Asian City Issue 3

AsianCity BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER

Issue 3 • August 2 - August 15, 2012

FIRST PAKISTANI WOMAN IN SPACE

FULL STORY: PAGE 22 & 23

Eid Mubarak to our readers

•MAESTRO AR Rahman

Rahman of the moment

AR RAHMAN is celebrating after becoming top of the download charts thanks to the Olympics.

Nimma Nimma, a Punjabi track he wrote especially for for last Friday’s opening ceremony, was “a hybrid desi sound with some brass elements and lots of voices.”

Before the ceremony, he revealed on Facebook that the track would “celebrate the Indian influence in the UK”, adding that he had arranged the tune in a way that is “full-on” from the start, as it was part of a medley.

Now that very medley has become the most downloaded track of the week. The song, along with others performed on the night, by artists that included The Arctic Monkeys, U2 and Paul McCartney, will now be released as an album by Universal Records.

This wasn’t Rahman’s first musical outing during a major sporting event. He composed the theme song for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and performed at the opening ceremony.

EE www.asiancity.co.uk R F

All the latest fashion, beauty & celeb gossip INSIDE YOUR FAVOURITE PAPER

BIG B LEADS THE WAY TO THE BIG GAMES

KABHI KHUSHI KABHIE GAME! Rallying support for Team Asia!

THE OLYMPICS opening ceremony may have been legendary, but for supporters of Team Asia, the party started with Amitabh Bachchan flying the torch for all our players.

Gham (sometimes joy, sometimes sorrow) certainly put us in the right frame of mind. From the outset, we knew that for many of our athletes there would be heartache. But we also braced ourselves for jubilation.This week, bronze medallist Gagan Narang gave us And the star of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie just that. Now bring on the gold!

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FLAME ON The torch bearers who led us to the Olympics Fauja Singh, 101 Marathon man

Punjab-born Fauja Singh, who defies age to run marathons, drew the loudest cheers as the Olympic Torch was carried by him, Olympic medal winners and leading individuals through London amidst a welcome clear sky and sunshine.

Clad in all-white apparel and a matching white turban, the sprightly Singh carried the torch accompanied by hundreds of admirers, including Sikhs with yellow T-shirts bearing Singh’s image, who hailed him every moment of the distance he travelled.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“There are heroes in films, and then there are heroes in real life. India got a real one today in the shape of Gagan Narang” DEEPIKA PADUKONE

Gurinder Chadha, 52 Bend it Like Beckham director

My goodness, I don’t think my parents would have ever imagined I’d have such honours showered on me when they first arrived here in the sixties. When I took hold of the flame I said to myself ‘Bole Sonihal’ (whoever utters, shall be fulfilled).

“I am honoured and blessed to have been selected as one of only a few out of Britain’s 56 million population to run with the Olympic flame. I shall treasure my torch and display it in my house next to my OBE!”

Shriya Popat, 16 Schoolgirl and Great Ormond Street Hospital fundraiser

Running with the torch is a memory that will stay with me, but for now, all I can think of is: oh my god, I met Amitabh Bachchan! I was so surprised to see him but so very happy after he said how proud he was of my work and dedication. This is one day I’ll never forget!

Tahmina Begum, 19

First Bangladeshi woman football referee

“It was really nice running with the torch. It’s a very proud moment that will go down in history and it was lovely to see my parents in the crowds as I reached the stage.

“I got to hold the torch for the first time this morning as we tested how heavy it is. It was not as heavy as I thought it would be but because I’m fasting for Ramadan it was quite a pulsating run for me!”

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

The Sun under fire

•HATERS Sajid & Shasta

Homemade plotters A COUPLE who met on a dating website have been found guilty of attempting to carry out “jihad at home”.

Mohammed Sajid Khan, 33, pleaded guilty to planning an attack on Bury’s Jewish community. His wife Shasta Khan, 38, who denied any involvement, was found guilty of engaging in preparation for terrorism and two counts of possessing information useful for terrorism.

Police discovered a cache of terror-related material after being called to a domestic dispute at the couple’s home last July.

Peroxide and bleach, used

by Mrs Khan in her work as a hairdresser, could have been used to make an improvised explosive device.

Household ingredients were also discovered that matched an article in an alQaida magazine in their home entitled “Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of your Mom”.

