was notPolice revealed that Tak, that she had been Laila’s mother Saleena murdered by terrorists Patel’s third husband, as punishment for her became jealous when his risqué antics on and off wife “praised” her second husband. Tak allegedly hit screen. Saleena with a blunt object Others, however, believed and, according to Mumbai that she was alive and well, police, “Tak decided to kill and in fact working FOR the Laila and her siblings as they terrorists. The Pakistani- had witnessed him killing born star, who was married Mrs Patel”. to Munir Khan, a member of the Bangladeshi terror outfit Suspicious Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami, was being investigated by It was reported that Tak police for allegedly spying on behalf of the notorious had been furious that the Lashkar-e-Taiba when she family were making plans to and five members of family relocate to Dubai, knowing disappeared in February last full well he would be left year, sparking rumours that behind seeing as he did not hold a valid passport. Laila had gone into hiding. Police have admitted they But the skeletons of six
•STEAMY Laila Khan in scene from Waafa
•MURDERED Laila Khan remain suspicious about Tak’s confession, with many fearing it could be a red herring to cover up a more sinister possibility. Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) had previously suspected Laila Khan of having links with the Pakistani spy agency ISI, while photographs discovered in Laila’s residence posing with influential politicians and industrialists has led the Mumbai crime branch to open an investigation to see whether she was involved in “shady underground dealings”, including the possibility of her playing a part in the Hawala scandal, a US$18 million bribery scandal that implicated some of the country’s leading politicians. Laila, who came to fame after her steamy role in Wafaa: A Deadly Love Story, came under suspicion following the Delhi High Court blast probe after it emerged that a car which was registered in her mother`s name was used for ferrying explosives by terrorists.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
AsianCity LETTERS www.asiancity.co.uk
COMMENT
BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER
Loving it or hating every minute of it, this is your platform to express yourself to thousands of fellow Asian City-zens in the same boat as you. Tell us your points of view or simply vent your spleen, don’t hold back... we’re here to share your joy and pain
This is why we are here ‘Why is there a need for an Asian newspaper? Since our glittering launch last issue, we’ve faced this question a fair few times. The argument being: news is black and white, isn’t it? It’s understandable to most people why Asian publications such as Asiana Wedding, Viya and Asian Woman exist – the mainstream magazines have no reason to cover our unique beauty, bridal and fashion needs. But what can a newspaper say that all the other papers and news sites haven’t? The answer: the other story. Take the Rochdale rapists story. The mainstream papers have been painting it as an Asians against Whites hate crime, but when the ringleader Shabir Ahmed was sentenced, very few of them reported that his victim was actually an Asian girl. We did. We’re seeing the same thing happen this issue with the Olympic terrorist threat. Almost none have reported that the man charged with six offences under the Terrorism Act was a white male who wasn’t a Muslim. We have. Yes, news is black and white. But the mainstream papers have their agenda and it doesn’t always paint it brown. We do. As a fortnightly publication, we aren’t here to pretend we’re breaking stories. What we can, however do, is present the story from a different angle, telling you the facts that matter the most to Asian readers. Hope you’re enjoying the new perspective.
Gandhi: man and myth IN MANY ways, Mahatma Gandhi was a superhero. A man in a loincloth, who turned the other cheek and felt no pain, and led a nation of millions to freedom. His godlike public persona shall always remain far more important to his devoted followers than the mere mortal version of him. Whatever allegation is made about the man himself, does it lessen the appeal of his great teachings? Or make his drive to unite his people and sacrifices on behalf of his beloved nation any less powerful? When it comes to any discussion on the subject of global peace, Gandhi will always be cited as one of the finest examples of humanity the world has ever seen. That means warts and all. And more to the point, if the allegations about the father of the nation being bisexual WERE true, there’s only one question to ask: so what?
Go Katrina! WHILE every girl in Bollywood seems intent on revealing as much flesh as possible, it’s heartening to see a British Asian girl like Katrina Kaif topping FHM’s Hot List show them you can be sexy without having to resort to indecency. Proof, were it needed, that when it comes to flaunting it, our girls know how to work it!
Email: letters@asiancity.co.uk
SALMAN’S ONLY HUMAN
A LOT has been said about the Salman Khan road accident case in which an elderly street dweller died. I’ve read this story in many newspapers and on the internet, indeed it was big news back home in India too. Fact is, Salman and his family are right to refuse any compensation to the family of the deceased woman. The truth is, it was this family who threw out this lady in the first place and now they want to capitalise on her death. In fact, they should be prosecuted for her death – not the driver. If they had not thrown her out she would have been alive today. And besides, it was the driver of a brother of Salman’s, so why berate Salman? Salman Khan and his brothers have given us a lot be be proud of - not just the
again. These people are so rich, they think they can get away with anything. Okay, I know his brother’s driver hit the poor old lady and killed her, but it WAS his brother’s car and he is his brother AND seeing that he likes the publicity, he should be part and parcel of the whole case. I bet he makes a film out of this! Hina Desai, Coventry
I DON’T understand why your article focused on Salman Khan, when it was his brothers’ car that was involved in the accident. I appreciate Arbaaz and Sohail aren’t worthy of being on the front page, but they are the players in this story. All Salman did was stand up for his family – SALMAN Khan should be I’m sure he didn’t intend to sent to prison, along with his play the starring role in the ugly brothers and never be tragedy. allowed to walk the streets Robeena Khatun, via email brilliant films and soundtracks, but they’ve done a lot for charity too. So all those people having a moan at him, should see the whole picture before they accuse him of anything. Kunal Mitra, Leicester
Proud to be City-zen
PUBLISHER Thufayel Ahmed
CONGRATULATIONS on a first rate newspaper sir! It was a pleasant surprise to be handed a copy of Asian City outside Upton Park station on Green Street. The fact it was free was even better. As a 32-yearold man I still remember when we had loads of Asian newspapers back in the day. Then they all disappeared didn’t they? It was about time we got our Asian paper. Keep up the good work. Mahbub Farid, Stratford
GUEST EDITOR Shihab Salim ART DIRECTOR Virchand Pindoria ENTERTAINMENTS EDITOR Sohail Anjum MARKETING MANAGER Shuhed Miah
No porn OK, please
CONTRIBUTORS Hannah Ahmed, Azeem Hussain, Shima Shastry, Sarwar Ahmed, Dobir Hussain, Kolba Ali, Momtaz Begum-Hossain, Jaz Kaur, Ariana Jamila Ayesha Ahmed, Avni Pindoria, Poonam Patel, Lisa Sage, Mandy Jandoo, Neelam Jannat, Jerin Rahat, Mohammed Adam, Asya Ahmed, Faizah Faheem, Rafia Rahman, Tanvir Ahmed, Paul Williams, Ibrahim Ahmed, Amanda Harrison, Mike Singh
SHAME on you. How can you call the Say Hello to Barbiewood a news story? What’s so special about a wannabe actress who works on a porn channel? And more importantly what kind of message does it give out to your female readers? If we want smut and dirt, we can find it in The Daily Sport and on the top shelf of newsagents. Asian City should be representing the decent professional harding working British Asians in this country and be respectful to women – not the pervy bloke who stares at women from the other side of the road. Sasha Kaur, Ealing
Taking it too far I’VE BEEN following Shihab Salim’s columns for over a decade and his articles in Asian Woman and Asiana were one of the main reasons I bought those magazines, but I was disappointed to find him resorting to making fun of Aishwarya Rai’s weight. In the past I’ve found him self-depracating and always in adoration of women, but poking fun at a new mother was cruel and unfunny. Robeena Bal, Streatham I’M GLAD Asian City is free or I’d have demanded another copy. I spilled my coffee reading Shihab Salim comparing himself to the odious man who beheaded his daughter in India by saying : “The other day I told my 15-year-old she wasn’t allowed to leave the house in such a short skirt. She laughed her head off.” Outrageous! Satpashi Roy, Kingston
DISTRIBUTION Newstrade: Postscriptum Ltd Non-newstrade: Surma Media PRINTED BY Newsfax Ltd
Kiss of death? AFTER reading your article on Raza Jaffrey in Chicago, I decided to book tickets for the show. This week, they’ve announced the show has to close down. I hope you guys aren’t cursed! Harpreet Singh, via email
But seriously... WELL done on a fantastic first issue. Asian City has a brilliant mix of news stories, entertainment news and serious issues. I caught my 16-year-old daughter engrossed in the article about the dangers of date rape, which led us to have a frank chat about dating for the first time in our lives. So thank you and keep up the good work. Amina Shafique, Luton
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PLAYBOY’S FIRST INDIANModelCOVER GIRL Sherlyn Chopra bares all BARING flesh means grabbing headlines.The current crop of top Indian models have been the biggest player of them all, going topless to make the Playboy owner Hugh Heffner. most of their assets, but Nude Sherlyn Chopra has gone all the way by appearing nude in The model and sometimes actress, who appeared in films Playboy magazine.
After model Poonam Pandey stripped off to celebrate her cricket team’s victory in the IPL 5, while Rozlyn Khan bared all in support for the losing team, Sherlyn decided there was more to stripping than cricket. Instead, she set her sight on bowling out
Heffner •PLAYMATES Sherlyn with
DESI GOES TO HOLLYWOOD •CUFFED Scottish racists
Scots put the boot in HALF of all racist incidents in Scotland recorded last year by police were against people of Asian origin, according to new statistics. People of Asian origin remained the ethnic minority most targeted by racists, with 46% of all 4907 incidents being against victims of that background. The number of racist crimes involving violence and indecency rose from 60 to 74, according to the report. People of a Bangladeshi origin were targeted by racists more than the previous year, with 62 incidents compared to 95, while people of Pakistani origin were the victims in the largest number of incidents. In response to the statistics, Community Safety Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: “Hatred has no place in modern Scotland.” The majority of incidents took place in the street, but there was an increase in those that occurred at schools, sporting venues and on public transport.
IT’S a good time for Asian actors in Hollywood. Two of the biggest blockbusters of the month features Indian faces (or in the case of Ice Age 4, just the voices!). Irrfan Khan, of •ICE MAN Slumdog Millionaire and Kunal Aaja Nachle fame, is Nayyar as starring in The Amazing Gupta the Spider-Man, while badger Kunal Nayyar (Raj in Big Bang Theory) and stand-up comedian Aziz Ansari are lending their voices to Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. Cast in the role of villain Niels Van Adder, Khan initially had reservations. He said: “I didn’t want to be part of a violent American fantasy so I agreed to the part on the condition that I wouldn’t play a masked villain or sci-fi monster, but be recognisable.” No such desire to be recognised by Kunal, who plays the psychotic badger Gupta, revealed: “I’m good at it because I have an innate ability to overact! So that stuff comes naturally to me.” Both films are showing in cinemas this month.
•THE AMAZING SPIDER KHAN Irrfan Khan
such as Dil Bole Hadippa! and became a household name after her stint on reality show Big Boss, will appear in Playboy later this year. But fans of the star won’t have to wait long, seeing as she has been uploading her nude photos as well as pictures with
Heffner on her Twitter account on a frequent basis. Heffner tweeted back a picture of a gaggle of his infamous Playboy bunnies playing a game of dominoes in his mansion, with the message: “Playmate Ashley Hobbs won tonight’s domino game with Crystal, Trisha, Chelsea, Cristal Camden, Sherlyn Chopra from India and me. A fun night.” Sherlyn, whose Twitter tag now reads “Playboy Cover Girl”, revealed she is “proud to be the first Indian to do it”.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
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•CHRIST Afnan Iftikhar
Asian Jesus! SUPERSTAR, the new casting show to find a performer to play Jesus in the arena stage tour of Jesus Christ Superstar has a Pakistani-born contender in its final stages. Afnan Iftikhar, 23, who was born in Lahore but now lives in Newcastle, has been selected by judges Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dawn French and Jason Donovan to battle it out on the live finals. An elated Afnan said: “I was so shocked! Amanda (Holden, the host) asked me how I felt and I was completely numb.” Superstar is showing on ITV at 9pm every night this week.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
•GOOD SPORT Karan Johar
Games not Karan’s cup of Koffee
FILMMAKER Karan Johar has been officially invited to join the 506 dignitaries present at the Olympics. The only other person invited from India is Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The two of them will be representing India by attending the opening ceremony and watching major events over the London 2012 fortnight. The Koffee with Karan star admitted: “Sport is not one of my interests but I have my fingers crossed for our team.”
PAPERS ACCUSED OF ANTI-MUSLIM BIAS
MEDIA CIRCUS MAKES ISLAM BASHING ‘AN OLYMPIC SPORT’ by NAZMUL HUDA
Birmingham’s Sparkhill and Alum Rock, had no connection to the Olympics. Ansar of the Swadhinata Trust, which is IT STARTED last month with two Ahmed, working towards encouraging young Muslim men canoeing on the River Muslims to get involved with the games, Lea, which runs through the pointed out: “While we appreciate an Olympic site, and arrested “on event as high-profile as the Olympics we have to be alert to the suspicion of the commission, means possibility of an attack, I think linking any preparation or instigation of acts of story involving Muslims to the Olympics terrorism”. They were later released is dangerous.” He added: “There is no doubt that if without charge when it transpired these men are found guilty of possessing they were simply canoeing. firearms, they are indeed criminals, but it This revelation appears to have done does make you wonder whether the little to deter the mainstream media intent papers would link the story to terrorism if on stirring up a “major terrorist attack” we were talking about a group of, say, threat to the Olympics. The Daily Express black youths caught with guns.” ran with the headline “Terror Arrests Near Olympic Site”, even though it went on to Biased say in the same article: “The arrests are apparently not linked to the Olympics”. The mainstream media also stand Since then, a total of 14 people have been arrested in two separate anti-terrorism accused of biased reporting the paedophile operations spanning several cities in the last gang in the Heywood case, which the week. All the papers focused extensively on Daily Mail described as evidence of “a the white convert Richard Dart, who The Muslim community disproportionately Sun labelled a “Brit hater”, but none of the involved in criminal behaviour targeted at papers except The Guardian wrote about the non-Islamic people”. Most of the papers arrest of Niall Florence, who was charged chose to brush away the story when it with five offences under Section 58 of the transpired that the victim of ringleader 2000 Terrorism Act and one under Section Shabir Ahmed was in fact an ASIAN 2 of the 2006 legislation, presumably Muslim girl. But it looks like the media trend of because he was NOT a Muslim. A report by Unitas on Islam and the Islam bashing will continue, at least while media submitted to the Levison inquiry the Olympics are in full flow. Khaled concluded: “There is a serious and systemic Ibrahim, an activist who blogs for Muslim problem of racist, anti-Muslim reporting Matters who described Islam bashing as “an Olympic sport” told us: “When you within sections of the British media”. This was highlighted by the arrest of read Theresa May is drafting in an extra seven men in the West Midlands, after a car 3,500 troops to protect us during the was discovered containing firearms. games and see soldiers installing surfaceDespite the arrests having no links to the to-air missiles on residential tower blocks Olympics or the London arrests of six and green open spaces all over London, terror suspects earlier in the week, the Daily and don’t forget this is during peacetime, Mail ran the headline: “Seven more terror it’s hardly surprising that the papers will arrests as police find ‘weapons hidden in a car’ keep the flames of the war on terror just a day after Olympic round-up that saw white burning to keep selling papers.” Muslim convert captured.” He added: “I’m afraid you don’t get a Critics have been quick to point out medal for guessing who the enemy in this that the young men arrested, from media-made game of war is.”
How dumb can a guy get? IN A bizarre attempt to avoid jail, a conman pretended to have gone dumb for more than a year after he was caught stealing over £400,000 from a post office. But Amritpal Mehat’s efforts went in vain as he was given four-year prison term by a Manchester court. Mehat, 26, claimed to be a deeply religious person and that God had struck him dumb after he was arrested. After large number of experts were called to examine him at vast public expense, he was
ordered to go to a mental health institute where he began chatting to a psychologist in Punjabi. The conversation between the “dumb” Mehat and the psychologist was played out in court, where
he was sentenced to four years in jail. Mehat spoke publicly for the first time since his arrest, confirming his name and guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to steal from the post office.
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aSIaN CITY CONVERTING TO THE PREACHED
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FROM BOMBAY TO BRICK LANE, DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS SHIHAB SALIM MUST GO
e: shabbs@asiancity.co.uk
•SMOKES ON A PLANE Kumar
That smoke isn’t funny anymore IT COULD’VE been a scene straight out of the farcical movie Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, where a paranoid old lady catches Kumar smoking a bong on a plane and shrieks “terrorist”. When the M6 e-cigarette fiasco blew out of proportion, every Asian City-zen’s first thought was: “This bloke who sparked this terror alert by puffing on a fake cig. Was he Asian?” I can confirm the answer is, he was of “Asian appearance”. No one here is surprised. Foreign man, carrying foreign object – put two and two together and you’ve got yet another warning for the nation to brace themselves for fullscale terror. What all these “better safe than sorry” paranoia merchants won’t take into account is that extremists are madmen. Madmen don’t care about opportunities – if they were plotting carnage, they wouldn’t need to wait for the Olympics or the Jubilee to do it. A basic grasp of chemistry and a walk down any busy high street on any day of the week would get the job done. Maybe, just maybe, the reason extremist aren’t setting off bombs EVERYWHERE in the UK is not because the security services are on the ball, but because there aren’t extremists plotting to set off bombs ANYWHERE in the UK. We’ve become a nation of boys who cried wolf, and the people we trust to save us from the big bad wolf will jump every time, regardless of how ridiculous the cry, even when the wolf in question is clearly minding his own business, trying to smoke a cigarette in peace…
ANOTHER round of terror arrests, another convert making a nuisance of himself.
This time it’s Richard Dart, the Jihad fanatic who wants Sharia Law in the UK, as long as the new state carries on paying his housing benefit, naturally. He joins the ranks of Richard Reid, a petty thief who converted to Islam because “Muslims got better food in prison”, then tried to blow up his feet by boarding a plane with a bomb in his shoe, and Nick Reilly, whose moronic attempt at trying to set off nailbombs at a Giraffe restaurant in Exeter made the boys from Four Lions look like commandos. It’s not just British or American white male converts who make up the Moron List either – there’s Dhiren Bharot, the UK Indian with a soft spot for dirty bombs, Jamaican born Germaine Lindsay, one of the 7/7 scum, and his wife Samantha Lewthwaite, who was the main financier of a major al-Shabaab endorsed terrorist cell. They’re everywhere – from Wellington Menezes de Oliveira in Brazil shooting a dozen school kids in the head in the name of Islam, to Vitaly Razdobudko, one of the growing numbers of Russians turning to radical Islam, wanted by police for organising the Moscow airport bombing which took the lives of 35. Many non-Muslims have famously converted to Islam, Muhammad Ali, AR Rahman and Cat Stevens are the right kinds of examples. The latter, now going by
•WHAT A DOG Salman Khan knows how to act like one
•BORN AGAIN TO BE WILD Richard Dart, or Salahuddin al-Britani to his mum lives, and turned to religion looking to make amends. But most of these people aren’t searching for inner peace like Cat Stevens. They’re generally messed up people who’ve done terrible things that torment them. Plus, seeing as they can get so easily brainwashed by the likes of grade-A nutbars like ANJEM CHOUDARY, it’s fair to deduce they’re also pretty stupid to boot. When they join a religion, it’s natural that they should latch on to the more extreme elements, because when you’re driven by hate and selfloathing, revenge is always high up on your to-do list. These converts Troubled are escapists, hungry for drama, with too much to prove. Maybe we should take a leaf out The common thread between all converts, both the peaceful and the of the Hindu book. You can’t lunatic, is that they all led troubled convert into Hinduism. And they seem like a pretty peaceful bunch…
the name Yusuf Islam, who I was privileged to interview years ago when I was a news hack at Eastern Eye, gave me a perfectly reasonable explanation: “At first, I turned to drugs to help me reach a higher level of understanding, but all they gave me were more unanswerable questions and more misery. Islam showed me the light, gave me hope, it brought me peace.” That’s the way it SHOULD be. But for every Yusuf Islam, there’s a convicted rapist like Mike Tyson converting in a misguided search for some unearthly redemption.
A bitter tablet to swallow
I’VE ALWAYS been a party animal. I smoke what I like, drink anything going, snort whatever’s on the table. It made me feel like some spoilt moviestar, living life to the full, doing my own thang, baby. I must say of all the people in my life who’ve told me I should perhaps slow it down, I never imagined it’d be Salman Khan who finally made me seriously consider reevaluating my carefree ways. I read an interview by newcomer Sachin Joshi, who could barely contain his starstruck admiration for Salman’s drunken escapades, gushing: “He doesn’t listen to anybody, nobody can tell him what is good or bad for him. He does what he wants to do. He has decided to lead his life the way he wants to.” Now let’s see. When he dated Somy Ali in the 90s, it was reported Salman smashed a bottle of coke over her head at a party. Aishwarya Rai released a statement in 2003 saying “I was at the receiving end of his abuse (verbal, physical, emotional), infidelity and
indignity.” He also allegedly slapped Katrina Kaif on the sets of their film Yuvraaj in 2008, after he saw a picture of her in a newspaper with Akshay Kumar. This week, The Times of India reports that as well as banning the crew from sending a spot boy to fetch him, ever, meaning shooting could only commence when he damn well felt ready, the paper also published the rumour that he went for Katrina with a STICK on the set of their new movie Ek Tha Tiger after Katrina emerged “in a figure-hugging, cleavage-revealing outfit from her vanity van”. I’ve never struck a woman (I’d lose hand down anyway), and the narcotics I’ve consumed have left me too paranoid to keep people waiting, but it boils down to respect. If being footloose and fancyfree means I’ve been singing from the same hymn sheet as Neanderthal Khan, I think it’s high time I started showing people that frankly, my dears, I do give a damn.
I TRIED to buy an Aakash 2 tablet. The 7-inch tablet comes I’m looking forward to with a sticky resistive English Vinglish, the Sri touch display, a battery Devi movie that mocks auntijis’ that conks out in three slippery grasp on the hours flat, no 3G English language. My I can’t be the only one connectivity, and a logo own aunt, who feeling sickened by all the that makes my eight-yearfamously referred to the hoopla surrounding The Shard. We’re old son’s artistic efforts Number 11 bus as “Dui dandar bus” and basically celebrating a building where multilook like Matisse’s. But at Westminster Bridge as “Osman Mistry’er just £30, I figured owning millionaires who spit on us will live, only now they’ll bridge”, recently came back from a trip one would make a good to the countryside and asked me: be able to spit on us from an even greater height. It’s conversation piece over •AAKASH FLOW How low can you logo? “What does it mean, trespass?” also got me thinking about how oil-rich countries need to dinner, or at the very least, Intrigued she was showing an play the game to win in life. Qatar, has oil, shakes hands “Hm,” I reflected. “Can forms the core of a sturdy tray to pass interest in new words, I explained it with the west, they get to own a building like The Shard. you play ANGRY the table.” round samosas on. meant entering someone else’s land Iraq, has oil, doesn’t shake hands with the west, they get “How about I got in touch with the BIRDS on it?” without permission. their buildings blown up into millions of shards. At a time He didn’t know what I porn? Can I manufacturers, who “These English farmers are not when Tory caps means families are having to move out passed me onto an excited was talking about, but still watch porn on it?” nice people,” she concluded. of their neighbourhoods and into designated poor I think I’ve just salesman in Mumbai who maintained his enthusiasm: Confused, I begged for elaboration. clearly thought Asian “It includes interactive managed to achieve areas, and the west continues to steamroll over “Because they walk into a field by City was some kind of class quiz programmes like the unthinkable. For mistake, these people are forced to, any country that won’t share their oil nicely perhaps the first time inter-continental digital Clicker and Sci-lab.” tauba tauba, SELL their bodies?” with us, The Shard stands as a “How about Fruit in the history of global software trade publication. I could only ask: “What?” monument to all that is sinister communication, I made “It can be used to write Ninja?” “I saw sign on a field. Trespassers will in our world. After a pause, he added someone in an Indian call programmes in languages be prostituted.” like Python, C, C++”, he in a quiet voice: “It has a centre be the one to slam 800MHz processor that down the phone in anger. trilled.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
WORLD NEWS
PILGRIM TRAGEDY
OVER 50 people have died in two public bus accidents in Nepal. In the first fatal incident 39 pilgrims were killed when an overcrowded bus transporting them from India, to a Hindu festival in southern Nepal, fell into a canal. In the second accident, a bus sweved off a central road in Nepal just before dawn, plunging into a river killing nine people. Police believe it happened as the bus was on on route to Kathmandu from Katari falling down a 200m cliff after the driver lost control of the bus on a road that had turned slippery because of rainfall. DSP Ram Dutta Joshi, an inspector on site said: “We recovered six bodies, a further three died in hospital and another 17 were injured and are undergoing treatment. In the first accident which occured on Sunday where 30 victims perished, 75 passengers were on route to the annual Triveni festival.” Among the dead are 10 women and one child.
•CRASH The wreckage of the pilgrims’ bus More than 100 police officers have been deployed to search the area. Indian authorities, including officials of the west Gandak irrigation and Seema Suraksha Bal, are involved in rescue efforts. Buses are often overcrowded in Nepal and accidents are common in the country. They are blamed on poorly-maintained mountain roads, badly maintained vehicles and bad driving. The weather is also a factor with increases during the July monsoon season when rivers swell, posing a greater threat.
A bridge too far
CONSTRUCTION of a much needed bridge in Bangladesh has been cancelled because funders say they have discovered high levels of corruption in the project. The Padma Bridge is a proposed 6.3km bridge that was due to go over The Ganges river, linking th capital Dhaka to the countries more isolated coastal districts. The World Bank, which donated $1.2billion, say the government have not fully co-operated with their investigation into the corruption allegations. They had requested that the Bangladeshi authorities prosecute the people involved in the corruption, yet this didn’t happen.
•DEVASTATION 400,000 people have been left homeless in the latest flood tragedy
Think the rain is bad over here?
MONSOON HAVOC IN INDIA INDIA’S annual monsoon has claimed 109 lives since rains started in June and left at least 400,000 people homeless in the northeastern state of Assam, in a tragedy experts say was made worse by corruption and poor management.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who represents Assam in the upper house of parliament, called the floods the worst in recent times and promised $1,800 to each victim’s family in compensation. Critics say that much of the money will evaporate. “Corruption is rampant before and after a flood,” said Arup Misra, a prominent environmental activist in the state and a professor at Assam Engineering College. “Some officials eagerly wait for floods as they could make money on repairing of embankments and relief distribution.” Over the past 60 years successive
governments have built levees along most of the length of the volatile Brahmaputra, which is Assam’s main river and is fed by Himalayan snow melt and some of the world’s heaviest rainfall. Experts say these embankments are both criminally under-maintained and a discredited form of flood management. People are living in danger zones out of compulsion,” said Chandan Talukdar relief worker with Sikdar. “Till alternative land is found, these people will remain on embankments.”
KILLED FOR LOOKING LIKE MAOISTS
HUMAN rights activists in India said that the 17 people killed by paramilitary police in the Chhattisgarth state last month were tribespeople who were not linked to the Maoist rebels they were targetting. Those who died include two students aged 12 and 15. At the time the police said they had only shot rebels during a clash that took place on June 29th. Yet local people held a protest after the events claiming those killed were
innocent victims and not insurgents. A report into the event by the Coordination of Democratic Rights Organisations also revealed that those who died, did so from bullet wounds and from
injuries caused by axes. It also stated that villagers were fired upon without any warning. The Chhattisgarth government have announced they will be undertaking a full judicial inquiry into the incident. The Maoist activists that the police were targetting are present in over 600 districts, and claim they are fighting for the rights of poor peasants and labourers.
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WORLD NEWS
AGNIPATH
Policemen shot dead by Taliban
•POLICE UNDER ATTACK Nine dead in Taliban attack
•BOMBS AWAY India parades their missile with pride
INDIA PUT NUCLEAR WARHEAD TO THE TEST THEY FIRED, they hit. The Agni-I, India’s 700km range ballistic missile was launched successfully from Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha last week.
“It hit the target with hundred per cent accuracy. It was a perfect test,” said MVKV Prasad, the director of the Integrated Test Range. Agni is an intermediate range ballistic missile. It uses solid The missile, which can strike a propulsion booster and a liquid target 700 km away and can carry a propulsion upper stage, derived one tonne nuclear warhead, from India’s first indigenously followed the prescribed trajectory developed ballistic missile Prithvi. India is believed to have around and reached its target in the Bay of 100 nuclear warheads, some Bengal.
capable of being dropped from aircraft. It was initially feared that the tests might spark a cold war with China, but experts now claim such a scenario would be “highly improabable.” Jeffrey Lewis, who heads the East Asia Non-proliferation Programme at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California, said: “I doubt very much that China and India will engage in an arms race, scaled-
USA fears over Bangladesh labour THE unsolved April murder of Aminul Islam, a Bangladeshi labour leader, along with a host of other unsavory issues within the garment manufacturing sector, has US companies worried about using Bangladeshi labour, said the US ambassador to Bangladesh on Wednesday. “US companies want to buy products from Bangladesh but they are very concerned about the labour issues, safety at workplace and freedom of association in Bangladesh,” said Ambassador Dan Mozena at a press conference. Bangladesh has one of the cheapest production systems in the world, and exports to companies like Walmart, JC Penney and Sears. The factories contribute a huge percentage of the country’s GDP, and directly or indirectly employ 24 million people. But conditions for workers are awful and include “rock-bottom wages, tight labor rights restrictions, and poorly enforced health and safety standards,” says a 2010 report by the Sweatfree Communities Network There have also been concerns about corruption in the manufacturing sector. Union organising has helped curb the problems at some factories, but labor leaders
•SWEATING IT OUT Children hard at work have allegedly been viciously targeted by the government, and reports of harassment, false criminal charges, and assassinations continue. GlobalPost reported that “an estimated 200 people — politicians, journalists, and activists — have ‘disappeared’ under suspicious circumstances” since 2009.including police were injured in several days of clashes. Workers are demanding a 50 percent wage increase to meet rising food and rent prices, but factory owners say they are unable to afford pay rises as a consequence of the impact of global downturn on exports. They said they would consider the workers’ demands when appropriate.
down or otherwise. “Both countries tend to pursue the same specific capabilities, but neither produces large numbers of nuclear weapons or nuclear-capable missiles.” He suggests that both China and India seem to be pursuing what he calls a “possession” oriented approach to nuclear modernisation: “They are developing in turn small numbers of ever more advanced capabilities held by other powers.
WE’VE all met someone who pretends he’s originally from Persia, but this slippery Bengali has been caught out. The N Nigrican, popularly known as Bostami turtles because they were thought to only exist in the pond Hazrat Bayezid Bostami’s shrine, and for the past two centuries the turtles let everyone assume the saint had bought them with him from Iran in 1800. But now, biologists have discovered some of their siblings hiding in the wildlife all along, proving that they’re as indigenous to the region as the Royal Bengal. Retreating into their shells, the turtles refused to comment.
TALIBAN-linked gunmen have been blamed for the deaths of nine security personnel in Lahore, Pakistan. Masked gunmen have shot dead nine policemen and prison staff in an attack on a building in Pakistan’s eastern city of Lahore, in the Punjab. The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for the shootings, which wounded nine others and took place as the police were sleeping. The gunmen arrived on motorbikes before storming the building, which is in a densely populated area.The attack has raised fears of a new wave of violence in Pakistan, which is battling an internal insurgency from a number of militant groups, including the Pakistan Taliban. It follows the news last week of gunmen shooting dead seven security personnel at an army camp about 100 miles southeast of the capital, Islamabad. Extremist organisations have vowed to launch multiple strikes against security targets in retaliation for a softening of the Pakistani government’s position to NATO and the United States. Hafiz Saeed – who founded the banned terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which is blamed for the 2008 Mumbai attacks – is urging all Pakistanis to rise up in protest.
THE BOY WITH TWO HEADS
A WOMAN has given birth to what has been described as a miracle baby – the twoheaded boy is healthy. His condition came as a complete surprise to doctors after they operated on the mother, because she had high blood pressure, and would have been at risk if she had opted for a natural birth. Child specialist Dr Rajendra Bansal confirmed
the baby was born at full term, weighing 3.1kg. A decade ago a two-headed baby was also born in the same Indian province, however he died. Experts have advised that for the baby’s best chance of survival, he needs to be moved to a specialist unit, one of whom have agreed to pay for all the treatments he may need.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
WORLD NEWS Love knows no borders INDIA has handed back a Pakistani soldier who crossed the dangerous de facto border dividing the disputed Kashmir region to “meet his girlfriend”. A heartboken Arif Ali, 19, was detained in Jammu region, near a fence erected by India to stop infiltration. Earlier, army officials said they were probing whether Mr Arif was a spy. Straying into each other’s territory is considered highly dangerous, although both sides strive to return trespassers after verification. It is not known whether Ali has attempted to see his
INDIA’S HUMAN WRONGS THE European Parliament has demanded that the improvement of India’s human rights record be a prerequisite for a free trade deal with the European Union.
•HARSH JUSTICE Police exert their might
For liberal British Member of the European Parliament Phil Bennion there is no doubt. The planned trade agreement with India must not be signed “too hastily.” Instead, the Europeans should use the agreement more to achieve an improvement of the human rights situation in India.
No deal with European union until torture ends India and the EU have been negotiating a trade agreement for quite a while now. A total of 1.8 billion people in India and the EU would benefit from a free trade zone. But despite an EU-India summit in February, no agreement was reached. India promised in 2008 to ratify the United Nations •PROTEST A march in Kashmir
Convention Against Torture. India, however, still uses capital punishment. Kidnappings, arbitrary detention, torture and sexual violence are still widespread in India, according to rights organisations. The demands made by MEPs include the abolishment of the security laws and the death penalty, the ratification of the UN Convention Against Torture, and the recognition of the right of selfdetermination. According to the European Commission, an agreement is expected in autumn.
Twitter hunt for molestors
•IN AND OUT New PM Raja Ashraf given marching orders
THE ANSWER IS STILL NO, PRIME MINISTER PAKISTAN’S new Prime Minister, not yet a month into the job and still unpacking his pencils, may, within weeks, suffer the same fate as his predecessor: sacked by the Supreme Court as he tries to protect his party leader. Raja Pervez Ashraf was elected by parliament to the prime ministership on June 22 after the longserving incumbent, Yousuf Raza Gilani, was disqualified for contempt of court. Mr Gilani had consistently refused a court order to write a letter to Swiss authorities, allowing them to investigate corruption allegations against the leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, and President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari. Mr Gilani argued Mr Zardari was immune from prosecution as head of state, but the court disagreed, and convicted him of contempt, which disqualified him from parliament. Now, the ultra-activist court is going after the new guy. The court has issued an order, demanding that Mr Ashraf now write the letter, so Mr Zardari can be investigated for allegedly siphoning $60 million from cargo contracts into a Swiss bank account. The court said its earlier demand that the letter be written applied “with equal force to the incumbent Prime Minister (Ashraf) as he has merely stepped into the shoes of his predecessor’’.
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A WIDELY circulated video of a teenage girl being attacked and molested by more than a dozen men outside a pub in northeast India has sparked the virtual equivalent of a lynch mob. Filmed by a journalist who witnessed the attack in Guwahati , the video clearly shows the faces of several of her attackers, who knocked her down, pulled up her Tshirt and groped her for 30 minutes before police arrived. Local police have identified 12 of the attackers from the video, but had only arrested four by Friday afternoon, news reports said, even though the attack happened on Monday. The main phone in the police station in Guwahati went unanswered for days. The video spread through social media in India in recent days, inspiring an outpouring of outrage at the men involved, the police and the bystanders who didn’t help the girl. The men in the video are being pursued on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook, with their images being spread to hundreds of thousands of people across India. India has a miserable track record when it comes to convicting men accused of sexual assault, with the number of convictions falling in recent years even as the number of women filing complaints has increased. In many cases, complaints about molestations like those caught on video are not pursued by the police.
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•TWEET VENGEANCE The suspects
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
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ISSUES
UNDER THE DRUG •NO THROWAWAY COMMENT Saira Khan
War on waste THE average family wastes £13 a week on food, totalling £300 per year, with 91% of families admit to throwing away food. Appauled by the level of waste, The Apprentice star and businesswoman SAIRA KHAN has joined a campaign to get families to stop and think about how they shop. Here, she tells Momtaz Begum-Hossain how we can stop being wasters...
Why do we throw so much food away? We’ve had it too good for too long. Food has always been cheap so we’d buy it, throw it away and think it doesn’t matter, which is an unhealthy way to think. But people are now tightening their purse strings, and as the cost of food increases they’re becoming more conscious of how they spend. As a businesswoman, I’m aware of how money is spent – I want to get the best value so I budget and use coupons. 50% of waste is vegetables, often leftovers from children – what can be done to make children eat their greens? I always mix greens up with other vegetables. So I might mix spinach with sweet potato, or peas with sweetcorn – it’s how you present the food that will entice them. Another aspect is taste, adding a bit of flavour makes food more interesting so I might add curry powder to broccoli! What about leftovers, can they really be used again? Last night I made a tomato sauce, we had some leftovers so I gave it to my daughter with pasta for lunch today. I often re-cook vegetables and potatoes into a hash as a side dish. Don’t forget you can freeze your food too. The best way to reduce leftovers is not creating them. We need to get children to tell us when they are full. Give them a little and let them ask for more, rather than heaping food onto their plates. But piling food on is what makes us Asians! We have a mentality of stocking up plates but don’t want there to be any waste! I like to make big pots of curry and freeze them so that my husband can re-heat them when I’m away. The easiest method is to defrost them the night before so they are ready for warming when you’re hungry. Is food waste a problem that just affects Britain? Asian families are actually better at not wasting food than other British people. The campaign I’m supporting is about Britain, but I’ve seen for myself just how different things are in Pakistan where it’s normal for leftovers to be distributed to the poor. The food there is appreciated as being necessary for survival whereas here, we don’t know how fortunate we are. Should we ignore the ‘Buy One Get One Free’ deals? Stick to your shopping list. If you plan out what you intend to eat every day for a week, you’ll realise what you need to buy, and what you won’t need. I do one big online shop a week and when it comes to special offers, I go for them if they are items I would normally buy. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t be exotic, it’s good to try foods you wouldn’t normally buy too! • Saira Khan has teamed up with Birds Eye to help people save money and reduce food waste. Visit www.facebook.com/birdseye for her top money saving tips when it comes to savvy food shopping and delivering nutritious convenient teatime meals.
THERE was a time not so long ago when drugs were seen as something dealt by criminals and taken by the homeless, hoodlums and hedonists that lost control of their lives.
Anyone reading this with a social life that revolves around bars, clubbing and house parties will know that’s no longer the case. Pretty much everyone has tried or knows someone who dabbles in some form of drugs – hard or soft – and according to the National Treatment Agency for Substance Abuse, the number of drug users among British Asians has risen sharply over the past decade. And while it’s undisputed that it’s our lads that are the biggest perpetrators, it’s downright foolish to assume Asian girls don’t do that sort of thing. To the first generation, all drugs were lumped under one title: sinful. As far as they were concerned, taking any kind of illegal drugs meant applying for a death certificate and oneway ticket to hell. But young people today know full well that smoking a joint isn’t going to kill them, and as for sinning, what the hell… it’s a bit of fun, right? If we were to take the line of the older generation and fill you with propaganda about drugs, you’ll laugh it off. So let’s be frank about it, shall we? Drugs became part of the cool scene since the dance music craze of the late ‘80s when ecstasy became all the rage, transforming nightclubs from cheesy pop dives to places trendy young people went to express themselves. Suddenly, drugs in all shapes and sizes were snatched from the exclusive realms of the hardcore addicts and super rich and into the student house and toilets in every bar and club. Those who used to do it in secret suddenly found a thriving community, openly partaking in everything from marijuana to cocaine in the name of fun rather than need.
It’s up there with sex and rock ‘n roll. But does that make it cool?
Used & abused
Sheetal, 33, took drugs from the age of 18 for recreational use. She claims to not have developed a problem until she became hooked on heroin at the age of 29. She is now clean. She says: “I’m not going to tell people drugs aren’t fun, but you have to realise you become dependant on them. They might not kill you, but make no mistake, they will take over your life.”
Like it or not, it’s part of modern culture. If you don’t like it, you have nothing to worry about. But if you find the whole scene alluring, then read on. Chances are, sobering statistics won’t wash with you. It’s people with problems that get hooked; you’ve been smoking the odd joint for ages, it hasn’t led you on to hard drugs; you know people who take some of the harder stuff as a social thing, there’s nothing wrong with them;
DRUGS :: HIGHS & LOWS
CANNABIS The highs: Smoking dope solves the universal mystery: ‘I’m bored, what shall we do?’ It doesn’t matter if there’s nothing on or what time it is, just the process of skinning up and passing a joint around is an event in itself. It’s common to find much hilarity in the most banal things. Cannabis is a well-known relaxant and helps users unwind. It can make dreams appear more vivid and takes the appreciation of good music to another plane. The lows: Cannabis blocks the part of the brain that controls emotion, memory and judgement. In extreme cases, it can trigger off depression and has been linked to psychosis. But for most people, it leaves you feeling groggy and lethargic – which for longterm users – can become a way of
life. And those late night munchies twinned with constant bloodshot eyes can stop you caring about the way you look. ECSTASY The highs: The MDMA in an E floods the brain with dopamine and serotonin, creating waves of euphoria – known as rushes. The user is filled with love for music (especially ones with repetitive beats), dance, people, in fact, the world in general for a few hours. You’re great! Give me a hug. What’s your name again? The lows: It’s a highly deluded state to be in and, as reality sinks in, you start resenting the fact that the world isn’t as fluffy as you imagined minutes ago – the comedown often leaves you battered and bitter. MDMA interferes with the body’s ability to
all this talk of drugs destroying people’s lives, it’s all exaggerated, otherwise we’d be surrounded by destroyed people instead of perfectly normal people, holding down good jobs, who just like a toke, a pill or a line once in a while. We won’t tell you you’re wrong. Nor will we feed you with scaremongering proclamations because, for every statistic, you’ll know someone who says: “Look at me, I’m fine, you will be too.”
thermoregulate itself, and in rare cases, drinking too much or not enough water can be fatal. COCAINE The highs:: Snorting a line of coke makes you feel instantly alert and buzzing. Your confidence level shoots up and you feel equipped to command attention. The lows: Makes you arrogant, irritable and greedy. The comedown is horrendous and in extreme cases, can lead to suicidal tendencies. HEROIN The highs: Injected, or more commonly smoked on foil (chasing the dragon), heroin converts to morphine in the brain and binds rapidly to opiate receptors, leaving the user with a sense of peace and euphoria. For a few hours, all problems disappear. The lows: Heroin is incredibly
addictive – both psychologically and physically. Common side-effects include flushing of the skin, dry mouth and feeling heavy. The user may also experience nausea, vomiting and severe itching. Breathing can become slowed, possibly to the point of death. LSD The highs: The most mind-altering substance on earth, an acid trip can make you either giggle uncontrollably or unlock the mysteries of the universe depending on the strength of the hit. Your senses are heightened – sounds become richer, colours brighter. Seeing visions are common. The lows: You don’t take acid, it takes you. If it decides to take you on bad trip, there’s nothing you can do about it. You’re locked in a hellish place where even the most innocent person can turn into a demon in an instant. The psychological trauma can be permanent.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
Hot in the City YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT
MUSIC CITY IR WITH SAM
GOING FOR GOLD THE OLYMPICS is a time to welcome folk from all round the world, and you don’t get a more winning selection of global talent than right here at MUSIC CITY. All the way from India, we were treated to an epic one-off two-hour performance by filmi maestros SHANKAR EHSAAN LOY last weekl, and now playback princess SHREYA GHOSHAL has announced she’ll be next to bring a burst of Bolly magic onto these shores by playing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. From Canada, the trio CULTURE SHOCK hooked up with me in London nightspot Club Ten, where the boys let me in on a few of their upcoming plans with their label Desi Hits / Universal. I’m feeling some of their recent tunes, especially Ex’d Up and going by the sneak preview of what’s to come, you’ll be feeling a lot more of them in the days to come. Next up, Jamaica. Not really, it’s actually Birmingham, but then this is the mighty Ragamuffin uberlord APACHE INDIAN we’re talking about here. His comeback track If I Can’t Have You, produced by none other than American hip-hop producer JIM BEANZ, sees Apache back on top form and rearing to go. Beanz, who has been feeling the Asian flavour since working with soul diva AMAR and more recently, r’n’b sensation ARJUN, is said to be producing most of Apache’s forthcoming album, so take cover, it’s gonna be banging. Right here in the UK, and every track coming up is a winner. After a big hit with Oh Girl earlier this year, ROACH KILLA is set to drop his new track next month. It’s called Hey Luv and is produced by the immensely talented singer, songwriter, producer VEE, who’s got his whole family in on the game. His siblings, the legendary HUNTERZ and little bro ISHERS are both releasing dynamite tunes in the coming days. I’m digging the video for Get Busy, which is producer RUDE KID’s debut release, featuring the grime mic checka MC SKEPTA… I defy you to watch it and not bounce. Brit Asian rapper THE TRUTH is set to drop his eagerly anticipated album, which has already spawned monster hits such as Kya Karoon, Jaan Jayegi and my personal fave I Make Em Say. Truth fans get your gold medals on the ready. Oh, and I’m glad I haven’t fallen out with Jay Sean. Last issue I accused him of being pure cheese for unleashing the sugar sappy I’m All Yours on us, but his new video Sex 101 makes me take it all back. Business as usual, but you gave us quite a scare back then. And seeing as you can’t have an Olympics session without a terror threat, it’s time to welcome back the anti-establishment underground terrorists FUNDA-MENTAL. Their long awaited album An influence Invisible: Soundtrack to the Resistance is every bit as earth shattering and politically piercing as you’d expect from mainman AKI NAWAZ. It’s time to start the celebrations. He who dances, wins. • Connect with Music City now via Twitter @samirsamir
•GOLD MEDAL Roach Killa
e: sohail@asiancity.co.uk
CAN I NOT HAVE AN PLEASE, BOB? Axed star Konnie back in the game
MENTION Xtra Factor and axed presenter Konnie Huq is likely to accuse you of taking the P, but far from taking her place as a Zlister, she’s been handed a C for chance in the new series of Celebrity Blockbusters.