•DODGY When dealing goes bad

Guilty of inside dealing SIX British Asians have been imprisoned for a total of 16 years after being found guilty of insider dealing offences in the Financial Services Authority’s longest ever market abuse prosecution.

Ali Mustafa, Paresh Shah, Pardip Saini, Bijal Shah, Truptesh Patel and Neten Shah were sentenced this week after a four-month trial. It found Ali Mustafa, who worked as a print room assistant at UBS, obtained confidential information from investment documents concerning proposed or forthcoming takeover bids.

He then disseminated the information among the group who used accounts to place spread bets ahead of the announcements, knowing that when the information became public knowledge the price would rise.

The defendants were convicted of making a combined profit of £732,044.59 on trading between 2006 and 2008.

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•WHAT RACKET? Much ado about not a lot

Pakistan government turns up the heat against tabloid for “propaganda”

by SHIMA SHASTRY

“PAKISTAN passport gang is smashed”, announced The Sun newspaper last week under the headline OLYMPIC ‘TERROR VISAS’ RACKET, with the boast that the paper “infiltrated a crime ring offering false passports, visas — and access to London 2012 as bogus support staff”. President Asif Ali Zardari reacted swiftly by ordering several arrests and suspensions, in what the paper victoriously attributed as “Pakistan shamed by visa scandal: President acts after Sun investigation.”

SAVE THE GIRLS, FREIDA WORLD

Pinto’s pledge to the poor

•SLUM QUEEN Freida Pinto

SHE be the new belle of Hollywood, but Freida Pinto has other parts of the world in her mind. The new muse of veteran director Woody Allen has teamed up with an international charity to raise awareness about rights for young girls. Last month Freida visited Sierra Leone where she witnessed first hand the experiences of girls who are victims of poverty and don’t have access to the education they should be entitled to.

As brand ambassador for Plan International’s Because I’m A Girl campaign, Freida aims to raise awareness of social issues that

affect girls in poor countries including access to food, water, healthcare and education.

Freida said: “I witnessed first hand how girls can be empowered to help their communities. If given the right support we can educate girls to reach their fullest potential, pulling them out of poverty.”

Over the world an estimated 75 million young girls are not in school. The campaign is part of the first ever International Day Of The Girl which aims to reach out to four million of the world’s poorest girls. For more info visit choicesforgirls.org

But after the government’s own investigation, it now appears that the reported scam may have been a scam in itself. The government has now filed a lawsuit against The Sun in the British courts, calling its Olympics passport scam report “false propaganda”. Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, branded the story “a dirty propaganda unleashed against Pakistan.”

The investigation, conducted by National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) found that: • The visa allegedly offered The Sun’s “man” in exchange for a bribe was never issued • The “fake passport” acquired by the investigator was not based on another person’s particulars, as claimed by the paper, but based on the information, and photograph provided in person by Pakistani-born Mohammad Ali Asad – The Sun’s undercover “man”. There is nothing illegal about a man applying to renew his own ID card • The Sun’s claims that NADRA helped to forge travel documents showed the paper lacked “credibility”, seeing as NADRA has nothing to do with issuing passports • The paper’s suggestion that a corrupt official could get anyone to pretend they belonged to the official Pakistan Olympics squad for a fee was rubbished • The paper’s claim that “100 suspects have been arrested in Pakistan over the Olympic visa racket exposed by The Sun — but several ringleaders are on the run” was untrue • NADRA chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik concluded: “The British newspaper’s story about NADRA is not based on any evidence” Pakistan’s Olympic head of mission Aqil Shah also dismissed the Sun’s claims earlier this week.

It is reported Pakistan is seeking Rs10 billion in damages. The Sun newspaper said that it will defend itself robustly. Pakistan’s 39strong delegation is currently in London for the Olympics, comprising of 23 athletes and 16 officials.

The Sun’s undercover “man” is not one of •HYSTERIA Hold the front rage them.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

•WINNER John Abraham

Hot bods HOW’S the beach body coming along? We thought so. Well, if you can’t join them, then at least we can swoon over them.

Both fit and fab. ActorsAnushka Sharma and John Abraham have topped the respective female and male lists of a poll for the best beach body.

According to a survey by Hotels.com, the winners of the best Asian beach bodies went to Anushka Sharma, who received 11% of the votes, while the male hot bod went to John Abraham, who received 20% of the votes.