But first she must battle a demon from long before Simon Cowell, seeing as the memory of her first appearance on the cult gameshow 20 years ago is still fresh in her mind. She admitted: “The first time around I did terribly. I still remember the questions I got wrong to this very day. One of them was: ‘What B is to magically put a spell on someone? And I said, ‘Bind a spell’ and Bob said, ‘It’s Bewitched.’” This time, though, the star scooped £1,000 for charity after passing on only one question. And with the Golden Rose Award Winning satirical show Black Mirror, which she cowrites with husband Charlie Brooker, getting commissioned for a second series, it looks like Konnie’s ready to score an A please, Bob. Celebrity Blockbusters airs on Mondays at 8pm on Challenge.
Strum along with Geeta SHE’S supported the likes of ATIF ISLAM, IMRAN KHAN and MIKA SINGH, now GEETA J is ready to get a slice of her very own limelight. Championed by muso-anarchist DJ BOBBY FRICTION, on whose BBC Asian Network show she recorded a “refix” of the PANJABI MC hit Moorni, turning her into a YouTube sensation overnight. Even though she describes her style as “classical with an urban touch”, she promises us she’s different: “My songs are born from the way I feel, and I don’t always feel the same way!” She adds: “This is an exciting time for music, especially Asian female singers. Artists like TASHA TAH, KEE and RAMEE have had commercial success and have opened a lot of doors, so I’m going to walk through them and see what’s out there.” Those doors have taken her to India, where she’s performing for the next two weeks, followed by her new single Teri, a Punjabi track produced by JKD. She’s also working on a semi-classical dub step track called Saiyan, collaborating with a Pakistani rock band, and working with Indian Idol star BHUMIK SHAH on a Gujarati urban gabba song. Now that is different!
ON THE Hot SEAT: SHIZZIO
When men are upset, why do they go and get wasted with their friends instead of opening up to their girlfriends or wives? Because chances are it’s the woman who’s upset him... Why would you wanna hang around and get more upset? Out of sight, so its time to get out of mind. Why do men never listen? Of course we listen! We listen to each other perfectly well. I think it’s because women are on a different frequency. Blame science not us. Why do men leave their mouldy socks festering on the floor? I don’t. How socks get mouldy is beyond me. Cleanliness is rule number one. Why don’t men bother to groom while women have to tart up? Just because David Beckham
does doesn’t mean we all have to. Believe it or not woman like the ‘rugged’ look, trust me I know. What irritates you about women the most? Lack of common sense and ones that don’t know when to keep quiet. Some should come with a built-in mute button for sure. Why do blokes never call when they say they are going to? If we truly cared we would, simple as that... It’s called “get the hint”. When women ask you what you’re thinking and you say “nothing”… is it true? Not really. See men are smart. We are happy to lose the battle so long as we get to win the war. Think about it. Men enjoy sport because secretly they like the idea of playing with each other. Discuss…
Woman go to the toilet to together because they are all lesbian.. Discuss... Yep, that’s how stupid the question was. Is it possible for a man to be faithful? Of course! Anything’s possible. If you were married and your dream girl offered you a one night stand, could you resist? Of course! Once again, anything’s possible. I think! Who should make the first move? Anyone as long as the move is made and you don’t go home regretting the chance you missed. Should women rule the world? Why not? I guess there would be less bombs so I’m all for it... •Come Get Some feat Shizzio is out now. Download for free on shizzio.com
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
•INDIA CALLING Jay Sean
RIDE THE KAMAL TRAIL
MODEL turned actor turned singer, KAMAL KHAN, who has now set up home under the bright lights of Hollywood, has just released his debut single. Here, he tells Sarbjit Lotay all about living life to the fullest...
you that it works wonders in your career here! No wonder English people do so well here. And how’s the singing going? My new single Pariyon Ki Rani is out now. It’s about a long distance relationship. That anticipation, excitement and that bitter sweet feeling when you part. Anyone who’s ever been in such a relationship will be able to relate to it.
Acting to singing – quite a transition isn’t it? I started singing before acting but never professionally. I fell into acting and my first show was really a musical so it was a combination of two things I love. You’ve popped up in many of our favourite shows... Eastenders was a lot of fun, and I got up to a lot of mischief on The Bill. It was an episode called Catch the Cobra and it was about getting back the crown jewels. One of the guys ended up swallowing some of the stones! You starred in Outsourced. How was it working for an American series? The American’s love their glitz and glamour and I certainly got mine! I had to do a lot of improv isation for this, which is great for any actor. Although with NBC they have a lot of regulations and make you sign a ton of
SEAN SONU SINGSONG
THOSE worried that JAY SEAN would turn his back on his roots after signing to Cash Money Records and cracking America to pieces can relax. His new track The One features Bolly playback singer Sonu Nigam, who Jay once beatboxed for during his rendition of Kal Ho Na Ho on X FACTOR INDIA. Jay told us: “I love Bollywood music and I’ve always liked Sonu’s •HE’S THE ONE Sonu Nigam voice. Put two and two together and you’ve got The One.”
RAGHAV’IN IT! SWAMI ROLL HIP-HOP masterchef SWAMI BARACUS has been serving up quite the feast the week. After stirring it up at this year’s T IN THE PARK festival, his track The Recipe has just been added to the BBC Radio 1 playlist. Dished up with producer Zaheer, The Recipe cooked up quite the storm last year, largely thanks to Tom Robinson playing it religiously on his BBC 6 Music show. Speaking of his dynamite set at T, Swami gushed: “That was the most memorable gig of my life. Despite trawling through acres of mud, the love received by the Scottish crowd made it worthwhile!” That love is now going nationwide thanks to Fearne Cotton, Scott Mills et al lining the record up as we speak. With a new single Hyper and a mixtape on its way, things are sure hotting up in the Swami kitchen.
THEY said Canadian soul star RAGHAV has had his day – shows how much THEY know. He’s just been signed up by the uber-hip Ultra Music, home to some of the biggest names in electronic music, including the likes of DAVID GUETTA, CALVIN HARRIS and DEADMAU5. After going gold in his hometown, his new single Fire is about to set ablaze speakers and dancefloors on these shores. Says Raghav: “From the outset, Ultra felt like the perfect home for me; artistically we’re on the same wavelength and they have such an incredible reputation for breaking great records.” The reworked single, which follows Cash Money’s love for collaborations, features an artist who’s as hot as the eponymous title track. To find out who, log onto raghav.com right about... now!
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paperwork! American’s do however have a very different view of India and they love stereotypes more than the English so it can be very tacky but, hey, they love it in the US.
What’s your favourite track from your forthcoming album? Jeevan. I’m a romantic at heart and this song to me has the elements of love, passion and timelessness to make it a classic.
America or UK? I’ve travelled around in the US and there are some places I’d rather not be over London. I love it here because it’s home to me and i’ts where my talent and Shame you have to put on an learning flourished, however, the Indian accent, seeing as how more I travel in California, the much the Americans love a more I realise how much beauty British accent! the pacific coastline has. There’s a “It has been rather fortuitous” (he very good reason why people says in a Shakespearean voice). who move here never move out... Actually, had no idea that it was loved so much – plus my accent • Pariyon Ki Rani is now available to was very strong and rather posh download at iTunes. For more info, log by UK standards and I can tell onto kamalkhantalent.com
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
BOLLYWOOD
‘ISaifCHOSE NOT TO Ali Khan tells Sunny Malik about
UNREALITY STARS
MEN’S magazines in India emulating their western counterparts are creating stars out of nothing, says a leading Bollywood pundit. Jai Kumar, who edited Britain’s first Bollywood coverage in Eastern Eye newspaper back in 1989, has blamed the trend for creating celebrities “based on flesh rather than talent.” Speaking of the likes of Veena Malik, who caused controversy last year by appearing topless on the cover of FHM and who last week was voted no 26 in the magazine’s sexiest women poll, challenged: “She is listed in the magazine as a Bollywood actress. I defy you to name me one movie she has starred in.”
Before the trailer of Cocktail came out about two months ago, hardly anyone knew about the film. There was no poster or behindthe-scenes gossip. Was that a preplanned strategy to create maximum buzz? I think, they (the marketing team) said that they wanted to promote the film on the internet and create as much hype as possible in the last two months. It was a bit of a plan. But I think, it was also forced by necessity to a point.
imagination of the audience. You don’t really know why. So, you keep trying and make different kind of movies. Some will work and some won’t but I don’t think you should take either result too seriously. The idea is to just keep trying different stuff.
can, since it’s my production (Laughs). I would not say I hijacked it because nobody was signing it. We could have waited longer but it was fine because we did not have an actor!
Everyone is talking about how the rom-com genre is your comfort zone. Would you agree with that or is it just that people like to see you in those roles? Yes, I would agree with that. There are certain things that come to me Could it have been because you How did you come on board? naturally, not easily necessarily. thought it might overshadow your At one point, we thought we should Everybody has a type that suits them March release of Agent Vinod? do different things as he wanted to and I think, this is probably mine I don’t know. The film just got ready do this and I wanted to do rather than Agent Vinod. around now. We wanted to not talk something else. We had a chat and about it too early because we learnt a we decided that we should actually Tell me a little bit about your few lessons from Agent Vinod. work hard towards creating a strong character Gautam. He seems a bit Everyone knew that the film is company with one identity, which is confused and I remember you told coming out, that it is getting delayed why we co-produce. me once that you don’t want to and all these kind of things. As far as Imran is concerned, I play the confused lover anymore. With Cocktail we made a rule that think he was the first choice. But he He is not confused. He is a little we should first finish making the film was not signing the film for some innocent. He is not naïve but he and then start publicising. We reason. When I realised that he is not thinks life is quite simple, black and finished filming two to three months signing the film, I called Dinesh and white. A lot of the crisis in the film before we are releasing. So, now we said I would like to do this film comes about because of his have started promoting it. because I liked the story. misguided honesty. He thinks it is Actually, my secretary called me in okay to tell somebody that this is Were you surprised that the trailer the night and said: “I wish you were how I feel. and every song promo reached doing Cocktail.” I said that I probably He does not understand that life over a million views on YouTube within a few days? That’s quite unusual for a Hindi film... Yes, it does not happen with every film. I was happy that it was our turn to be one of those films because it has happened with other films. I guess, what you learn from that is that certain films capture the Dinesh Vijan wanted to solo produce Cocktail with Deepika Padukone and Imran Khan as leading actors. That is right.
“Imran Khan was the first choice to play my character, but he was not signing it. My secretary said she wished I’d star in Cocktail, so I did!”
•EACH TO THEIR OWN The stars of Cocktail tell it like it is
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
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BOLLYWOOD
PLAY IT SAIF’ mistakes, mishaps and the missus can be a bit more complicated. But he grows in the movie into someone capable of sacrificing things. What is good about this script is that all three people do something that is very difficult for them to do in order to make someone else happy. As friends they start off somewhere but where they finish is in a situation where they all done something for someone which is phenomenal for somebody else which they would never have done in the beginning of the movie. They are not made like that but become like that eventually. So there is that personal journey and also the theme of friendship and loyalty and then there is the love story which kind of screws everything for everyone. I think, it’s something everyone will connect to.
It’s a dog’s life for Ritesh THERE’S been a string of famous pets depicted on the big screen, most famously Tuffy, the soft and fluffy Pomeranian from the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hain Koun, starring Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan. But this month, animal lovers will be treated to a pup, who’s even more lovable; Fakru, the playful pug who stars in Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, the follow up to the 2005 comedy hit Kyaa Kool Hai Hum. Fakru plays the friend of Sid (Ritesh Deshmukh) a wannabe DJ, in what critics are calling a sex-com; a teen flick in the
How was it like working with newcomer Diana Penty, not just as the leading actor but also the producer of the film? I think, Diana comes in prepared very well. You are not condescending in any way, you have to make her feel comfortable but without mollycoddling her. I like to make everybody comfortable that I am working with because it brings the best out of them. That’s what we did and Diana is very good. She reacts to everything that is happening and has very natural reactions to everything. That is interesting. You worked with Deepika in Love Aaj Kal and Aarakshan. When she was asked about problems on the sets of Love Aaj Kal between you two on Koffee with Karan she said that you sometimes go into your own zone. Does that still happen? See that was a very different time because we were doing Love Aaj Kal and Kareena had just done Jab We Met. I think, she was quite keen to work with Imtiaz Ali again and I think he promised her his next movie. Her boyfriend being the producer of Imtiaz’s next movie and being in the situation that she was, she was wondering and finding it hard to understand why we had cast Deepika, I think. That also led to some confusion in my mind as to what I should be doing because suddenly my professional and personal life is being mixed into one which it never was before. That was new for me as well. It took some time for it to settle again to the healthy normality of us, Kareena and I being together but being very different individuals professionally, where we don’t have to even discuss really what we are doing. But at that point it was a bit confusing. I was withdrawn for that reason. It is still very gracious of Deepika to answer the question so well because Karan’s question was quite naughty. But she dealt with it with the maturity that she has and I was quite relieved and proud that she handled it the way she did. Good for her.
•BOLD MOVE Saif Ali Khan struts his stuff in Cocktail You extensively shot the film in London. How was it like shooting here? It was really nice and it has given the film a great amount of scale and it looks wonderful. While shooting in Delhi, pictures of the climax sequences were published by newspapers, which gave away the film’s ending. Did that annoy you? Press in India can be quite funny sometimes. They made the end climax scene look like Deepika and me are just saying hello to each other quite warmly on set which is a bit naughty because it’s a shot from the movie. They made it look like “Saif sees Deepika after a long time”. I guess you are bending the truth to try and add spice to your newspaper. As a result, it should not be taken too seriously.
Was it easier to get permissions to shoot in the UK this time around as you had experience of filming here for Love Aaj Kal? I think you get more used to the system and you understand more stuff. It is easier to get permissions than in half the places in India. No, that is not true actually. But it’s nice to shoot here. Finally, congratulations on your imminent marriage to Kareena Kapoor. Is it true you plan to get married in London? I think you should know me well enough to know there are some things I would always rather keep private, but when we’re ready to announce our plans, you’ll be the first to know... • Cocktail is showing in cinemas now
Sammir Dattani: Star of the future
ASIAN CITY bumped into Bollywood actor Sammir Dattani over the weekend. You won’t know the name, but you will definitely know the face, he was the guy who played the handsome geek fiancé of Sonam Kapoor’s in I hate Luv Stories but gets dumped in favour of Imran Khan. Besides acting, heading his textile industry and restaurant, Sammir runs a charity organization which is funded by his entire family under the name ‘Dattani Foundation’ which he rarely talks about. He revealed that he was currently filming a yet untitled flick, so ladies watch this space, this is one new hunk on the block to definitely look out for …
calibre of American Pie. Producer Ekta Kapoor admits the film is a risky release for the Indian audience, saying it took them seven years since the first film, to have the guts to make such a provacative sequel. An adult-only trailer was released online and received protests for being too raunchy and containing inappropriate dialogue. The censor board asked for it to be re-edited. • Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum is expected to be released this summer.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
BOLLYWOOD
BABY B GOES BIG Bol Bachchan is huge hit for Abhishek
Are Singh and Sharma a couple?
There’s two of you in Bol Bachchan. That must have been fun? If my memory serves right, this is actually my first ever double role. I have done films in which I have had one character donning various avatars, like I did in Bunty Aur Babli, in which I played a con man. But BB is the first bona fide double role that I have done. It was a challenge.
RANVEER Singh and Anushka Sharma are one couple that have never admitted to the relationship but we have our doubts! These tinseltown co-stars have shared hot chemistry on screen in Band Bajaa Baraat and Ladies vs Ricky Bahl but have never admitted to their off-screen relationship and have kept everyone guessing. Rumour has it the couple are currently holidaying in Europe starting off in Spain. So if anyone spots this couple, be sure to pap away with your cameras and send us the evidence!
Abhishek Bachchan or Abbas Ali – which character was more challenging? Both Abhishek and Abbas Ali have unique characteristics. They couldn’t overlap in any which way. Keeping the divide was difficult as they are poles apart. They are not identical twins with similar traits and I have literally played two separate characters. If you must know, between Abhishek and Abbas, the most demanding was Rohit Shetty. This is your second song with your dad after Kajra Re. Are you nervous at all around him? It is weird, but dad is the one co-star with whom I have done the maximum work. We’ve done Bunty Aur Babli, Sarkar, Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna, Sarkar Raj, Paa, Buddha Hoga Tera Baap, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and now this song in BB. Coming to the bit about my not being nervous around him – actually I was not nervous around him even when we did our first film together. It is every actor’s dream to work with Amitabh Bachchan. And dad’s greatest quality is that he puts you at ease. Being an actor and having the kind of experience he has on his side, he understands that for an actor to perform at his/her optimum, he has to be completely at ease. If there is any tension, an actor just folds up and closes in. He is aware that people get gobsmacked in front of him, so he goes out of his way to make them feel comfortable. He does it for the sake of the film. Also when he is shooting a song, he likes to have a lot of fun.
Devgan takes on Jeetendra HE IS known for playing intense roles, but now Ajay Devgn is ready to imitate Bollywood’s “Jumping Jack” Jitendra’s dance moves in his new film Himmatwala, which is based on the 1983 film of the same name. “I am ready to do anything, be it action or dance... You can’t look at one department; it is a film in totality... I am looking at the whole film right now,” said Ajay. There is also a chance of Jitendra appearing in a cameo role.
•ABHISHEKH & ROLL Bachchan’s comedy roll How would you define your style of comedy? My style of comedy is more deadpan and straight-faced whereas the comedy that I did in the film was very demanding, as a lot of energy was required. We all had to keep our energy levels high all the time. It took me a week to adapt to Bol Bachchan. I came with a particular mind-set for the film and Rohit wanted something exactly opposite to it. I thought this will be the easiest film to do and it turned out to be the most difficult film of my career. I have told Ajay if the film does well he has to send me on a holiday (Laughs). Ajay Devgn said that they literally had to groom you into their style of comedy. What was that experience like? Ajay and Rohit taught me that there is a pitch behind every film and you have to match it. I cannot repeat my characters as it will not suit the script. The two literally made me unlearn what I already knew and adopt a different style of comedy, which was very difficult for me. • Bol Bachchan is showing in cinemas now
Heroine scores an A
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THE INDIAN censor board has slammed an ‘A’ rating on Kareena Kapoor’s new movie Heroine. The movie has been surrounded in controversy from the very beginning of the project. The rumuor making the round was the rift between the actor Arjun Rampal and the director. The bone of controversy being that the role of the actor was over shadowed by the leading actress in the movie, Kareena Kapoor. He was even side lined from the promos of the movie. Even the producer of the movie was not happy with the television trailers of Heroine. Madhur and the producer didn’t agree on the prepared trailers which delayed airing of the promos. The trailers showed Bebo smoking, drinking and doing crazy acts. This alarmed the producer about this might attract an A certificate from censor and it needed to be mellowed down. The promos were supposed to be aired on 1st June 2012.
WHO’S THE BEST SCREEN COUPLE?
LAST issue, we asked which normally clean-shaven star sported the best moustache in a movie. Asian City-zens unanimously favoured Salman Khan’s tache in Dabangg. This week we ask, which off-screen couple make the best pair on-screen? Tweet us your choice at editor@Twitter or drop us an email to sohail@asiancity.co.uk Answer will be revealed in the next issue.
•SPARKING CONTROVERSY Kareena in Heroine
with the decision of the board. His comment on Twitter is a testimony to this, where he revealed: “As expected got a ‘A’ certificate from the censor board.” The certificate limits the choice of films along with which the theatrical trailer can be released, but it shouldn’t affect the success of the movie. These days, getting an ‘A’ rating is a status symbol and Bollywood is using it in its advantage to promote the movies. ‘A’ In a recent development the Censor ratings generated huge publicity for board has given the movie an ‘A’ or adult films such as Jism 2, Dirty Picture and only rating. Madhur doesn’t seem raffled Fashion
• Salman-Katrina
• Ranbir-Deepika
• Saif-Kareena
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
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ARTS TECH CITY N WITH EM KWA
BATTLE OF THE TABLETS
Google’s iPad Killer
APPLE’S highly successful iPad has been a major trend setter and obvious choice if your considering a tablet. But in recent months, a range of highly competitive and alternative consumer tablet solutions have made the iPad seem a little less compelling. We’re taking a look at one of these that may just tempt you to explore alternatives. Google Nexus 7 from £159 Announced at the end of last month to go on sale mid July, Google’s official tablet is a collaboration project with Asus - a solid and serious manufacturer of tech hardware. Sporting a 7 inch screen with with a beefy Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core CPU, 12 core GPU (think faster graphics and quicker apps), front facing camera (Skype anyone?), and weighing in at 340g. Over all the build quality is excellent, as well as NFC (near field communication technology watch this space) and running Jelly Bean, android’s latest operating system. It’s fast for games, consuming video and e-magazine content as well as access to a whole range of apps from Google’s Play Store (their version of an app store). But the best part of this tablet is the price. Available to pre-order from only £159 for a 8gb version, thats a whopping £240 cheaper than Apple’s tablet solution. The Nexus 7 is expected to be a serious contender for the tablet market. Ideal to carry around and for fast consumption of digital content. Some drawbacks however are its limited storage options and limited apps specifically made for the tablet. What we liked • Quality hardware • NFC support • Android 4.1 Jelly Bean • Bundled Google Play freebies What we didn’t like • Weak IPS display contrast • Limited storage options • Too few Android tablet apps • Some content hard to read (magazines) • Connect with EM KWAN now via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
EXHIBITIONS EAST END OF ISLAM Thursday 5th July - Sunday 29th July Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA The East End of Islam is a black and white photographic exploration of the Muslim community in Tower Hamlets and their relationship with the East London Mosque. The mosque’s expansive building programme and incorporation of the London Muslim Centre qualifies it as being the largest capacity purpose built mosque in Europe. FREE MANCHESTER PREMIER ASIAN WEDDING SHOW Sunday 7th October Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS Manchester’s finest and only Asian wedding show will be an exhilarating fusion of Eastern heritage and contemporary Western influences providing the modern day Bride and Groom with a fairy tale of exhibitors at their fingertips. The shows consist of a variety of exhibitors showcasing their products, along with inspiration sessions, catwalk shows and live entertainment ULTIMATE WEDDING EXHIBITION Sunday 21st October St John’s Hotel, 651 Warwick Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1AT Anniya Wedding & Events bring you an even bigger show, with glamorous catwalks, the best suppliers from the industry, entertainment, performances, competitions, promotional offers, sample food from the best caterers on the market and much much more….
COMEDY PAUL CHOWDHRY Saturday 22nd September HMV Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 Paul Chowdhry star of Channel 4’s Stand-Up For The Week brings his latest show ‘What’s Happening White People’ to the world famous HMV Hammersmith Apollo for one night only to record his debut DVD for Universal Pictures. For tickets and information call the Box Office on 0483 221 0100 DESI CENTRAL Sunday 30th September Glee Club, The Arcadian, 70 Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TD Desi Central returns to Glee Club, Birmingham with another comedy line-up ready to have you splitting your sides all night.
THE RETURN OF THE RAJ
HANS RAJ HANS - LIVE IN CONCERT Sunday 29th July HMV Hammersmith Apollo, Queen Caroline Street, Hammersmith, London W6 Come see the Sufi Maestro classics such as “Silli Silli Aundi Hai Hawa”, “Nit Khair” & “Aaja Ve Mahi” amongst an extensive collection of Sufi, Qawalis and Ghazals. A special tribute to the Great Jagjit Singh will be also featured. Hans Raj Hans stands tall among all Sufi singers, with his unusual ability to present this genre of music in its truest form. His voice and style of singing is indeed suited to Sufi renditions. This noted Sufi artist is a Padam Shree Awardee, the highest civilian award, presented by Hon’ble President of India Mrs. Pratibha Patil for his inimitable and significant contribution in the field of music. Hans Raj Hans is most versatile in his singing and this has been time and again proven by his various singing styles not only in Punjabi folk but also in Punjabi movies, classical and Bollywood music. However, due to his immense love for Sufism, he has dedicated his life to Sufism and to let it grow and live in the hearts of people forever. His performances have not only established him as a musical treasure in his own country, India, but have gained him worldwide fame. What makes him truly exceptional is the message of love, peace and brotherhood that he promotes through his music.
NASEEBO LAL Saturday 1st September The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU Naseebo Lal is regarded as a mega super star within Pakistan. She has recorded over 1500 songs, produced over 100 albums and as a playback singer, she has dominated the Punjabi film industry, with her first film being ‘Desa da Raja’ in 1999. Come and celebrate Eid in style up close and personal with a living legend of Pakistan. Book early to avoid disappointment as we expect this concert to sell out! Tickets £12 (£10) Box Office 0121 333 2444
ahead but Jalebi’s father Ex army officer Habshi Singh plans to break all their dreams. For more information call Box Office on 0208 232 1010
DANCE
M. S. SHEELA Saturday 21st July The Bhavan Centre, 4a Castletown Road, West Kensington, London W14 9HE Another weekend of music and dance featuring this year’s summer school teachers visiting from India. The Karnatic department is fortunate to have M.S Sheela teaching this year. She is a MUSIC leading vocalist who has made her mark in THEATRE classical, light as well as devotional genres. SOUMIK DATTA AND JASON SINGH Tickets £10 and £7.50 call box office on Saturday 21st July MEERA SYAL IN WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S 0207 381 3086 Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, ‘MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING’ London E1 6LA 28 year old ‘British Sarod Maestro’ (Time Out), Thursday 26th July - Saturday 15th September SURYA RAO Sunday 22nd July composer, and artist in residence at Southbank Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, The Bhavan Centre, 4a Castletown Road, Centre (London), Soumik Datta is fast being Warwickshire West Kensington, London W14 9HE recognised as “one of the biggest new music Box Office: 0844 800 1110 Saturday 22nd September - Saturday 27th October The final performance by a visiting summer talents in Britain” (Vogue). 8pm - FREE school teacher will be a Bharatanayam Noel Coward Theatre, 85-88 St Martins Lane, performance like no other by Surya Rao, who is London, WC2N 4AU back by popular demand. Audiences will be Box Office: 0844 482 5141 This vibrant and colourful production transposes treated to a performance by talented upcoming Shakespeare’s vivacious, and at times unsettling, artiste of the Bhavan, Lakshmi Kuhendran. A comedy of love and deceit to an Indian setting. senior disciple of resident teacher Prakash Much Ado About Nothing is directed by Iqbal Yadagudde. Tickets £10 and £7.50 call box office Khan whose credits include Broken Glass on 0207 381 3086 (Tricycle Theatre, 2011) and The Killing of Sister George (Arts Theatre, 2011). Actress, comedienne, writer and singer, Meera Syal, will play Beatrice.
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•SAROD MAESTRO Soumik Datta
LADDOO SINGH DA VYAH (IN PUNJABI) Friday 17th August - Saturday 18th August Watermans, 40 High Street, Brentford TW8 0DS Laddoo Singh is a fun loving, innocent, hardworking man who dreams about his marriage all the time. He is in love with a girl Jalebi Kaur who loves him the same. They sing and dance together like Indian Film actors and look forward to their beautiful and happy days
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
FEATURE
DEEPIKA SHAKES The Cocktail star talks candidly about her new role as a casual sex loving party girl Cocktail is primarily set in London. You shot films here before (Housefull, Desi Boyz and Love Aaj Kal). Does it not get boring to shoot in almost the same locations again and again? Absolutely not, in fact, I must tell you I have been missing London a lot. Ever since I started my career about three to four years ago, something or the other has always brought me back to London. It started with Om Shanti Om, my first film premiere was in London after which I shot Love Aaj Kal and the following year I shot Housefull in London. Last year, I felt like a resident of the UK because I filmed Desi Boyz and Cocktail back-to-back here. Now we are six months into this year and I have not been to London. I am getting withdrawal symptoms already. I keep telling people that London to me feels like second home. Which London locations stand out for you the most? We shot at The Grand nightclub in Clapham Junction. We also shot a lot in Hyde Park and Battersea Park. We filmed a lot on the streets and in houses. But primarily, we have shot a lot outdoors. Was it difficult to shoot outdoors in London with fans watching, taking photos and screaming out your name? I actually prefer shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. I am also always happier shooting outdoor than shooting on a set. But, yes, sometimes it does get difficult. If you are doing say an intense or an emotional scene, when you are
trying to focus on your work and people are sometimes screaming out your name, which is also lovely, but sometimes you wish that just for those few moments, you were on your own. There has been a kind of online war between Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty fans. I am sure you have noticed it. (Laughs) No, I haven’t actually. We got along on set. But that is actually my only interaction with her. I think we did one or two shows together while we were both modelling but we did not really interact back then. My real interaction with her started only on this film. Tell us a little bit about your character Veronica. What is she like? Veronica is a girl who lives life on her own terms. She is fearless, super confident and a very sexy girl. She did not have the most stable upbringing because her parents were divorced. She did not have the love of a family. She has grown up surrounding herself with a lot of friends. She loves going out and enjoys drinking. She likes being out with people and with friends. They sort of fill that void in her life until she meets Gautam (Saif Ali Khan) and Meera (Diana Penty) who are actually much more than that. They give her emotional support that she probably did not have while growing up. She does not live life the way society expects her to. She has no qualms about that. Veronica is not apologetic about the way she is. She does crave attention once in a while when she goes out. She
knows when she walks into a nightclub, she will get all the attention. But deep down inside she is a very loving girl, she wants a normal life. In spite of her living this lifestyle, she is from a really rich family and her father gives her this fat juicy cheque every month, she wants normality. Does Veronica believe in love? There is a part of her that is not completely for it. Maybe she is not very trusting at a certain level because she has seen her parents go through so much that emotionally somewhere it is clear in her mind. But at the same time, when she sees romance and real people around her, she craves that and not just in terms of a relationship. She also craves for family and some form of stability. I have heard about your adventures while shooting in Cape Town with director Homi Adajania. How was it working with him? We actually keep making fun of him saying that he is only doing Cocktail because Being Cyrus did not do really well and he never tasted success. He finally succumbed to making a so-called commercial film in his head. He is great fun. For me playing Veronica was a lot
“My character does not live life the way society expects her to. She has no qualms about that”
•THREESOME Deepika, Saif & Diana in a scene from Coctail
easier because I had him as the director. He is the male version of Veronica actually (Laughs). Have you become friendlier now with Saif? He told us that it was “slightly awkward” between you two during Love Aaj Kal... I think I am a lot more comfortable working with him with every film that I do. You know, we both feel that in spite of us having done four films together, it does not feel repetitive. Maybe it is the kind of films that we are doing or maybe it is the characters we are playing. But I don’t feel like I have done four films with him. You said in an interview that it took you some time to get out of the character of Veronica. What was it about the character that was stuck with you ? It was the emotional journey Veronica went through and I went through with that character. I got attached to the character very early on in the film and even Homi says that there was a point after a few days of working with each other, when he stopped directing me. He had to give me no direction and he believes that only happens when the actor and the director are on the same page. I think, it was an emotional rollercoaster for me and that is why it took me so long to get out of it.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
S IT UP Cocktail
Starring: Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Diana Plenty. Director: Homi Adajania
You said no to quite a lot of fans when they asked you for photographs in London during the shoot. Was that also because you were so attached to your character? Yes, while I respect people wanting to take pictures and autographs this is exactly what I was saying earlier on. When I am on set, especially with this character, it needed a lot of focus and concentration. I think, emotionally it was seriously like a yo-yo for me. There were days when it was really, really draining. I needed more than a hundred percent focus on some of my scenes and on certain days. There is some online negativity that comes your way on Twitter. How do you cope with that? You know, for all the love, the entire fan following and all the appreciation that I get, a little bit of negativity is okay. I can deal with it. I guess, at the end of the day, I work to hopefully convert all of them into my fans as well! We heard that you were approached to play a part in Yash Chopra’s next film. What happened? There is no truth to that actually. If I was offered that film, I would have loved to do it. • Cocktail is out now on general release in the UK.
As a date night movie, Cocktail has all the right ingredients, even if it leaves the more prurient ones with a decidedly bitter aftertaste. The very modern love triangle, which casts Deepika in a strong female lead as a nostrings-attached party girl Veronica shacking up with her lover Gautam (played by Saif Ali Khan), who plot to throw his mother off the scent by pretending he plans to marry the very chaste Meera (Diana Plenty). Problem is, Meera and Gautun develop feelings for each other, sending Veronica into a self-destructive tailspin. The message is: women with a carefree social life and designer dresses are actually very lonely, and that in the end, a man will always marry the virtuous old-fashioned girl rather than the modern woman who knows what she wants. It’s a fun enough film, with brilliant performances put in by Deepika (easily her career best), Boman Irani and Dimple Kapadia (who plays Saif’s mother), with more than it’s fair share of laugh out loud moments, but the “virgins over sluts” sentiment won’t sit well with the modern independent women. ´´´∂∂
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FEATURE
24
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
DATING
7
DEADLY DATING SINS
Finding a dream man is the single girl’s Holy Grail. But you’re looking for an angel not a devil, a saviour not a swine. But will you spot his vices before you get physical in the biblical sense? SLOTH
He’ll tell you he likes to chill out and take life easy, but what he really means is: I’m lazy, I want you to do things for me. A man who says ‘I don’t care’ might like to think he’s carefree, but the likelihood is he’s irresponsible and unmotivated. You can spot a possible sloth even before you go on your first date. When choosing the venue, if he says ‘I don’t mind’, he isn’t being chivalrous by letting the lady decide, as much as he’s revealing himself to be a man of little imagination, or someone who just can’t be bothered to come up with an exciting proposition. Treat the way he carries himself on your first date much like an interview. Does he look like he’s made an effort or is he wearing the same clothes he threw on this morning? Does he wait for you to sit down or does he immediately make himself comfortable by slouching on his seat? During dinner, does he notice your glass is empty and offer to top it up? A good test is to ask for a condiment to go with your meal… if he doesn’t take it upon himself to hail the waiter or, better still, go up and fetch it himself, the man’s a sloth. When you go to meet his friends, take it as a bad sign if he lets you go to the bar by yourself to get a round in. Admittedly, the best relationships are based on a couple treating each other as friends, but the first few dates are all about being wooed. If he doesn’t make you feel special to start with, he never will. He needs to communicate the fact that he’s more than interested in you. That means responding to texts, emails and answering calls. Another test: text him at 9am. If he responds after midday saying he just woke up, let the alarm bells ring. When you go to his house, check how he lives. If it’s messy, with pizza boxes tucked under beds and socks hanging off dope plants, you’re in sloth hell. And if you’re the type to go all the way before you commit, if he isn’t a giver in bed, don’t give him a second chance…
AVARICE
Everyone is out to impress on a first date. You’ll want him to know your best qualities as much as he’s eager to reveal his – but no one likes a show off. A man suffering from this affliction feels the need to constantly prove his superiority in just about every subject you care to mention. You’ve been paragliding, he’s done a freefall over the Himalayas; you like salsa, he used to dance for a world-renowned Latino dance group. His habit of outdoing everyone he meets may boost his ego, but one-upmanship in a relationship is doomed to failure. It’s not just you he wants to be better than – it’s everyone. He constantly schemes, even when it comes to winning affections. He may well bowl you over with the glitter of material possessions, but these are superficial acts. His life revolves around the twin orbs of power and money – love will
always be in the sidelines with this man. When he parades you in front of his friends, note the selfsatisfied smirk on his face: for here is a man who collects girlfriends as trophies. You’ll be able to tell a man filled with avarice from the following signs: self-aggrandising anecdotes, relentless namedropping and, whether he takes you to a restaurant or a club, everyone knows his name. He’s the man. But, if you’re thinking straight, not yours…
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
25
DATING LUST
It’s an ego boost to know you’re desired by men, but on a first date, he should give you every signal but the one that screams: I want to rip your clothes off and nail you now! Flirtatious, yes; lust mad lunatic, no. It’s good for a woman in a relationship to have a partner with a healthy sexual appetite, but when you’re starting out, he needs to show he’s falling for you as a person and not just the flesh you’re in. A bit of mental stimulation first, please. Risque jokes do make a girl giggle, but if all he’s good for is being dirty, it can get boring after a while. The obvious telltale signs are: staring at your cleavage, constantly veering the topic towards sex by bringing up previous partners, favourite fantasies and positions, or frothing at the mouth whenever a buxom beauty comes within sight. Men like these care less for emotional
attachment and more about sexual conquests. You may be the most attractive thing in his life right now, but his bedpost will never run out of space to add more notches onto… It’s true that the difference between a male friend and a potential partner is a sexual spark, but that doesn’t mean a relationship is all about sleeping together. Being lustful doesn’t necessitate he’s a pervert, but he gives too many indications that he has sex on the brain, chances are that’s pretty much what he’s out to get. The golden rule of keeping a guy you like hooked – don’t put out. A lustful man ain’t too proud to beg and will quickly undignify himself by pestering you for it, thereby making it easy for you to keep saying no until you make your exit. If he thinks you’re good enough to wait for, he’s good enough for keeps.
PRIDE
It’s good for a man to like himself – there are few things more unattractive than a date that moans all night – except, that is, a man in love with himself. He’ll talk about himself constantly and, when you do get to have your say, will follow it with an anecdote that ultimately reveals his brilliance. Note how many times he says the word ‘I’ in a sentence compared to ‘you’, and how seldom the conversation goes the way you thought it was heading. Whenever you ask him a question, if he doesn’t end it by putting the same question back to you, then he doesn’t care. A man like him only wants you there to applaud him. He’ll let you speak (every host likes to butter up his audience), but he won’t be a good listener. He’ll just pick out things you say to steer it back to his favourite topic – himself. Because he can’t help but take things personally, arguments are likely to take the wrong turn, because he will mistake you making your point as an attack upon his character. Very sensitive souls, these proud little men. Part of the problem is that he was raised by a doting mother who nurtured his ego by telling him he was always right and the best at everything. He’s grown up believing no woman will be good enough for him and as a result, you will never get to be centre of attention. Why walk into such a relationship with your eyes open? A girl’s got her pride, you know…
WRATH
GLUTTONY
The nature of greed is such that you’re never satisfied with your lot. A glutton wants more, more, more, which leaves a girlfriend giving all she can yet still being made to feel she hasn’t given her all. Gluttony isn’t just about food, but it’s a good start. You don’t go on your first meal together because you’re hungry, but because it’s a good setting to get to know one another better. If he’s stuffing his face and talking with his mouth full, it’s not the best of signs that he’s out to impress. One thing that enrages a girl on a first date more than any other is when a guy reaches over and, without asking, helps himself to her plate. Here is a man who will forever crave a slice of your share. Be very wary of such a man, especially if you tend to be the generous type... Because they want more than they need, gluttons tend to live beyond their means. He may splash out on the first few dates (letting you know how much he’s spent in the process), but wait to see how quickly his funds run out. Does he owe his friends money? When you offer to pay, does he readily accept? When you go to his house, has he got far too many luxuries than his salary can afford? On a psychological level, a man who does things to excess and collects status symbols is likely to be trying to fill an emotional void. Chances are he’s already worked out what you’ll be able to provide him with once you’re in his life. But it won’t be enough and he’ll soon be looking elsewhere to satiate his hunger for
ENVY
new things. Another bad thing about a greedy person is his behaviour will rub off on you. If he orders too many takeaways, downs too many drinks or smokes too many cigarettes, you will end up doing the same. Ultimately, gluttony shows a lack of self-control and dodgy self-esteem. He may look good now, but he will let himself go. And he’s selfish enough to take you down with him.