Other stars in the ultimate beach body line-up included Bipasha Basu, Sunny Leone, Hrithik Roshan and Arjun Rampal. On this side of the pond, the winners were Jessica Alba and David Beckham.

OPRAH’S LAST CHAPPATI No show of hands for media’s queen’s clichéd views of Indian eating habits AS THE woman who for many years was the world’s only black billionaire, Oprah Winfrey isn’t short of silver spoons – but her comments expressing “disgust” at the way Indians forego cutlery at dinner has left the talk show host eating her words.

The two-hour segments documenting her experiences in India for in her new primetime show Oprah: The Next Chapter, has been lambasted for its “clichéd” portrayal of the nation. In it, Oprah expresses “stereotyped” views on slums, arranged marriages, snake charmers and overcrowding, but the piece which has caused the most outrage is Oprah expressed her disgust at seeing a family she was dining with dip their chappatis into their curry with their bare hands, citing it as one of the examples that made her feel like she had “stepped in a time machine”.

Aseem Chhabra, a reporter for the Mumbai Mirror, blasted: “It’s all the stereotypes and all the clichés the West has, between the elephants and the palaces and the snake charmers

by NAZMUL HUDA and cows… I expected a lot more from somebody like Oprah Winfrey.”

The social networking sites were also unanimous in expressing their disappointment, with actress and TV host Maria Goretti tweeting: “It is so sad... that someone as inspirational as her just did not get the pulse of India.”

Ignorant The production team explained this week that “the intention of the programme was to explore the beautiful culture and spirit of the country”, but critics disagree. Rajyasree Sen of the India-based news service Firstpost.com called it “myopic, unaware, ignorant and gauche… this was Middle America at its best worst”, while Archana Jayakumar of idiva.com likened the show to “an exotic dish for poor Americans.”

The show has also been criticised for adding subtitles to Indian interviewees speaking in fluent English, and despite Oprah’s championing of women’s rights, for

not showing any positive portrayals of Indian women.

A statement released by Oprah’s production company Harpo earlier this week said: “We enjoyed the time we spent there and were touched by the people who so generously shared their stories for the show.”

Oprah was welcomed with much fanfare when she arrived in India earlier this year to film the show by the nation’s press, thousands of fans and Bollywood royalty including Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai and •UNWELCOME Oprah sightseeing and partying with the Bachchans Amitabh Bachchan, who at the time tweeted: “The gracious Oprah Winfrey visits our home, to meet us and bless the baby..warm hearted, endearing .. drive her to party in her honor”.

But the celebrated author and columnist Shobhaa De, who was a guest at the party held in Oprah’s honour that the Big B refers to above, believes the star has now lost all credibility in India. Denouncing The Next Chapter, Shobhaa fumed: “Oprah’s last chapter! thats what angry Indians are calling the much hyped but ridiculously shabby show.

Oprah has lost her groove.”

•MAKE MY DAY, TRUNK Stars have rallied round to spare Sunder the elephant a life of misery

KEEP SUNDER COVER AN abused baby elephant whose plight has caused international rage may soon be freed thanks to high profile figures joining the campaign to save him. Sunder, an Indian elephant is being kept inside the Jyotiba temple in the Kolhapur district of Marashtra, but reports suggest he has been kept chained up, beated and abused.

Musician Paul McCartney, who once had a hit called Keep Under Cover, has joined a list of celebrity campaigners to set him free and has written a letter to the Indian Forest Minister Dr Patanrao Shripatrao, asking him to use his powers to move Sundar to a forested santuary.

He wrote: “Years of his life have been ruined by keeping him and abusing him in this way. Enough is enough. I respectfully call on you, to get him out.”

Over the last few years there have been several scandals about the way elephants are treated in Indian temples, which are kept there to represent the Hindu goddess of Ganesha. Frequently controlled through beatings and prodded and gouged in sensitive areas behind their knees and ears with an ankus, they languish without veterinary care for even serious conditions, sustain leg injuries and are fed unsuitable food.

Many elephants at Indian temples also show signs of severe psychological distress, such as swaying, head-bobbing or weaving – behaviour not found in healthy elephants in nature. The lack of exercise and the years spent standing in one position on hard concrete amid their own waste lead to painful and crippling foot ailments and arthritis.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

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Ladies as gentlemen

Balti boost for Bradford Bulls A CHAIN of Indian restaurants has emerged as a lead player in the fight to save Bradford’s rugby team, the Bradford Bulls. The club was due to be liquidated last week with debts of £1.2m, but the deadline has been extended after a consortium of Asian businessmen stepped in.