Many women like the fact 7that their men show signs of jealousy – it shows they care. But it’s wrong to mistake an interest in your private life with wanting to own it! The green-eyed monster destroys many a relationship because it underlines the major point: he does not trust you. And if you have male friends, there may be trouble ahead. To be sure you don’t end up with a jealous guy, see how he reacts to your stories that involve random men… if he gives you the third degree about each and every one of them, he has a problem. It’s not just other men he’s insecure about. Jealousy is borne from a deep rooted belief that he is not good enough. He will thus be envious of others who are doing better than himself. As a test, say you quite like a star of questionable merit, a Pop Idol type winner for instance. A guy with a sense of humour will be able to laugh this off, while he will spit venom at the mere mention of such an artist. There’s nothing that riles him more than people who achieve thanks to luck rather than hard graft. When you ask him about work, check what little regard he holds for his colleagues. His bitterness also means he will be a humour-free zone because men like him cannot laugh at themselves. As a partner, he will not only be jealous of who else you hold affection for, but will find it hard to celebrate your successes. Instead of thinking ‘well done’, he’ll wonder: ‘Why not me?’ Men like this live in a world which starts with ‘I wish…’ and ends with ‘…it makes me so angry’, because his wishes don’t tend to come true. He wishes he could be your boyfriend. In his dreams…
Never confuse passion with rage – a lot of men do. Because he gets taken seriously when angry, he often mistakes this as a sign of respect. On the contrary, men who shout are in fact weak, manipulative people who resolve disagreements through heated arguments, knowing they can win because they get worked up and louder by the minute. You need a man like this as a boyfriend like you need a hole in your eardrums. It won’t be long before an angry young man blows his cool. Your job is to spot it early. When you’re at a restaurant, tell him you’re not happy with one of your orders. Observe how polite he is to the waiter. If he berates the poor chap, ranting about standards of service and such, it’s a sign he enjoys preying on those who prefer not to cause a scene. Ask him what makes him angry, and then play devil’s advocate on the issue. If for instance, he says he hates the way old people drive, point out they’re probably the most lawabiding drivers on the road. A normal guy will spot the prospect of a disagreement and change the subject or laugh it off. A wrathful man, on the
other hand, will not let it go until you agree he is right and may well sulk until you apologise for doubting him. When you meet his friends, note how they behave round him. When guys meet their friend’s new lady friend, the protocol is to take the mick out of him. Encourage them to do so. If this makes the veins on his temple throb, he can’t take a joke. You want a boyfriend you can have a laugh with, not someone you might rub up the wrong way because he doesn’t get you’re kidding. Because they rule by fear, men like these are likely to be possessive. Ask him what he’d do if a guy hit on you while he was at the bar. The response you’re looking for is, ‘you’re a beautiful woman, it’s natural guys will find you attractive – but I’m glad you’re with me’, not ‘I’d rip his skull out and use it as an ashtray’. Also, check for signs of spite when he speaks of people he does not care for. A man with many enemies has them for a reason. They also tend to be very bad losers. Challenge him to a game of tennis or monopoly and see whether he can take his losses with dignity. And when you do decide to dump him and he shouts his protests, you can walk away knowing you had him sussed…
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
FASHION
DO IT YOUR WAY Fashion graduate Rajinder Thandi reveals what it’s like to enter the world of fashion
Flower power
WHETHER it’s catwalk couture or high street bargains, this season’s key trend is a blossoming affair! The fresh, evergreen look is perfect for bringing that touch of sunshine to any outfit. Brighten up a simple summer dress with an eye catching floral bracelet or statement necklace. Or fashion a timeless, vintage look with an elegant floral sari or churidar, adding a subtle western touch to your look. Be daring with your choice of colours – whilst dreamy pastel hues never cease to impress, go one step bolder by opting for deeper reds and purples for a more dramatic statement. Resist a floral overload and keep accessories to a minimum, and you’re ready to go for bloom!
Most fashion graduates are sprightly young things. What’s it like being a mature student entering the arena? I originally enrolled at the London College of Fashion and Manchester Metropolitan to study my passion – fashion, but I left to get married and start a family. Going back into education aged 40 and as a mum to three children was daunting. I didn’t know what to expect, except for the fact the other students would be younger than me. I started by doing a Study Skills course at the University of East London which helped me get back into the swing of studying again. I was the oldest on my degree course, which turned out to be quite useful as I already knew how to sew and do pattern cutting which the other students didn’t. Towards the end of the course the competition was fierce - fashion is a competitive career but I just wanted to finish my degree. I never expected that I would be selected to exhibit at Graduate
Fashion Week earlier this month – it was an incredible experience. I was one of the lucky few people in the UK to be selected to have my work worn at a prestigious catwalk event attended by influential people from the industry. How did you manage to juggle studying with your hectic home schedules? The most difficult aspect was collecting my children from school and fitting that into my work schedule. I didn’t want to ask any one for favours so I did it all myself. I had to be at university twice a week from 10am until 5pm, drop off my youngest daughter, collect her, take her to after-school club and then get back to college for the afternoon class. My husband helped me as much as he could though he works full time. Luckily the college was also very supportive and when it came down to it, everything fell into place. The final year is always the most hectic for any student. How was it for you? This year between January to May I had to design four outfits. Because I got picked for Graduate Fashion Week I had to design two more! I made a lot of my garments at home to fit it around my family responsibilities.
•CATWALK QUEEN Rajinder (inset) shows off her wares
I think what made them stand out was the finishings. A good finish is what gives garments a professional look and that’s what fashion houses Tell us about your final collection. look for when they look for items to I struggled with the initial research put into production. and the design stages. I’m not really a designer, I much prefer the Your inspiration is very unique, practical elements of sewing and how did it come about? pattern cutting. My concept was to I was drawn to the stories of the tear fabrics and turn them inside colliers and coal miners – I guess in out – what made them unique was a way my clothes have political that they were high-quality fabrics messages in them, but they aren’t that were manipulated with rips, overt. My designs are about tears and cuts, leading to final women’s rights. I strongly believe in pieces that looked high fashion, gender equality and that women can rather than like rags. do any job that men can. When I I knew my ideas were unique but started looking at images for sources I never thought they would get me of inspiration, the coal miners and into Graduate Fashion Week which their stories really stood out. It is a showcase where the UK’s best taught me about the kind of jobs graduates are selected to exhibit women used to do in the past; their work. professions that are unheard of now.
223 LADYPOOL ROAD, BIRMINGHAM B12 8LG DESIGNER BESPOKE SERVICE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 07814 429 428 - 07878 757 795 | www.ziggistudio.com | info@ziggistudio.com
How important is fabric? How clothing feels against your skin is just as important as how it looks and comfort and fit, is determined by fabric choice. In my Colliers and Coalmine collection I have used a mixture of wool, jersey, sand wool silk, denim and linea. I wash all my fabrics at a high temperature of 90 degrees to get them to be crumply and shrink – I know it’s not what most people want to happend to their home laundry but it works with what I want to achieve! I also line dry them too as how you dry clothes matters too. I also dyed cotton in mud, tea and coffeee to make them darker and giving them an earthy feel and a coal like texture.
What designers are at the top of your shopping list? I like Alexander Wang, Prada, Viktor & Wolf, Miu Miu and All Saints. My designs are very similar to that of All Saints. Generally though I’m not really much of a high-street fan, clothes are so homogenous – I like fashion that stands out and makes a statement. You also work at clothes store Jigsaw, how does that influence your work? I’ve learnt a lot from Jigsaw as I started working there when I was 18. Being there inspired me to want to get into fashion – not just selling it but being someone who shapes the industry and sets the trends. If you enjoy fashion, you need to be surrounded by it – you’ll find out so much about fabrics, techniques, what you like and what you dislike. Would you consider designing Asian outfits? I make Indian clothes for my daughters when we have weddings and functions but at the moment I’m not sure if I will go into Asian fashion, there’s a lot of people doing it already. I’m drawn to my own personal style. I want to see how my current collection. I have alot of plans for the future and time nor imagination is against me! Interview by Navpreet Grewal • Rajinder is currently accepting clothesmaking commissions and can be contacted at rajinderthandi@msn.com
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
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FASHION
Shoe the right thing YOU wouldn’t think Bolly beaus Saifeena were tying the knot this Autumn. While most couples woud be running around like headless chickens planning their event, Saif Ali Khan and his beau Kareena Kapoor have been spotted chilling out and continuing life as normal. In fact, Saif was in London last week promoting his new movie, Cocktail with Deepika Padukone. The pair are reported to be drawing up their guest list and have extended a special invitation to Kareena’s ex, Shahid Kapoor, whom she left to be with Saif. Astronglers have recommended the Big Day takes place on October 16th - which
still gives them to do their other passion; working on their dream team brand. As well as starring in several movies together, the pair are looking for ways to work together out of moviedom, starting with ad campaigns. The lovebirds have been appointed Brand Ambassors for Metro Shoes, a chic footwear company for fashion conscious Indians. The girl’s range, modelled by Kareena comprises ballet style pumps, vibrant hued wedges bohemiam printed peep toes and multi-strapped sandals with the an eclectic colour palette ranging from
vivacious pinks and blues along with funky neon’s. While Saif’s posters adorn the footwear that every fashionista man should be seen in this season; denim shoes, bright coloured loafers, patent leather formals, suede’s and gladiator chappals in shades of deep purple, chocolate browns and cherry reds. Sadly the ranges aren’t available in the UK so if you want to get your hands on a pair, you may need to book a holiday to India, though with the the summer holidays around the corner that’s your holiday destination sorted! • www.metroshoes.net
Gold rush
For the past few seasons gold has been our favourite shade for accessories, but this time round, gold isn’t limited to just mere trimmings. This summer, every shade of the golden spectrum, from bronze to rust to bright gold, should be maximised. Golden pigments adore Asian skin, so go for gold and shine like a Goddess…
SPREAD GLITTER
ASIAN fashion wouldn’t be the same without a sprinkling of bling. But shimmering studs, shining Swarovskis and glistening sequins are so passe... wear them as much as you can over the summer, as this autumn is all about glitter. Look out for gleaming fabrics, twinkling make-up and a fabulous new book by Momtaz Begum-Hossain 101+ Things To Do With Glitter – designed to kick start the glitter revolution... who said glitter was just for Christmas? As well as her spangling guide to everything you need to know about the shimmery stuff (there are over 150 types in the book!) she’s also launching her own brand of glitter and an accompanying range of glittery jewellery, inspired by her other love: Bollywood. Each piece is handmade from the finest glittering fabrics, capturing famous filmi phrases. Every design has a limited run with new designs being updated to fit the latest in filmi talk.
She reveals: “It’s always intrigued me why Asians have a fascination with wearing black clothes for work and partying – the only time they embrace colour is when they’re at weddings where it’s bold and bling all the way. I’m hoping my jewellery range will entice them to introduce rainbow shades into their everyday wardrobe. “Take it from me, I’ve been wearing my collection for the last few months to roadtest it and everytime I wear it, I have a smile on my face. It’s a bit like a secret language, you get nods from other filmi fans, and it’s great to make that connection with complete strangers.” Momtaz Begum-Hossain’s Bollywood jewellery range starts from £15 and is available to purchase from www.folksy.com/shops/momtazbh. Her book 101+ Things To Do With Glitter is published September 26th 2012. •GLITTERATI Sprinkle love into your world
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
WEDDINGS
PERFECT MOMENTS How to capture every happy moment of your wedding the way you will want to remember them
The memory of the best day of your live will be with you forevermore – the images of the day need to last forever too. Make sure your tokens of remembrance aren’t badly packaged, with key moments and guests missed out altogether because your photographer just wasn’t there to snap it up. Every wedding has its cutbacks and budget maintenance, but it is never a good idea to sell yourself short on the service of a good wedding photographer. At the end of the day, memories are all you will be left with. Make sure yours are picture perfect.
‘A good photographer will give you suggestions, but no one knows the theme of your wedding better than you – make sure you let him know exactly what you’re after’
WHERE TO LOOK As with any service, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean the best any more than cheap means inefficient. The best way to book the best is to shop around. Look through bridal magazines, surf the Internet, browse through photography journals – then find at least three different photographers that appeal to you, vet them in regards to cost, availability and style before them to take priceless snaps of everyone who QUALITY picking the one whose style you can most relate attended the wedding. Just make sure people Whether you are looking at the photographer’s portfolio or flicking through your friends’ don’t walk off with them… to and with whom you feel the most at ease. wedding pictures, study the shots closely. In particular, look at the ones taken in low light STYLE PRICE Photographers are not cheap. In fact, after the The most important thing you will need to decide surroundings. The exposure should be clear and of graininess, which indicates venue, catering and honeymoon, it should rank on is the type of photographs you want. Be free amongst your biggest expenditure. Most specific – and if you don’t know what to ask for, underexposure, and free of dust. Look for the photographers will be able to give you a rough have a look at the different styles and poses clarity of detail in the bride’s dress. Do the poses estimate based on the number of hours and available. Leaving it in the hands of a look fake, laboured or unnatural? Can you see pictures you want. On average, expect to pay at photographer is an easy mistake to make. While the wedding rings clearly? Does the bride look least £1000 for a decent photographer, increasing your photographer can give suggestions and overexposed and washed out? Is there a provide good quality pictures, you know the discarded plastic cup in a bush behind the happy to £2000 for a highly experienced cameraman. Whatever the price, make sure you understand theme of the wedding better than anyone else – couple? and agree on any additional costs. The best way it’s up to you to decide how you want them to SETTING to ensure that you don’t get lumbered with a look. It’s also a good idea to learn how they work. It doesn’t matter how beautiful the subject of a huge bill is to stipulate exactly how much you are paying for every service he provides. Some bump Professionals tend to use a medium format photograph is – it simply won’t look good if it’s up the price with offers of supplying extras such camera. This is so that the quality remains just as set in the wrong location. Just because the venue as frames and wedding albums – but that’s not to fine even after been blown up or reprinted. The is spectacular doesn’t mean every shot will be – say you can’t buy those things cheaper or better other options are 35mm or digital. Ideal for you need to decide which part of the venue looks elsewhere. But whether it’s taking photographs, personal use, digital cameras are great for fun the best against which pose. Do you want shots using an assistant, printing the pictures or photos and capturing the most memorable taken outside or inside the venue? If your providing albums – you need to clarify exactly moments. They vary in price depending on the wedding is in the winter months, it becomes dark what you have agreed, then put it all in writing. quality, are user friendly and images can be put after 4 pm, which will be a problem in terms of If you are running on a tight budget but don’t straight onto your computer, making it easier to lighting. Your second concern should be style, want to miss out on any of your wedding send to others via email once the day is done. whether you want a traditional or contemporary festivities, there is a solution. As well as having Plus you can dump the images you don’t want look. Decide well before the Big Day whether you your photographer, you could also place instead of having to pay for them (good digital want posed portraits or reportage-style natural inexpensive wedding disposable cameras on each cameramen always carry a laptop around so you shots. Look through the photographer’s sample pictures to know the difference. of your guest’s tables. That way, they can use can check them whenever you feel like it).
Pictures: Alexandre Pichon
TO THINK, after all these months of meticulous planning and careful preparation – you will be a bride for just one day. It’s only right that you should live for when that moment comes. Chances are, the whole day will be something of a blur – what a shame it would be for the photographs to also come out blurred.
PERSONALITY Last but certainly not least is the personality of your photographer. You want someone that is personable and polite so that they get on with you, your family and your friends. Don’t settle with the first candidate. Meet a few photographers as they all vary in style and, of course, persona. Remember this is a job interview for them so they must not fail to impress! The best photographers are the ones who listen so make sure they consider your ideas. Photographers can get impatient and at times rude towards friends and family. Before the wedding day ask the photographer to be sympathetic towards guests as the photo sessions may be the only time people get to congratulate the bride and groom. CONTRACT The photographer’s bill is usually one of the last to be paid. Make sure you know in advance how many hours you’re paying for, seeing as some add on an extra charge for ‘studio time’. Another problem newlyweds have found is that the photographer they get on their wedding day isn’t actually the one they agreed to use. You want the genuine article, the person whose work you’ve vetted, not his assistant. Clarify your wedding date, how long the ceremony will last, the number of guests, travel time from the wedding to the reception, the type of album, the number of proofs you need and reproduction costs. And whatever you do, make sure you don’t accept any verbal promises.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
CLASSIC CUTS
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WEDDINGS
It’s time to look back in splendour. Amrapali’s antique jewellery specialist Teena Patel explains why old doesn’t have to mean gold FOR the bride seeking a majestic, regal finishing touch to her bridal look, antique jewellery is quite simply divine. Elegantly complementing the intricate detail on lenghas and saris, it is fast becoming the preferred form of jewellery for the Asian bride who wants her occasion to hark back to an age of pomp and ceremony.
It evokes visions of India when it shone at its brightest. It is the jewellery people used and continue to use to make a statement of status and prosperity. The fine aesthetic sense of the rulers of the golden age and their love of ornaments is responsible for the fact that men and woman of all classes wore these dazzling items of jewellery. What was treasured back then is all the more treasured now because the type of care and attention that went to creating each individual piece is fast becoming a dying art. By definition, antique jewellery refers to delicate, ornate pieces that date back over 50 years, lovingly constructed by hand to ensure every item is as unique as it is attractive. Unless you spend the bounty of a maharani on gold and diamonds, it is unlikely your collection will be set apart from what normally adorns a bride – which is precisely why the classic feel of antique jewellery is so en vogue. You won’t find any other jewellery that is created with the precision
that is mandatory for antique pieces, and because such accessories are not appropriate for day to day wear, they never fail to look unusual. Quite simply, antique jewellery spells special occasion. Because it is so specialised, antique jewellery isn’t for everyone, especially someone with a modern, minimalist theme in mind. But for the bride who wants to stick to tradition without it meaning same-old-same-old, antique jewellery evokes historical grandeur – it is after all, one of the most beautiful artforms associated with our culture – while managing to fit in with the more modern trend for glamour. It would be wrong to assume antique jewellery is only befitting for the heavier wedding dresses. Because they come in silver, Many designers will be happy to create embroidery to compliment your jewellery, with many bridal designers admitting they take a lot of their inspiration from the traditional yet unique motifs on some of the pieces. Aesthetically pleasing, durable and timeless, there is a veritable treasure trove of antique jewellery waiting to be discovered. Plus they are priceless in terms of investment because their value increases with each passing year… Which is why forward-thinking jewellers such as Amrapali have decided to look back and revive this beautiful trend. There are many different types to choose from. Necklaces, rings, earrings, hairpins,
bracelets, naths (nose ring), payals (anklets), chutkis (toe rings), belts, broaches… whatever the bride’s heart desires, there’s something in store for you. And despite being antiques, they come at a surprisingly affordable price. Rings range from £200 to £2000, a pendant can be anything between £250 to £3000, necklaces go for around £1500 to £20,000, while bracelets will set you back anything between £400 and £5000. By its nature, antique jewellery is much more valuable than gold and your expenditure will depend on how old the piece is, the level of craftsmanship involved and whether it has undergone repairs. While even the most modest of pieces never actually looks modest, the bigger your budget, the grander the appeal. It is for this reason Amrapali’s designs have been snapped up by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Naomi Campbell and even Bill Clinton! If you feel your budget won’t allow such expense or feel unsure about handling such delicate works of art, it doesn’t have to mean you have to forgo the option. Amrapali Jewellers was introduced as a brand in Jaipur, Rajasthan – the land of maharajas and nobility, and incorporates new designs inspired by the fine antique jewellery portfolio at their disposal into new designs. To get a feel for the real thing, visit Amrapali’s store in Selfridges, London.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
BEAUTY
FAIRLY BELOVED Fair enough, you want lighter skin. But be safe by Hannah Ahmed Beauty Editor
TIME TO IRON OUT THOSE WRINKLES A RECENT study shows that when it comes to ageing, more women are worried about looking old than they are about mental deterioration. If worrying about wrinkles is driving you round the bend, these miracle products may just help you turn back time...
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Day Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, £36 Put up your guard against nature’s many assaults on skin and protect your skin with new Elizabeth Arden Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti Ageing Moisturizer SPF 30. The first ever moisturiser with both high level SPF protection and revolutionary Idebenone, proven as the most effective antioxidant on the market today. Korres Black Pine, £29 This anti-ageing, antiwrinkle, firming day and night skincare range designed for mature skin boasts 97.7% natural content. The range contains over nine active ingredients, including hexapeptide 11, the first natural polypeptide with proven firming action, and black pine extract, which helps protect and strengthen the skin’s connective tissue to enhance firmness, elasticity, resistance to deep wrinkles and sagging, and face contour maintenance. NeoStrata Smoothing Cream (Glycolic Formulation) £35 Glycolic acid improves the smoothness and feel of the skin. They need to be dispensed by a physician because they can cause irritation – over-thecounter creams containing AHAs are not particularly effective. Olay Regenerist, £16 These short-chain amino acids are small enough to be able to penetrate the epidermis and can be synthesised to perform specific functions such as stimulating the healing process and turning on the fibroblasts responsible for producing collagen and elastin. Most of them are fairly expensive, but the Olay is affordable and pleasant, but unlikely to change the skin’s structure.
DON’T worry. This isn’t another bitter little rant about how dark skinned women are marginalised and everyone should be happy in their own skin. This is a beauty issue. That means if we want to enhance one of our features, we’ll do whatever we damn well please to make it so. But that doesn’t mean you have to resort to lotions and potions that cause dangerous side-effects. The only thing you need to buy is a good sunscreen (SPF 30+) for outdoors, and (SPF 15) while indoors. Good news is, you can get a fairer complexion without even stepping out of your kitchen! Here’s how: • SCRUB half of lemon on your face daily. Lemon is an excellent bleaching agent, and helps to iron out the blemishes of the face. • SQUEEZE a juice of potato in a bowl. Apply this on your skin to bleach your face. Regular use is proven to lighten the appearance of your skin. • USE mashed tomato pulp on your skin to give it a pinkish glow. Tomato is very effective for heightening paleness. It also absorbs excess oil in your face, and allows your pores to breathe. • RUB lemon juice and honey in equal quantities over your face. • ONLY apply while wearing SPF15.
•COMPLEXION ISSUE Fair skin doesn’t mean you have to resort to dangerous skin lightening products
FINGER LICKING GOOD
FOR the busy fashionista who wants salon-style talons at your fingertips, here are a few quick ways to nail the look from the comfort of your home... Kiss Everlasting French Nails available from Boots (www.boots.com) give you that covetable, elegant french manicure look in a matter of minutes. Simply size up the nails to your natural nails (using the numbered tabs to guide you), apply glue to both your nail and the false nail, press down, flick off the tab and voila, you’re good to go! These nails are available in long, medium, short and petite styles so you can choose a chip free length that will for you! If French nails are not your style? imPRESS by Broadway Nails (www.impressmanicure.com) give a super slick gel look finish. Launched this year with X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger leading the way, imPRESS is the first ever ‘press on polish’. Again, simply size them up to your natural nail, peel back the adhesive tab (note: no glue needed!), press on, and you’ve got it nailed. Plus, there’s no drying time, no chipping and a totally smooth finish. Available in 18 plain shades and 18 patterns available at Boots and Superdrug.
•TALON FRESH Nail the look
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
BEAUTY
MODEL WATCH:: ZARA DURRANI How did you get into modelling? I was training to join the Canadian Military when my mother suggested I try out modeling. Once in front of the camera I was shocked to discover how I can transform into a different person naturally, without any so called modeling schools or training.
allowed me to really get in touch with my feminine side. I didn’t walk in heels til i was about 16. I didn’t even know how to use a mascara or eyeliner til about 18/19. That was quite funny.
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and we can allow our inner light to shine.
How do you keep fit? I am a certified yoga teacher. So I love yoga and meditation as a great way to relax my mind and body. I train three days a week with Modeling highlights? I remember the my personal trainer Kurt from feeling I got when I booked Vancouver Weights101.com We do weight training. Fashion Week. I had been in Canada for I’ve found it to be extremely helpful in What struggles did you initially go only a few years straight from Pakistan. releasing stress and feeling strong through to become a model? It was a That was a very exciting moment. It’s nice emotionally and physically. new territory for me, since I was a tomboy to pass giant billboards or store signs with growing up. I grew up with boys all around my face on it. It’s still a little mindblowing! How image-conscious are you? Someone me, my cousins and brothers and we were said to me recently, it’s hard to recognize fighting most of the time. So modeling Model stereotype that frustrates you the you because you are always changing your most? When I first started acting it was look. I believe I am evolving at an alarming hard for some people to believe that rate, daily if not every hour. We all are. someone can be beautiful inside and out, And i like my own style to reflect that. One and have emotional richness and depth. day i can rock the all out glam, red carpet Specially in acting I came across that quite look and the next day i may look like a tom a bit. But when they see your work, it boy. At this point in my life I dress for speaks for itself. I quite enjoy being myself and not for others. Dressing is fun, challenged or when i’m the underdog. I it’s art. I get to show the world how i’m quietly let my work speak for itself. It’s a feeling through my hair and makeup. Or great feeling. perhaps one day I just want to be a fly on the wall and blend in. You seem to prefer the moody look… Yes. I am also a trained actor and i love to Dream modeling job? I love L’oreal’s invoke emotions in people as they view my slogan "Because you’re Worth it". I would images. I like my photos to have a very love to be their cover model. Getting personal, intimate feel to them.. so it gives photographed by Stephen Meisel for the the viewer a real look into my life, my cover of Vogue would be pretty rad. story. I think modeling is a beautiful art form. Wardrobe essential? About two years ago after finishing my yoga teacher training i Is there pressure to be a size zero in the gave away 80% of my wardrobe to Big industry? I believe in the entertainment Brothers. I love jeans and tees and my frye industry there is definitely pressure for boots, they are super comfy. My stylist and women to look a certain way. However close friend Claudia Da Ponte styles me for once we fall in love with our physical and all occasions so it would be great to have spiritual bodies that pressure fades away her with me!!!
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
BEAUTY
LOST AND FOUNDATION Why is it so difficult to find the right colour to match our different skin tones? by Anjana Gosai
ASIAN WOMEN know all about the ordeal of finding a foundation to suit their skin colour. You’re not alone. Research by beauty giant Elizabeth Arden discovered that finding the right foundation shade is the number one make-up concern for women.
Department stores have entire floors dedicated to cosmetics. The counters seem to be filled with a huge selection of foundations, concealers and powders that promise even coverage, lightdeflecting pigments, illuminating finishes and more. But for most Asian women, it’s still a challenge to find the perfect match for their skin. Is there a lack of suitable products out there or are we just not looking in the right places? To answer that question, we must first determine what makes our skin type unique.
WHY ASIAN SKIN IS DIFFERENT When looking for the ideal tone you must bear in mind that our skin has a yellow-based undertone. Our skin tone varies from porcelain to assorted tones of yellow. A pink or orange undertone is very rare. Some of us will have fair almost white skin, some are olive toned, whilst others have a darker, duskier complexion. But whatever your tone, it is important to choose a base that is predominantly yellow. Asian women find that melanin pigments develop in their facial skin at an earlier age than they occur in Caucasian women. As our skin contains more melanin (the pigment that protects skin from UV sun damage), it’s less prone to sunburn and wrinkles. The bad news is that we scar a lot more easily. Everything from a small cut to a spot can leave discolouration, which makes the need to find a perfect colour match even greater. Make-up artist Nina Haider advises:
“It is easier to darken skin tone with foundation than to lighten it, so avoid using a lighter shade on your entire face. This can make skin look grey and chalky and unless you spend hours blending colour into the neck area, you can be left with a mask line appearance.” The same rule applies to girls who like to look fairer. Bear in mind that foundation is not created to change the colour of your skin, it is created to enhance it and even out blemishes. MAC make-up artist Heena Nunkoo says: “I suggest you go no more than one shade lighter than your natural skin tone. Any lighter and you will look very unnatural and grey.” The most common problem with Asian skin is oiliness, especially in the tzone area (the forehead, nose and chin). This can be a hereditary problem or caused by a poor diet. Those of you with oily skin should opt for a foundation with an oil-free base, which disguises shine for a matte finish. Liquid foundations are popular with women today and this is mainly due to the fact that they provide a sheer, lightweight, natural looking coverage and are suitable for all skin types. Cream foundations are best for dry, uneven and mature skin types who want a velvety finish with medium coverage. WHAT IS OUT THERE? The mass market brands (High Street brands priced under £10 such as Maybelline and Max Factor) have a way to go in terms of developing shades we are happy with, but the premium end lines such as MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Iman have a wide colour palette available for us to choose from. The Prescriptives Custom Blend service offers a mixture of shades, formulas for all skin tones and types and each blend is fine tuned to ideally suit each customer’s needs and preferences. Another service available is the Elizabeth Arden matchmaker – a
small powerful computerised diagnostic tool takes a reading of the skin’s exact shade and recommends the best match from the Elizabeth Arden collection. Elizabeth Arden work on the principle that skin colour is a combination of two components; depth of colour (how light or dark your skin is) and skin tone (the undertone, such as yellow, pink, orange or red). The matchmaker is a portable, photo-sensitive light reading unit that is placed on the cheek to identify your skin tone. Due to the subtle variation in skin colour, three readings are taken to
PERFECTING THE BASE Although some brands do offer an array of colours, you may still have a problem in finding the correct match. Here are a few pointers on how to shop smartly and find a shade that is as ‘perfect’ as possible. • When shopping for foundation, try to go out bare faced. You can only judge what works best on a clean, make-up free face. • Never test foundation on your hand or wrist. The best way to test is to pick three shades that are closest to your skin tone and apply them in stripes from cheekbone to jaw. You want a colour that seems to disappear, as it evens out your complexion and camouflages imperfections.
• Lighting in department stores can be deceptive. Natural daylight is the best judge for which shade is right for you. It is also important to let foundation settle for a couple of hours as the skin’s acidity can change the colour of foundation. See the results in different lighting situations before you buy. • Most of us need more than one shade throughout the year. The skin usually darkens during the summer months so you may need to buy a slightly darker shade and mix two shades to find your ideal match for the season. • Don’t be afraid of powder. Many women feel that powder leaves a ghost-like finish to the skin.
obtain an average skin shade. Then instantly, the ideal foundation match is recommended to you. Many of you may have tried these options but find that they still do not work for you. Well, don’t give up just yet! There are a small host of specialist ranges breaking through that are created specifically for Asian skin types. Amongst these include EX1 range founded by 27-year-old biochemist Farah Naz. Farah’s vision was to develop a range of beauty products for women with Asian or exotic skin tones. She spent years trying to mix and match other branded products to create the right colour for her own skin. Her frustration at not finding a suitable colour at a reasonable price led her to create the first high street foundation range specifically for Asian and exotic skin types. EX1 includes a selection of five liquid foundations and three loose powders. The range has received instant acclaim amongst the retail and beauty trade and is designed to bring the best out of exotic skin tones. Farah believes that ‘using the right undertone is essential for achieving a natural look rather than the chalky, mask-like result of using the wrong colour base’. International cosmetic brands such as BECCA have already developed a range specifically for darker skin tones. BECCA creator, Rebecca MorriceWilliams recognised the different needs of women with darker complexions.
BECCA claims that this range will not turn ashen when applied to darker skin. Their products also work to conceal and illuminate darkened patches of pigmentation. Rebecca says: “Our range was created after six years of research and offers a collection of 34 foundation and concealer colours and 12 powders that range from the lightest to darkest skin tones.” Some women still believe the myth that foundation is difficult to apply and uncomfortable to wear – but skincare technology is becoming even more pioneering and foundations with smart ingredients are being developed to give our skin protective, lifting, toning, moisturising and invigorating finishes. However, some specialist brands such as EX1 and Real Cosmetics and progressive companies like BECCA, are helping to improve the situation. We also have Indian brands such as Lakme about to break into the UK, which will further widen our options. But we still deserve more choice with better availability! My final piece of advice is that it is always worthwhile spending a little extra time and money on finding the correct base. Your foundation is the canvas for all other make-up. It should never mask the skin but rather enhance its natural beauty. If you get the foundation right – everything else (such as blusher, eye shadow and lipstick) will fall into place.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
33
HEALTH
WALKING THE THIN LINE YOU loved the sight of the models in magazines, then looked at yourself in the mirror and hated what you saw. You’ve been denying yourself the foods you crave, then binged on all the things you shouldn’t. If this sounds all too familiar, you’re on the right page.
Athough eating disorders are uncommon in the Asian subcontinent, they are a growing concern among young British Asians exposed to that very modern of pressures – achieving the perfect figure. It is thought that the increasing prevalence of eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia in the west is mainly attributable to the idealisation of the thin body type, and while most of us can only wish for it, some are prepared to kill themselves to get it.
What is an eating disorder? Eating disorder is a general term used to describe conditions such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The cause of these conditions is complex. There are biological factors such as a genetic link, social factors such as a cultural value of thinness, childhood obesity, bullying, dieting and family dysfunction including abuse, and psychological factors such as adverse life events, personality disorders, low self-esteem and depression. Although the common feature in both these conditions is that there is an abnormal pattern of eating, there are some distinct differences. Anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa mainly occurs in females aged between 10 and 30, with the peak age of onset being 18. It is rare in males, with only 10% of sufferers recorded. Approximately one in 250 women and one in 2000 men will experience anorexia nervosa. It appears to be more prevalent among the upper socio-economic groups. Anorexia often starts in adolescence, mainly as normal dieting which then spirals out of control. The intensity of the increased dieting causes rapid weight loss, which in turn allows the symptoms of starvation to develop. Sufferers drastically reduce their food intake, particularly avoiding foods which they perceive as being fattening such as carbohydrates and fats. They may even go to the extremes of fasting or starving themselves in fear of becoming fat. In order to minimise their morbid fear of gaining weight, they often resort to excessive exercise on a frequent basis. Some may even use laxatives (medicines normally used to counteract constipation) and diuretics (drugs used commonly to treat fluid retention, high blood pressure and heart failure) with the aim of minimising absorption of calories from the little food that they may consume. Occasionally some even make themselves throw up, although this practice of self-induced vomiting is more commonly a feature of the binge eating associated with bulimia nervosa. What differentiates anorexia from bulimia is the body weight. In anorexia nervosa, sufferers are extremely underweight with a BMI (body mass
In our drive to achieve an ideal that is simply beyond our reach, more and more Asian women are falling pray to eating disorders
index, which is the ratio of weight in kg divided by height in metres squared) of less than 17.5, or a body weight which is 15% below the expected weight for that age, height and sex. A healthy BMI is roughly between 19 and 25. People with anorexia often deny the fact that they have an eating disorder and go to great extremes to disguise the fact. They often try to hide their thinness by wearing loose baggy clothes and tend to lie about their eating habits when quizzed over it. It can often cause extreme distress at home and put strain on family relationships, particularly at meal times. It also has an effect on other social relationships because friends and colleagues worry and are likely to feel hurt when told where they can stick their concerns… People with anorexia often do not directly seek medical help for their eating disorder, rather they attend their GP for the medical problems caused as a direct result of the anorexia nervosa, or after being persuaded by friends or family to seek medical help. There are many complications resulting from anorexia which makes it such a serious condition. These include health problems such as menstrual periods stopping, body chemical imbalances which can cause problems such as tiredness, weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, kidney damage, convulsions and muscle spasms. Anorexia can also lead to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), abdominal bloating, bowel problems – particularly if high amounts of laxatives are taken – dental problems with the enamel being eroded away from acid in the stomach with repeated vomiting, anaemia, depression, decreased libido (loss of sex drive) and delayed puberty with stunted growth. They may also complain of dry skin, cold hands and feet and the presence of a fine downy lanugo hair on the back, arms and side of face. They also often have low blood pressure and a slow pulse.
approximately 3 to 5 in 250 females (approx 1-2%) and 5 in 2000 males (0.25%) suffer from it. It tends to have a broader social class distribution than anorexia. The similarities with anorexia are that the sufferers share the same extreme concern about body shape and weight and also engage in abnormal eating behaviour, extreme exercising, purging behaviour such as self-induced vomiting, and the use of laxatives and
diuretics. But the difference with bulimia is that the BMI (body mass index) tends to be normal and in the healthy range but the sufferer engages in regular binge eating, where they consume unusually large amounts of food due to a loss of control at the time. These foods often tend to be high in calorific counts, such as whole tubs of ice-cream, large quantities of chocolate, cakes, pastries, biscuits and so on. This is almost always followed by self-
TRADITIONALLY, PLUMPNESS IS CONSIDERED ATTRACTIVE IN OUR COMMUNITY. SADLY, NOT ANY MORE
Bulimia nervosa Bulimia nervosa mainly occurs in women aged between 16 and 40 but commonly starts around the age of 19 or early 20s. It is more commonly encountered than anorexia, with
Traditionally amongst the Asian communities, plumpness is perceived as being attractive, desirable and a sign of prosperity, success, status and fertility. However, for young Asians brought up in the west with a different outlook on body shape and lifestyle, eating disorders are an increasingly real problem. By increasing awareness of the existence of these conditions amongst the British Asian community, support can be offered to those who may be suffering from them. If you feel that you may have an eating disorder or would just like further information, help or resources, you can contact the eating disorders association; www.edauk.com or see your GP.
induced vomiting, with the sufferer sticking their fingers down their throat in order to induce the gag reflex and thus throw up in a bid to counteract the effects of the overeating. In between these episodes of binge eating, the sufferers restrict their food intake in much the same way as those who suffer from anorexia. Sufferers are often greatly ashamed of their binge eating and purging episodes and try to hide their eating disorder, often delaying in seeking medical advice. These women are often perfectionists and have a low self-esteem. The health problems that occur as a result of bulimia are similar to those encountered with anorexia. However, instead of the women’s periods stopping, they become irregular. Also depression and anxiety are more common in bulimia sufferers than in anorexia sufferers.
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
HEALTH
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX More importantly, let’s talk about protection... IF SEX is a taboo subject in our community, sexually transmitted diseases may well be a criminal act. But as the number of STDs among Asians continues to rise dramatically, the more there is a need to talk about it openly. Even more so when you consider that many young girls face the possibility of contracting infections that leave them unable to conceive – and for familycentric Asians, that’s a fate that’s too hard to bear.
but not intercourse, also cause some infections. There are many STIs, the most common ones being chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, herpes and genital warts.
Chlamydia This is one of the most common STIs in this country. It has increased by 108% in the last six years. Recent research suggests that one in ten women under the age of 25 has chlamydia and that approximately 3-5% of all sexually active women attending their GPs have chlamydia. Some of the risk factors include being As the name suggests, these infections under 25yrs, having a new sexual are transmitted through sexual contact partner, having more than one sexual and, if left untreated, can lead to serious partner in recent years, and not using long-term consequences such as pelvic condoms. inflammatory disease that can, in turn, Although easily treated with a course lead to ectopic pregnancies and of specific antibiotics, if left untreated it infertility. Not only can they cause long- can cause conjunctivitis or pelvic term harmful effects in adults, but can inflammatory disease which can lead to also affect unborn babies during inflammation and damage to the pregnancy and during childbirth if the fallopian tubes, which can be a cause for mother is harbouring a STI. ectopic pregnancy and even infertility. It can also be transmitted during WHAT ARE THESE INFECTIONS? pregnancy to the foetus or even during They are mainly bacterial and viral childbirth and can cause eye infections infections that can be caught through or pneumonia in the baby. oral sex, vaginal or rectal intercourse. In addition, small insects such as pubic lice Gonorrhoea or even mites such as scabies, which are This bacterial infection also known as mainly caught by close physical contact ‘the clap’, has increased by 86% in the
last six years. As with chlamydia, you might not always know that you have gonorrhoea. In 50% of women and 10% of men it does not cause any symptoms. However, when they occur, the most common symptom in women is an increased or altered vaginal discharge. It can also cause lower abdominal pain and dysuria. It rarely causes irregular bleeding in between periods or heavy periods.
if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to the brain including dementia, heart problems and severe complications in other internal organs. If syphilis is caught during pregnancy, it can be passed onto the unborn baby and cause miscarriage, stillbirth or result in the baby being born with the infection.
Genital warts These are extremely common and are caused by a virus called the ‘human papilloma virus’ (HPV). Other than being unsightly, they do not have any medical consequences. They can be treated easily by either freezing them or applying a special cream called Warticon.
Genital herpes This infection is caused by a virus – the Syphilis herpes simplex virus, which incidentally, Despite the general misperception that is also responsible for causing cold sores. this STI is no longer a problem, in the This is spread from person to person by last six years, there has been a 500% direct skin contact, during sexual increase in this infection! intercourse or through oral-genital Syphilis is caused by a bacterium and contact.
WHERE TO GET HELP If you are concerned that you may have an STI or any of the symptoms described above, you should see your GP as your first port of call. Alternatively, you can attend any GUM Clinic or sexual health clinic. A referral letter from your GP is not required.
BATTLING DIABETES How Navpreet Grewal lives with the condition An almond a day… SEE in Summer by throwing that heavy chocolate bar into the bin and start grazing on almonds, which are ideal to keep your energy levels steady during the sunny days. Recent research has shown women on an almond-rich diet lost more weight than those on a high-carb diet even though the same number of calories were consumed. But don’t go nuts and eat a whole bagful in one go – almonds are high in fat – so pace yourself.
•PUTTING ON A BRAVE FACE Navpreet Grewal
‘AT 16, I was in the middle of such a crucial moment of my life so far. My GCSEs were fast approaching and all I could think about passing my exams. When I was suddenly, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I kept thinking: “Why me?” Plus, I have a sweet tooth so being told I was no longer allowed to eat sweets was very upsetting. My symptoms started in January. I had a business exam and when I opened the paper my brain was completely blank. It was as if I hadn’t revised. My parents later reassured me and said it was all probably down to stress. Some of the symptoms of diabetes type 1 are similar to stress such as feeling tired, weakness of your eyes and generally just feeling unwell. I had all of these and others, like feeling thirsty all the time, passing a lot of urine, and weight loss. At that time, I used to feel tired so much that all I ever wanted to do was just lie on the sofa and go to sleep. I also used to drink so much water that I was constantly going to the toilet – I would go every 5mins. My eyes were so weak that they would go blurry and I had to get my glasses prescription changed even though I had only got them a few months ago. Eventually I went to the doctors. I initially thought that I had a urine infection but the doctor made me go for a blood test, to make sure that everything was okay.
Then I got the phone call that changed my life. My doctor called to say I had diabetes… something I thought only happened to overweight people in their 40s! The next day, I was sent to the children’s ward where the nurse confirmed that I had type 1 diabetes. I spent the night on the ward under observation and was taught how and where to inject insulin as from now on, I would need to inject it four times a day. I have now had diabetes type 1 for three years and my family have been there with me through the bad and good days. The condition has affected them just as much as it has me. My health has so far been relatively good and I am grateful that I haven’t fainted or had a turn for the worse, but I do wonder if that day will come. My diabetes has never stopped me from eating what I want, or doing what I want. I am at university and hope to become a journalist. It will be possible, as long as I make a few simple lifestyle changes. One thing I’ve learnt is that having diabetes is not something you have to deal with alone. Most Asians are aware of it, but they don’t understand everything about it. My teenage years were very different to most people’s but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out. I’m glad I found out when I did. It means I can now concentrate on my future – one where I am successful, fit and healthy.’
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
35
SPIRITUAL
Head Rush FEELING CONFUSED ABOUT YOUR FEELINGS? IT’S TIME TO GET THE MASSAGE WHILE the phrase ‘it’s all in your head’ usually refers to imaginary illnesses, when it comes to the ancient art of Indian head massage, we’re talking about a truly unreal experience! As a healing form, nothing soothes your troubled head more than treating the source directly.
• A feeling of tranquillity, calmness and positive wellbeing. • Building up a stronger immune system. • Higher energy levels. • Improved skin condition and colour. • Helps improve creativity, promotes clearer thinking and improves concentration. • Improved sleeping patterns. • Healthy and glossier hair. Indian head massage doesn’t just affect • A healthier working of the nerve the scalp; its healing powers can have far- pathways. This is done by removing reaching results in every single part of blockages in the nerve system to cure the body. Based on the traditional system muscle pain and stiffness. of medicine known as ayurveda, which has been practiced for over three HOW IT WORKS: thousand years, it draws upon a Chakras are metaphysical portals of complete healing system, which energy originating in the ancient Indian emphasises a holistic approach – focusing system of healing; they are positioned in on achieving a balance of mind, body seven major centres down the body and and spirit to promote physical, control the flow of subtle or invisible emotional, spiritual health and wellbeing. energy. It’s when the chakras are As British Asian women, our unbalanced or blocked that things go lifestyles increasingly reflect that of the wrong. The technique involves west. Juggling work loads, home life and controlled caresses such as the spider allowing personal time for oneself is no walk, root pull, and comb, and focuses mean feat. We all deserve some ‘me mainly on the face and scalp. It can also time’ and a natural healing treatment continue down the upper back, neck, such as an Indian head massage is just shoulders and upper arms. what the doctor would order if he A big part of Indian head massage wasn’t so reliant on his assortment of has to do with chakra healing, so your pills. Here are just some of the benefits: therapist should work with the chakras • Relief from pain and stiffness in the when doing an Indian head massage to muscles of the face, scalp, neck, back release any stagnant energy within the and shoulders. body, thus restoring a feeling of inner • Relief from tension headaches, eye harmony and balance. strain, nasal congestion, hangovers and jaw ache. Indian head massage and stress • Improved mobility of the joints Not only does Indian head massage especially around the neck and shoulder promote physical health, it also works areas. on a psychological level. It is achieved • Easing of stress, anxiety, apathy and by offsetting physical and mental mild depression. tension and encouraging wellbeing. The
The stresses of modern life can often do your head in. An Indian head massage helps to ease the pressures by soothing your woes
ALL IN THE HEAD
The three main chakras linked to Indian head massage: Indian head massage works around the chakras centrally linked to the neck, shoulders, upper back, upper arms and the face. Sahasrara (The crown chakra) Associated with the colour violet, sahasrara is linked with cosmic energy and thought. When this chakra is balanced, the individual uses their wisdom well, has clarity of thought and is essentially at peace with themselves. When this chakra is blocked or not balanced, this can result in someone who is indecisive, constantly worrying and may suffer from depression. Ajna (The third eye) Recognised by its deep indigo aura, Ajna is associated with the higher functions of consciousness. The third eye is a
psychic tool reminding the individual that everything they see, hear, smell, touch or taste, started as an inner vision or insight. When this chakra is balanced, the person will come across as charismatic, possess a high level of intuition and have a creative mind. When blocked or not balanced, the individual can come across as someone who is overly sensitive, undisciplined and dogmatic. Vishudda (The throat) A wonderful blue, this chakra is concerned with purposeful thoughts and speech. It is about personal expression and effective communication. When this chakra is balanced the individual will be a good communicator, active listener and more artistically inclined. When this chakra is blocked, it can cause the person to feel depressed, stubborn and unable to express themselves.
physical touch and contact of massage helps boost self esteem and helps release feelgood endorphins, which counteract stress hormones in the bloodstream, helping to fight infection. At the same time, an Indian head massage can encourage the release of suppressed and inbuilt tension, and promotes deep breathing, which helps to relax the body and calm the mind. Indian head massage combined with reiki Reiki is defined as being ‘energy healing’. Indian head massage combines well with reiki and acts as a catalyst, healing the body faster. Kay Pahil, an expert Indian massage therapist, says: ‘This is the best way to rid the mind of unnecessary stress. I had a client who felt very angry with her ex-boyfriend, which had negative consequences on her work and left her in a permanent state of tension. Following the treatment, she initially felt tearful before feeling elated at the realisation that her emotions had all been released, her anger gone. And after four regular treatments, she found that her stresses and symptoms – which included anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches
and sinusitis – were disappearing, making her feel more relaxed and in a better state of mind. Indian head massage: an Asian thing Arthritis and rheumatism are notoriously rife in the Asian community but, thankfully, you can treat the problems head on. Caused by inflammation of the muscles and exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep and emotional upset, head massage can help to greatly reduce these symptoms. Done regularly, it helps relieve the tension and rids the muscles of toxins while improving circulation. Even if you don’t have joint pain, the benefits for the body are fantastic. Massage techniques work on muscle tissue in different ways to help relax tense muscle fibres, tone slack fibres and increase blood and lymph flow through the tissues. The increased flow of oxygenated blood to the muscles brings fresh supplies of oxygen and nutrients to the muscle fibres. Increased blood flow and frictional heat create warmth in the area, encouraging the muscles to relax so they are receptive to the benefits of massage. It doesn’t stop there. With new statistics stating Asians are more likely to suffer from heart disease, protecting your health has never been more important. Various Indian head massage techniques can help to speed the flow of deoxygenated blood back to the heart and speed the flow of freshly oxygenated blood to the body. And to think – all this comes from simply massaging your head…
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
FUN CITY
THE BOULEVARD GITA
by Sandeep Sood
HOROSCOPES March 21 - April 20 ARIES Be cautious regarding your professional life. Someone with your pioneer spirit prefers to act first and ask questions later. That strategy could backfire. A prominent executive who is watching your progress needs to know you can be trusted with politically sensitive information.
April 21 - May 21 TAURUS A sense of responsibility prompts you to fulfil your potential. You realise if you work to better yourself, a child will follow your lead. Besides, you're tired of doing a routine job just for money. Having a calling will make you excited to get out of bed each day. May 22 - June 21 GEMINI If there's anything you hate, it's having financial obligations. Your ultimate goal is to have all the money you earn to go directly into your bank account, instead of right out to a credit card company. Formulate a strategy to pay off all your bills by a certain time. June 22 - July 22 CANCER You're often shy and reserved even with people you love. Talking about your feelings makes you uncomfortable, because you feel other people will punish you for your sensitivity. As a result, many of your relationships require you to be the strong member of the team. July 23 – August 23 LEO Finding a job that provides long term security may be more important than achieving creative fulfilment. You can always paint, write, or perform after hours. You may not have as much time as you like for your favourite activities, but at least you won't lie awake worrying about bills. August 24 - September 22 VIRGO Making sacrifices for the one you love is a natural extension of your personality. You enjoy being of service to others. Take care you don't give up on your dreams for the sake of another. You've been blessed with tremendous creative talent. Working with your hands gives you a great deal of pleasure. September 23 - October 23 LIBRA If you’ve been a bit of a hermit this week you’ll want to mix with those you love and might also be keen to meet a few more people. Your whole inner being is feeling the need to expand and you may even be craving going and immersing yourself in a different culture. October 24 - November 22 SCORPIO This week you feel really powerful in your career. You’re over any old traumas or self doubt. You’re also feeling good about yourself as a lover and no matter what has been going on recently, or even to a certain extent what might be going on now, you can definitely feel that you’ve got your spark back. November 23 - December 21 SAGITTARIUS You’re feeling great about you – outgoing and adventurous and free in some way. You’re also able to see the whole world and your inner reality from a whole new perspective. That means you’re able to step out and feast on life itself and others are seeing you for the magnificent creature that you are.
TO TWEET. TO WHO? Preity Zinta@realpreityzinta “Sorry some problem with Twitter so I guess we shall simple chat... No particular topic... Just a chat :-) Ting!”
NAME THE STAR This future model made her name as the girl who brought SRK out of his shell in 2008. But who is she?
Find out the answer on Twitter @asiancity Last weeks’s celb: Katrina Kaif
Bipasha Basu@bipsluvurself “Love the series ‘New Girl’! Wish someone would mk a film like this! Would love to play a quirky crazy fun role like Jess’s character!” Amitabh Bachchan@SrBachchan “The average person takes 23,000 breaths a day. ... make that 22,999 for me .. you all always take my breath away !!”
The stars to follow on lonely nights
Shah Rukh Khan@iamsrk “Orderliness of the house, stinks of no children.Need to throw a few clothes around, chips & biscuit crumbs on bed & the inside of a toy.” Celina Jaitly@CelinaJaitly “After a late pack up ..off to an evening shift ..Loving lights ..camera..action can't believe just had twins 3 months ago” Jay Sean@jaysean “Had such a great time shooting my music vid ystrday in malibu..! I can't wait for u lot to see this! I’m all urs, sex101...we keep it movin!”
December 22 - January 20 CAPRICORN You’re feeling intense and analysing all sorts of situations – possibly to far too deep a level. Try not to get obsessive about anything as the planets are trying to show you a way through, and it’s through very deep and honest conversations about what you really feel in life and trusting love rather than listening to fear. January 21 – February 18 AQUARIUS When it comes to relationships you’re much more able to express who you are and you should be feeling wonderful about being your gorgeous self. If you’re in a relationship, you’re can enjoy feeling very grounded and loved up whilst singles can ask the universe to bring you the right lover for you. February 19 - March 20 PISCES You’re a little pocket rocket of achievement this week and can draw things towards you or control things in your working environment. You might run into a few problems with a friend that causes you to pause and ask a few searching questions about what friendship means to you.
ask Neelam
Good enough for his bed, but not his car
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
37
GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? SHARE IT, HALVE IT, LET NEELAM SORT IT e: neelam@asiancity.co.uk
Dear Neelam,
LEAVE MY KIDS ALONE Dear Neelam,
MY PARTNER of six months has taken it on himself to start disciplining my kids. He shouts at them when he tells them to do their homework and it’s really beginning to upset me. I’ve asked him to stop talking to them like this but he continues to do it. I wouldn’t mind if they were bad kids but they’re genuinely well behaved.
Neelam says..
Your partner is feeling insecure and feels like an outsider in your family. The outbursts at your children is his way of making sure he counts. It’s like a dog being aggressive to another one to prove his dominant position in the pack. Your partner’s choice of asserting himself in this way is negative, counter-productive and damaging, not only for your children but for your relationship as well. When you broach this subject, reassure him that he is not being ganged up on and is very much a part of your family. Suggest positive steps for him to get to know your children. Allow him space with them without you there so they can bond. If you all work together as a family and he earns the children’s respect, only then will he feel more integrated. However, if the problem persists, you need to think about the emotional damage his behaviour is having on your kids – the most important people in this picture.
MY BOYFRIEND has just got a new convertible BMW, but he won’t let me drive it. I haven’t got a car at the moment so on the occasion I need one, it would really help me out. I’m a good driver and haven’t had a crash in 10 years. But he says that I need to pass an advanced driving test before he considers letting me use it. Not only will that cost me hundreds of pounds, it’s the principle that bugs me.
Neelam says..
An advanced driving test – the cheek! But it’s the age-old story of men being protective of their grown-up toys. If you look at it from the reverse side, it would be the same as him asking to try your brand new Jimmy Choo shoes on for size. Unlikely, but still unthinkable and, at the moment, that’s the angle he’s coming from. In time, he’ll start seeing his car as the beautiful metal it is rather than his second girlfriend. Tell him again that you would like to drive it, explaining how it would make your life easier and even suggest he supervises you in the car. Firstly he will see how carefully you will drive it and secondly, it should put his fears to rest that you won’t scrape the hub caps whenever you park it. On his next night out with the boys, suggest collecting him from the pub. This should make him see that there are practical advantages for both of you if you are allowed to drive his car, without the need for you to spend a fortune on an advanced driving test. If he still doesn’t let you drive it after six, suggest you’ll part exchange him for another model…
BABY WEIGHT IS A TURN-OFF Dear Neelam,
his child, he wants to see you as happy as he is. Trust me. He’s not looking at the flaws you see in yourself (after all, men rarely notice when we get our hair done). When you undress, even if your husband did notice an extra bit of flesh, it’s not like he’ll be horrified to realise he’s not going out with a supermodel. The only thing that might be a turn-off for him is your insistence on pointing out your physical flaws, which can make it difficult for him to enjoy your body. Have confidence in your whole self. Even through your tiredness, I am sure you look glowing as a new proud mother. A woman happy with herself is always more attractive. Get a babysitter, Your husband’s frustration doesn’t stem go out and do something romantic from your weight, but from your together and don’t worry, it’ll all soon unhappiness. And as a new mother of come flooding back. SINCE giving birth to our first child, I haven’t lost the excess weight. And as a first time mother, I am not only exhausted but feel very unattractive. Before the birth of our son, my husband and I had a very healthy sex life, but now I am too embarrassed to even undress in front of him. Although my partner is very understanding, he is getting as frustrated with our situation as I am. I enjoy making love to him but just can’t help feeling bad about how I look.
Neelam says..
Scared to soak it up Dear Neelam,
THIS summer will be the first holiday I take without my family! I’m really excited but also quite anxious – the girls I’m going with have mapped out what we’re going to get up to: sun, señors and sangrias! I’ve always been afraid to tan and like to sit in the shade, I’m no good at flirting and not a very big drinker. Help!
Neelam says..
If you stay away from the sun because you’ve been raised to believe dark isn’t attractive – take this as an opportunity to rid yourself of this terrible myth. Fact: dark is exotic! Take to the sun with gusto – trust me, if you haven’t done it before, you’ll feel a sense of liberation that even your dedicated beach pals won’t experience. With a group of girls on
holiday, flirting is the easiest thing in the world. Why? Because the boys come to you. If you don’t do anything about it, it won’t matter. The chances of all the girls pairing up with boys and leaving you on your tod is slim. The trick is not to make your friends feel like they can’t be flirty around guys just because you don’t want to. Go with the flow and, if attention comes your way, soak it up in the spirit it’s meant in. No one expects you to do anything on holiday other than to have fun. The same applies to drinking. If you were a non-drinker, you might face peer pressure, but you know your limit – stick to it. Nurse your drink and, instead of matching them shot for shot, opt for a glass of water or buy yourself non-alcoholic cocktails when it’s your round!
LOVE FACT
We all know the one about Indians being the first to glamorise sex with Kama Sutra, but did you know we also invented love? The term “love” originates from the Sanskrit word lubhyati, which means “desire.” Tune in next time to see if our ancestors invented chocolate too!
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
STOCKISTS Can’t get hold of the latest ASIAN CITY, no problem, just visit one of our regular stockists listed below: And for those really hard to reach areas, Asian City is on sale at newsagents and mainstream news-vendors like Tescos, WHSmiths, Sainsburys & Asda for a small cover price of 70p.
East London: New Generation 64 Green St, London E7 8JG T: 0208 470 9418 Music Hunters 133B Green St, London E7 8JF T: 0208 586 2304 E: musichunters@hotmail.co.uk Neelam Hair & Beauty 159161 Green St, London E7 8JE T: 0208 552 8008 Krishna Gift House 208 Green St, London E7 8LE T: 0208 552 6716 Puja Silk House 258 Green St, London E7 8LF T: 0208 552 6358 Digital Music 176 Plashet Rd, London E13 T: 07957 126 976
Mega Blast 131 Ilford Lane Ilford IG4 5ND T: 07956 931 014 RDC London 181 Ilford Lane Ilford IG1 2RT T: 0208 514 8206 E: info@rdc-online.com Seasons Asian Designer Wear 196 Ilford Lane Ilford IG1 2LG T: 0208 553 3999 E: seasonsadw@gmail.com Guls Style 154 Ilford Lane Ilford IG1 2LQ T: 0208 514 3311 E: info@gulsstyle.co.uk Balo Basha 9 Osborn St London E1 6TD T: 07865 053 716 Geet Ghor Plus 24 Osborn St London E1 6TD T: 07958 176443
Eastern Styles 302 Green St, London E7 8LF T: 0208 257 8825
Sangeeta 22 Brick Lane London E1 6RF T: 0207 247 5954 W: sangeetaltd.co.uk
Partap Fashion Fabrics 277B Green St, London E7 8LE T: 0208 472 9979
Sanam Music Centre 266 Bethnal Green Rd E2 0AG T: 0208 552 8008
S.S. Designers 277 Green Street, London E7 8LJ T: 0208 472 9141
Anand Pan Centre Green St London E7 8LL T: 0208 472 4425
Pan Parlour 337 Green Lane, Ilford IG3 8BD T: 0208 597 8328
South London
Quality Foods 118 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2LE T: 0208 514 8888
Anand Pan Centre 102 Upper Tooting Rd SW17 T: 0208 762 7576
Anand Pan Centre 116 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2LE T: 0208 514 3800
Style 2000 155A Upper Tooting Rd SW17 T: 0208 672 1115 W: studiostyle2000.co.uk
Imaani London 93 Ilford Lane Ilford IG1 2RJ T: 0208 478 8558 E: info@imaanilondon.com
JR’s High Class Butchers 163 Upper Tooting Rd SW17 7TJ T: 0208 682 3949
Want to become a stockist and do Britain a huge favour? Good on you!
Just call 020 7247 3537 or email your business details to: stockists@asiancity.co.uk You’ll be listed on this stockist page – free publicity – It’s a no brainer!
SD Off Licence 167 Upper Tooting Rd SW17 7TJ Yogi Travels Ltd 886 London Rd CR7 7PB T: 0208 665 6080 E: yogitravel@hotmail.co.uk Temptation 451 London Rd SW16 4AQ T: 0208 679 4900 E: saimajan49@hotmail.com
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West London: Videorama Pan Centre 8 Kenton Park Parade HA3 8DQ T: 0208 907 0116 E: videoramapan@hotmail.com Meera Paan House 22 Queensbury Station Parade HA3 5NR T: 0208 952 0412 E: meera_paan_house@hotmail Tip Top Entertainment 152 Pinner Rd, Middx HA1 4JJ T: 0208 427 4777 Royal Collection 105A The Broadway UB1 1LN T: 0208 571 5554 E: info@royalmusic.co.uk A-Z Muzik Unit 3, 7 The Broadway UB1 T: 0208 843 2358 E: atozmuzik@gmail.com New Khalsa Super Store No.4 South Rd, UB1 1RT T: 07427 675479
Prabu Pan Shop 5/8 Dominion Parade HA1 2TR E: yunushmir@yahoo.co.in
Nargis Collection 96 The Broadway UB1 1QF T: 0208 571 2378 E: nargiscollection@hotmail.co.uk New Fashion House 2-4 King St Southall UB2 4DA T: 0208 574 4133 Anand Pan Centre 542 Kingsbury Rd NW9 9HH T: 0208 204 4440
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Muzik Zone 105A Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4BP T: 0208 795 1265 Prabu Paan Shop 129 Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4BP T: 07402 682586
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Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
39
RECIPES Aloo Mutter Jeerawala
Tandoori Murgh TANDOORI cooking is possibly the most popular style of Indian cooking outside of India. Traditionally, tandoori referred to a dish cooked in a clay oven called the tandoor. However, today it may mean the spice mixture associated with these dishes. Tandoori spice powder or prepared paste, a combination of spices, salt and red colouring is readily available. Most tandoori pastes in Britain are fairly mild to cater for a western palate, so if using a paste, you may want to customise its spiciness by regulating the amount of yogurt and adding extra chilli powder. It takes 10 minutes to prepare – but allow further time if you want it to marinate – and around 40 minutes to cook. Ingredients: Serves four
GRAND ENTRÉE
• 2 tsps ginger-garlic paste • 2 tsps tandoori spice powder • 150ml (5fl oz) natural yogurt • 8 large chicken drumsticks • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • salt to taste (don’t add too much since most pastes already contain salt)
MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION WITH YOUR STARTERS THE COMBINATION of potatoes and peas is a universal favourite. In India, every region has its own special recipe which is often served with poories or fried bread. In this version, common to most of India, the cumin adds a lovely warm taste. Dry roasting cumin really enhances its flavour. It then becomes quite brittle and can be readily powdered if desired. Using the simplest of ingredients, it takes 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook.
Ingredients: Serves four • 2 tbsp sunflower oil • 1 tsp cumin seeds • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste • 1 fresh green chilli, minced • 2 tbsp tomato puree • 1 tsp turmeric powder • 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed • 150g (5 oz) green peas, shelled if fresh, or frozen • Salt to taste
Preparation: Heat the sunflower oil in a wok or shallow saucepan but don’t allow it to smoke. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to darken. This happens quite quickly so make sure that your next ingredient is to hand. Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and the green chilli, lowering the flame slightly. Stir in the tomato puree and the turmeric powder. Add a few tablespoons of water so that the spices cook and the oil
Anda Pas THIS is the Indian street version of french toast. Many workers often leave home early to travel great distances to their jobs but still find time for a breakfast stop outside the railway station before catching the train. This is usually at one of the many little carts selling hot egg toasts with tomato ketchup. I often serve this breakfast on Sundays, and it is a great favourite with the kids. Ingredients: Serves four • 1 onion chopped • 1 green chilli chopped • 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste • 4 large eggs, beaten • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped fine
• salt to taste • sunflower oil for shallow frying • 8 slices bread, white or brown Preparation: Put the onion, chilli, ginger-garlic paste, eggs, coriander leaves and salt in a large mixing bowl and blend well. Heat some oil in a large frying pan – make sure it’s hot otherwise the bread will get soggy. Dip the slices of bread into the egg mixture and shallow fry, two at a time, on both sides, until they are golden and crispy at the edges. Drain excess oil onto a serviette. Serve hot with ketchup. Any leftover egg can be scrambled and served as a topping.
separates – this should only take a few minutes. Add the potatoes and fresh peas, if using, and season with salt. If using frozen peas, add them when the potatoes are half cooked. Pour in 300 ml (10fl oz) hot water and bring to the boil. reduce the heat, cover and cook until the vegetables are done. You may need to add more water if the curry dries up so keep a close eye on its progress. Serve hot, with a sprinkling of fresh coriander, if desired.
Preparation: Combine the ginger-garlic paste, tandoori spice powder and yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Add the yogurt last, slowly mixing in until you get your desired consistency. Add the chicken drumsticks and mix well. If you don’t have enough time to marinate, make superficial cuts on the skin and rub the mixture in. Heat the oven to 190 degrees celsius/375 degrees fahrenheit/gas mark 5. Line a baking tray with aluminium foil and place the coated drumsticks on it. Drizzle with the oil. Bake the chicken for 45 minutes or so, turning a couple of times and basting with the cooking juices. Finish off under a hot grill if you prefer a slightly charred effect. Serve hot, garnished with onion rings and slices of lemon.
COOK’S TIP
Breads begin to stale once removed from the oven. Keep pan breads tightly wrapped and store at room temperature. Commercially baked breads may be frozen in their own wrappings if they are used in one or two weeks. Thaw at room temperature. Do not microwave.
40
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
TRAVEL Our top destinations WE KEEP being told to expect a heatwave, but why not guarantee sunshine by jetting off somewhere hot? Too expensive? These aren’t…
Tenerife For those on a budget, Tenerife is a guaranteed party place with sunshine, tequila and clubs aplenty. If you get tired of the tourist hotspots, take respite at one of the quaint fishing villages. www.islas.co.uk Zante An island of contrasts, brought together under a blazing blue sky, offers peaceful pine hills and pristine beaches by day, and an endless stretch of bars and clubs to revel in by night. www.justzante.co.uk Istanbul Spiralling minarets crown the skyline, while down below stunning mosaic architecture, pungent wafts of sizzling street food and countless bazaars lie waiting to be explored. Perfect for a short summer break www.gototurkey.co.uk Sardinia Wild horses, flamingoes and seals are the natural home of the beautiful Italian island, girdled by black basalt rock and pure white beaches. www.bluesardinia.com
THE BUSTLING cosmopolitan port town of Mombasa, Kenya, promised us scorching temperatures, beautiful beaches and adventure safaris.
Despite the hundreds of brochures, travel books and internet information we had collected, nothing could prepare us for what was in store. Arriving at our hotel, Serena Beach Mombasa, it was hard to believe that just 10 hours ago we were shielding ourselves from the miserable rain and views of the concrete jungle. Despite it being the rainy season, there wasn’t a cloud in sight; just humid heat and spectacular views of the powder-white sands and shimmering waters. Temperatures around this time of year can reach up to a fantastic 30 degrees but rainfall in the early morning and late evening ensured that the heat never became too uncomfortable. The hotel was our own glorious kingdom of luxury. Styled to resemble a 13th Century Swahili town, complete with fountained courts, carved balconies and winding lanes, it was difficult to tear ourselves away from our very own oasis of tranquillity. After we had settled down and unpacked, with sun block lotion in hand, we passed through the coconut palm grounds and headed towards the beach for some much needed relaxation. After spending the first night chilling out, we felt ready to play explorers to all that Mombasa had to offer. Most of our first day was spent taking in its most popular tourist attraction, Fort Jesus. Hailed as one of the best examples of 16th century Portuguese military architecture, the impressive structure towers over the harbour near the old town. The fort’s museum displays
MOMBASSTIC! Take a walk on the wild side in the Kenyan jungles
artefacts from the era where Mombasa was a transit point for the slave trade, including the harrowing chambers where the slaves were tortured into submission. It certainly makes you feel good to be free... After we had left the fort, we found ourselves in the heart of the old town. Suddenly we were greeted by beautiful exotic Arab architecture, narrow winding streets and a strong scent of spices. The old town is a great place to immerse yourself in the
Arab culture, with women wearing the traditional bui bui filling the busy markets. Best explored by foot, try to find yourselves an experienced guide who can tell you all about the ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. For four women with a slight shopping addiction, this was a great place to practice haggling techniques – although being Asian this came quite naturally to
Malta Island cruises and rockclimbing promise eventful times in Malta, blessed with year-round sunshine. www.visitmalta.com
us. Not only is the main city and old town swarming with charming market stalls and shops selling local hand crafted items, but the beach front is also developed with shopping goodies. A must-have for any souvenir junkie are the brightly coloured kangas worn by the local women. Although taxis and cabs are available in most parts of the town, the best way to have a truly Kenyan experience is by riding the matatu, a mini bus used regularly by the locals. Riding in one is also the best way to mingle and socialise with the friendly and hospitable locals. For me, food can sometimes be a bit of a problem when away from my home comforts, yet in Mombasa a variety of food from all the continents is available to suit any dietary needs. Indulge in whatever takes your fancy; whether it’s the traditional cuisine, Italian, Indian or Chinese. A must try is the freshly caught sea food made to order on a dhow. Mombasa is known for its
YOUR SWISS IS OUR COMMAND IF YOU’RE the type who doesn’t settle for packages boasting ‘bargain bucket’ and ‘sunbathing’, you’ll be happy to hear that the designer holiday is no longer a luxury only afforded by the mega rich. Poetic Adventures exists to give you your idea of a holiday, at a price you consider ideal. Creative Director M Zaheer explains: “As someone who loves seeing the world for what it is, rather than what a travel agent wants it to be, I found myself at the mercy of those who make my trip business rather than a pleasure.” He believes to serve you to the best of his ability, your guide needs to know the area inside and out. The area of expertise for Poetic Adventures lies in Switzerland – a place where his company has done extensive research to be able to afford you
the best it has to offer at the cheapest rate possible. They will tell you which mountain is best for skiing at sunrise, what restaurant serves salmon so fresh it melts on the tongue and when you should take a boat ride on the glittering lake Thun. Appeasing even the most ardent adrenaline junkie with a vast array of mountain activities such as paragliding and skiing, Switzerland seeks to soothe mind, body and soul – sunkissed green forests and snow-capped mountains paint a spectacular view outside your window – kneading the stress out of your bones and massaging the life back in. Depending on how couture you desire your holiday package, Poetic Adventures can arrange for you to be chauffeur-driven from the airport, to a luxury apartment in
beautiful coral reefs, perfect for a day of snorkelling and unwinding in the cool water, so we decided to take as much of it in as possible. Skuba diving and wind surfing in Mombasa, we decided, was the best in the world. After all that, it was now time to party! We didn’t expect to find much of a nightlife but thankfully we were wrong. As well as the fantastic clubs and amazing live entertainment, Mombasa also has a great selection of casinos – a great way to say goodbye to all the small change you’ll be carrying around! But the highlight of our stay was our three-day safari excursion to Tsavo, Kenya’s largest national park. Among the breathtaking savannah, mountain forest, rocky ridges and clear water springs lay a variety of animals from black rhinos to lions, leopards and cheetahs. If we came back reincarnated as animals, we could only hope we come back as one in Mombasa… • For more information visit www.kuoni.co.uk
Interlaken that overlooks the lake set against a glorious mountain range. After feasted on the scenery, indulge your stomach with exquisite Swiss cuisine, trying salmon and Swiss egg breakfasts and sampling delectable spreads served by the lake. If you can tear yourself away from the slopes long enough, it’s worth taking the picturesque boatride to St Beatus Cave or travelling up to the ice palace on top of Jungfrau Peak. As a personal recommendation, Zaheer suggests spending the final day in the 5-star Wellness & Spa Hotel Ermitage Golf, offering massages, Finnish Sauna and soothing therapies. With Poetic, you get exactly what you pay for… • Contact zaheer@poeticadventures.com
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
CLASSIFIED
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HOW TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT Advertise your business here for as little as £40 a week. Whatever the size of your business, reach out to the Asian Community by placing your advertisement here. Call the Classified team on 0207 247 3537 today. For all our advertising rates and sizes please visit www.asiancity.co.uk, or just call 0207 247 3537 for a chat with the ad team and they’ll talk you through the process. You choose the size and how long you want it for and we’ll make sure your message reaches the Asian Comunity of Britain.
41
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42
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
CAREERS HOW TO WRITE A GREAT CV IT’S the first point of contact you’ll have with a potential employer, so it’s essential you make a good impression. Creating a good CV is a lot harder than people think; namely because it isn’t a question of writing down everything you’ve done since you left school. Ultimately your CV should balance technical information with just enough room for your personality to come through.
• Be concise. Try not to exceed two pages, as some managers have been known to discard excessively long CVs without even looking at them. • Adapt it to the job; don’t mention you worked at Tesco if not relevant. Emphasise the skills and experience needed for the specific post • Always ensure your CV is immaculate and neat. Print in black ink so that your prospective employer can photocopy it. • Articulate the relevance of skills from previous jobs, how they relate to the job you are applying for, even if the jobs aren’t similar. • Adjust the style to the job you’re applying for. If you are going for a graphic arts job, for instance, you might want to incorporate colour printing. • Never put negative comments about yourself because you think you’re being modest. Positivity is always a quality admired by employers because it reflects your self-confidence and hence your ability to do the job.
Power dressing Does casual wear make you feel professional? ALTHOUGH being given the freedom to wear what you like at work seems like a blessing, figuring out exactly what to wear can land you in sartorial hell.
superiors because like it or not, in the workplace, appearances are everything. Stock phrases like ‘dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ are reinforced by experienced businesswoman like the late Anita Roddick, owner of The Body Shop, Throwing on a pair of jeans is a who said: “Professionalism comes from comfortable option but won’t impress your looking professional.” boss; donning a sharp suit will make you It doesn’t matter if you want the office to feel more professional but won’t be popular know you’re a cool cat at heart, wearing with your colleagues who’ll be wondering that ill-fitting Metallica T-shirt is going to whose job you’re after. impress no one and is better off worn when With more companies changing their you’re out with friends. It seems superficial dress policy, it’s time to think about what and maybe even a little unjust, however impression you want to give to your maintaining that smart, clean and tidy
CAREER ADVICE Q
I am considering changing my job and someone recently mentioned that I should look into becoming an Occupational Therapist. In the past I have performed well in science subjects and would love to work in the health sector, but I don’t really know much about OT and what is required to become one. Can you help?
A
Occupational therapists work with people who have physical, mental or social difficulties from birth, and they help them live a full a life as much as possible. You’ll be concerned with all the things that ‘occupy’
image actually informs the interviewer or manager the type of person you are and the way you behave in society, whether or not it’s actually true. Human Resource Manager Gun Judge advises: “Be sensible about what you wear because if you’re in a business-related job and you come in wearing flip flops, your clients are going to question the seriousness of the company you work for. Regardless of what people say, you do base your first impressions of a person on how she dresses. For instance if she dresses smart you assume she must be smart in the brains department as well. It also speaks volumes
patients’ basic everyday care, work, leisure and social interaction. To qualify as one, you need to have at least one A-level in a science subject and then complete a three year full time course or 4 year part time degree, or four year part time in services courses. As for basic attributes, you need good analytical and observational skills, excellent problem solving skills, a high level of creativity, the ability to be sensitive and excellent communication skills. If you want more information, contact the College of Occupational Therapists on 020 7357 6480 or log on to www.cot.co.uk
www.futuretraining4jobs.com
about your approach to work.” The trouble with casual clothes is that there are no boundaries to suggest what might be inappropriate. So if in doubt, avoid flashy clothes like short skirts and seethrough blouses, keep your accessories to a minimum and make sure your clothes, even if casual, are ironed and maintained well. Shoes say a lot about a person, so even if you wear trainers, ensure they aren’t scuffed. You need to balance your own personal sense of style and what’s appropriate for the job; when in doubt stick to colour coordination, dress up rather than down, and you won’t go wrong.
Q
I recently started work at a call centre and am finding it hard adjusting to the telephone culture. My supervisor has said that I am off to a good start but I was wondering if you could give me any useful phone tips?
A
•Always answer the phones in the shortest possible time. Assess the culture of the place and adapt accordingly. •Take time to listen to your customers and their needs. •Planning is crucial so have some kind of script ready. •Pace the conversation and ensure that the other person on the phone is paying attention by asking questions. •Summarise what has been agreed on the phone at the end of the call.
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
INDIA’S COMING
•UNITED Time to bat it out
Indo-Pak battle is on AFTER a haitus of five long years, arch-rivals India and Pakistan may play a bilateral series in India in December. The BCCI annouced the decision in a welcome move by the Indian board. “It was decided to resume cricketing ties with Pakistan by inviting the Pakistan cricket team for a short series in December 2012January 2013. The modalities will be worked out shortly,” the BCCI said in a statement. The planned series is, however, subject to government approval. The last time the two nations played in a bilateral series was way back in 2007. The decision to resume cricket ties evoked mixed response from former cricketers in both the countries. While some of the hailed the decision, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar questioned the “urgency” to revive ties with Pakistan.
•FIT FOR SUCCESS Hockey team
Abs out for the girls
IT’S THE sport that came to prominence in the Bollywood film Chak De India!, and now Hockey could make India winners for real. Vice-captain of the Olympic squad Sardara Singh has revealed the team have been working on their fitness in preparation for the games. Singh is regarded as one of the fittest sport people in the world which he credits to exercise physiologist David Johns who has helped transform the players. Singh admitted: “We used to shy away from our bodies because they weren’t as in shape as our competitors. But now if we do well in the Olympics, we have plans to celebrate by showing off our six-pack abs!” The team are currently busy testing out new strategies in Spain.
Celebrating the nation’s Olympic performances 1. Abhinav Bindra – Gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He is India’s first individual gold medallist at the Olympics. He trained on his own and worked his way to a special, memorable triumph. At the three World Cups this year, Bindra has stayed within touching distance of the best shooters, and has been working away from the limelight with his coaches, Gaby Buhlmann and Heinz Reinkemeier. Expect him to peak at the games this year. 2. Dhyan Chand – Gold at the 1936 Olympics. The Berlin Games were Dhyan Chand’s third and last Olympics at the age of 31. However, despite the Indian hockey team’s prowess — a 1-4 defeat against Germany in the warm-up games had set the alarm bells ringing. But they beat Germany 8-1 to win the gold medal. In the same match, Dhyan Chand lost a tooth in a collision with Germany goalkeeper Tito Warnholtz. After returning to the field, the Indians repeatedly took the ball to the German circle only to backpedal. Humiliation was complete. The hockey team have since won 8 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze Olympic medals but this was their finest moment. 3. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore – Silver at the 2004 Olympics. India’s shooters are now a major force around the world. But there was a time when they were talented but not medal contenders. All that changed on August 17, 2004, when Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won a silver medal in men’s double-trap shooting at the Olympic Games in Athens. That was the only medal India won at the Athens Games. 4. Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav – Bronze in 1952. Khashaba Jadhav was independent India’s first individual Olympic medalist when he won the freestyle wrestling bronze medal at the 1952 Helsinki Games. For nearly half a century, his would remain the only individual medal for India at the Olympics until Leander Paes won a bronze in 1996. 5. Leander Paes – Bronze in 1996. You don’t expect Leander Paes to win a medal in the singles competition but
•GOING FOR GOLD Abhinav Bindra he did. He even had Andre Agassi on the backfoot before the American found his game and victory. 6. Vijender Singh – Bronze at Beijing Olympics. The boy from Bhiwani has helped India script a boxing history that seems almost impossible to comprehend till a few years back. Vijender led the way with a remarkable performance. 7. Karnam Malleswari — Bronze in 2000. For a while, Indian weightlifting was on the upswing. Just like shooting, there was a lot of talent and were winning at the Asian level too. Malleswari’s bronze was a sign of how the Indian weightlifters had arrived on the world scene. 8. Milkha Singh — Fourth place in 400m in 1960. The Flying Sikh was a symbol for Indian athletics for years after the event. Even though he failed to get a medal by a whisper, his legend was already in place. 9. PT Usha — Fourth place in 400m
hurdles in 1984. She is regarded as one of the greatest athletes India has ever produced and is often called the “queen of Indian track and field”. She is nicknamed Payyoli Express. And all the fame comes from two major performances – In almost a repeat of 1960, there was a nail-biting photo finish for the third place. Usha lost the bronze by a mere 1/100th of a second. The other performance came at the 10th Asian Games in Seoul in 1986, where she won 4 gold and 1 silver medal in the track and field events. 10. Neville D’Souza — Fourth place in 1956. India first met hosts Australia, winning 4–2 in a football match with Neville D’Souza becoming the first Asian to score a hat-trick in the Olympics and also making India the first Asian team to reach the Olympic semi-finals. They lost 4–1 to Yugoslavia, and lost the third place play-off match 3–0 to Bulgaria. They never again reached such heights.
Sachin: no plans to retire
•STILL ON THE BALL Sachin Tendulkar
AFTER spending more than 22 years playing international cricket, the Indian batting maestro, Sachin Tendulkar, still feels hunger for the game and expressed that he has no plans of retirement in the near future. The 39-year-old is considered to be one of the greatest batsmen of the history of the game. With more than 33 thousand runs at the ultimate level of the sport, no other batsman even comes close to the Little Master. Since the last 12 months, India has struggled in Test cricket and lost the number one ranking after getting thrashed by England and Australia. In the past few days, several stories have circulated claiming the legendary player was planning on retiring. However, last week Sachin admitted he wants to carry on playing for the country and expressed that his love for the game has not gone down at all, despite pressure from different ranks. “I have grown up playing cricket. I haven’t done anything else in my life from a professional point of view. Cricket has been my life, my passion. I just want that to continue,” Tendulkar said.
43
SPORT SPORTS CITYH WITH NISHAT
Why no Olympiasians? THE London Olympics are only days away now. No doubt most of you can barely contain your excitement over he largest sporting event that we’re ever likely to see on these fair isles. Some of you, on the other hand, are muttering about the disruption to their daily routine – my piece of advice for them: take a running jump! The rest of you, like me, must be thrilled at the opportunity of seeing the likes of Usain Bolt and Jessica Ennis prove to be the fastest or fittest in the world. What strikes me, though, is that there are so few South Asians genuinely competing for some of these top prizes. Why is this? I saw a programme recently presented by former 200m world record holder Michael Johnson about why the descendants of slaves in America and Jamaica have the genetic legacy to make them amongst the best athletes in the world. Now, while Africa has the largest genetic diversity in the world, I’d wager that China has amongst the lowest, most Chinese describing themselves as ‘Han’ people. Yet, the likes of Liu Xhang, the 110m hurdler, are world record holders in athletic events. The Chinese also have athletes competing for the top titles in gymnastics, weightlifting, diving and of course, ping pong. India, on the other hand, has only ever won 20 medals. Ever. Pakistan have won half that amount, although have ‘competed’ in fewer Olympics. Sri Lanka have won two medals and Bangladesh hold the unenviable record of being the most populous country never to have won a medal at the Olympics. Read that back and see how lame that is. With the same population as China, India, in their history, have won fewer medals in total than China has gold medals in weightlifting. Is it because south Asians idea of being an athlete is being a cricketer? Are you really calling Inzamam or Yuvraj athletes?! Most of the Bangladesh team are midgets and unless midget throwing was an Olympic sport, they’re unlikely to be called athletes. Besides, you’d have thought that there’d be at least one swimmer who’s made it from Bangladesh. Despite the yearly floods, not one Miah or Begum has won an Olympic medal. And this despite them having to swim away from snakes, for Pete’s sake! It can’t be for lack of practice! I can only suggest that it’s not genetics. After all, compare a Sikh wrestler to a Bengali cricketer. You can see the difference. Amir Khan has shown that he could compete with the best as well. I can only blame a serious lack of investment in sports and sporting facilities. China realised that being good at sport was a projection of their ambitions to be a world power and this resulted in investment in facilities. In South Asia, all sporting resources seem to be diverted to the one sport we’re good at, namely, cricket. Considering that hockey is the sport where India and Pakistan got the vast majority of their medals, I’m surprised that the Governments of these countries won’t try and promote the sport more to try and project a better image of their nations. Now come on kids. Gets training. Let’s see more of you on the field next time round!
•COME ON ASIANS Let’s win this
44
Asian City July 19 - August 1, 2012
AsianCity Sport BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER
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Jeev Singh proves he’s on the par JEEV Milkha Singh beat Francesco Molinari in a playoff to win the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart after Marc Warren blew a three-shot lead. Singh, 40, carded a final round of 67 to force a play-off with overnight leader Molinari and birdied the first extra hole to take the £470,000 cheque. Singh also took the last qualifying place for next week’s Open at Lytham. The climax came when the pair played the par-five 18th for a second time, with Molinari having the first putt for birdie but leaving his effort well short. Singh then holed superbly to
at the Stockholm Masters. The Indian can now look forward to his second appearance at the Open after missing the cut at Carnoustie five years ago. “I would say I’m a very fortunate man,” said Singh after his victory on Sunday. “I’m looking forward to the Open championship. Coming from India I’m not used to links courses but since coming to Europe I’ve played a lot of links courses. “This (victory) has given me •THE BOGEYMAN Jeev Milkha Singh a lot of confidence and I can take his first win of the year. His build on that. I’m feeling fit best performance this season and good things are on their had been a seventh place finish way in the future.”
•THE BIRDIE SONG Singh celebrates his victory
TRIBUTES FOR MARK RAMPRAKASH •FLOORED Amir Khan beaten by Danny Garcia
Knocked out, but not beaten AMIR Khan has dismissed suggestions that he should retire after losing his WBA lightwelterweight title with a fourth-round defeat by Danny Garcia. IBF super-middleweight world champion Carl Froch said he would quit boxing if he had been knocked out the way Khan had. But the Bolton fighter, 25, said: “I’m not talking about retiring, I’m still young, I’ve got a lot in me. I’m still hungry and I’ll come back a lot better and a lot stronger.” Froch said at the weekend: “Khan’s been knocked out by someone who is not touted for the top level. It’s very damaging. I would retire if that happened to me.” But Khan responded: “Carl’s always got his little things to say and I’ll leave it at that really. If he wants to retire, he can retire. “I’m in a tougher division, I’m fighting better opposition and I’m a bigger name than him. That’s what burns him really. “People are going to say things after this fight, but people said things after the Prescott fight and I came back from there.” The defeat has, however, left Amir in a philosophical mood. He admitted: “I’m going to start thinking about myself because normally I’m thinking about others too much and I’m the one in the ring taking the punishment. It’s time now where maybe I do things a bit differently. “There are a lot of untied knots there and we’re going to fix them.”
KHAN’S DEFEATS
Breidis Prescott - knocked out in first round in Manchester, September 2008 Lamont Peterson - Split decision loss in Washington, December 2011 Danny Garcia - knocked out in fourth round in Las Vegas, July 2012
MANY HAPPY RETURNS TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Mark Ramprakash after he announced he was hanging up his bat for good.
The 42-year-old Surrey and former England batsman, who remains the last player to score 100 first-class centuries, has been praised by fellow cricketers from all over the world. Ashley Giles said: “He was the last of the Brat Pack with Graham Thorpe and Nasser Hussain. At county level he was phenomenal.” England legend Mike Gatting added: “You don’t put 18 year-olds into a Lord's final as Middlesex did
Celebrating the legacy of a cricketing legend
with Mark against Worcestershire in 1988 unless you think they are special, and Mark was a special talent. “He will probably be the last player to score 100 first-class centuries because of the amount of cricket that is played these days.” Old enemy Allan Donald said: “I always enjoyed my tussles with Ramps. He was a delightful bloke off the field, on it he was a tough
competitor and as good a player of quick bowling as there was in the UK. He was a terrific cricketer.” But this isn’t the last we’ve heard of Mark Ramprakash. With media work already on the table, he said: “I’m not sure what the future holds, but professional cricket has taught me many things about life. I look forward to new opportunities.”