This includes Akbar’s, which runs a number of popular restaurants around Yorkshire and which is a longstanding sponsor of the Bulls.

“We are considering a viable plan to rescue what we consider the heart of Bradford,” said Akbar’s corporate manager, Dill Butt. “The Bradford Bulls have a long history with the passionate people of Bradford. It would be a shame to let part of the family heirlooms be lost.”

End of line for Asian architects IT has long been every Asian parent’s dream for their children to become “a doctor, engineer or architect”, but it would now seem the latter ambition is on its way out.

New figures released last week show that the ethnicity of the profession is becoming increasingly white According to the 2012 Employment and Earnings Survey, almost 94 per cent of architects are white, with the proportion of Asian architects is just 2.5 per cent. In contrast, about 11 per cent of solicitors are from ethnic minority backgrounds, according to a 2011 Law Society report.

Asian architectural student Maliha Yasmin said: “These figures are depressing and seem a world away from the diversity within my college and workplace.”

FAIR PLAY FOR WOMEN (EVEN THOSE WHO USED TO BE MEN) DON’T be surprised if any of the female athletes in the Indian Olympics team turn out to be men.

The gender scandal of the Asian Games 2006 has reared its sexually ambiguous head once again to cause the Athletics Federation of India embarrassment. This week, the federation was accused of neglecting its sporting heroes (or heroines) after it emerged that Santhi Soundarajan, a former track and field sensation who was stripped of her women’s 800 metres silver medal in the 2006 Asian Games after failing a gender test, is now working as a daily wager at a brick kiln in Tamil Nadu.

Earning just 200 rupees (£2.30p) per day, Soundarajan complained: “My hands ache and burn all the time. The skin has peeled off, there are boils all over.”

Poignant Her story is particularly poignant given that the South African athlete Caster Semenya, whose gender also came under scrutiny after her 2009 world title, emerged as the flagbearer for South Africa at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics last Friday, while Soundarajan remains banned for life.

Anjali Bhagwat, India’s golden

(btw, anyone know who this woman is?)

A MYSTERIOUS woman in red has caused an international incident at the London Olympics.

Indian officials are mystified — and miffed — after an unknown young woman managed to march with the country’s athletes and officials during the opening ceremony Friday night.

Games organisers on Sunday downplayed security concerns around the unscripted moment, saying the interloper was a ceremony cast member and had been screened before entering the Olympic Park.

Images from Friday’s ceremony showed a young woman in turquoise jeans and a red jacket marching alongside Indian flag bearer Sushil Kumar at the head of the delegation of 40 athletes in bright yellow and navy blue.

“We are totally dazed,” Indian press atttache Harpal Singh Bedi said. “How can a person without any accreditation walk past?”

Indian officials said they had no idea who the woman was. Asian City can reveal the woman in red to be Madhura Nagendra, a graduate student from the southern city of Bangalore who had been living in London.

But London organising chief Sebastian Coe insisted the woman had not posed a threat to the ceremony. He told reporters she was “a cast member who clearly got slightly over-excited.”

•WHO’S THAT GIRL? Mystery gatecrasher’s identity revealed

hope for shooting in the London Olympics branded the incident “shameful”.

She said: “It’s sad that such thing has happened in our society.”

“The athletes should be given at least a central or state government job for their financial stability, in lieu of what they have done for the country,” Bhagwat said during an event organised by YouTube to launch an anthem for the Olympics.

Last month it transpired that Pinki Pramanik, who won the women’s 4x400m relay at the Asian Games was also a man – after a woman pressed charges against the •FALLEN HERO(INE) Santhi Soundarajan athlete for rape.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

AsianCity LETTERS www.asiancity.co.uk

COMMENT

BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER

Come on Team Asia!

WE’RE not ones to complain. The London Olympics are already proving to be every bit as spectacular as the opening ceremoy proved it would be. We have a winner in Gagan Narang.

Boxer Vijender Singh and badminton stars Saina Nehwa and Sri Lanka’s Niluka Karunaratne were a joy to watch. And as we go to print, there’s hope yet for 2008 Beijing gold winner shooter Abhinav Bindra.

But there’s just so few of us. The total number of athletes from the four nations that make up Team Asia – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – is 118. That’s out of a combined population of around 1.5 billion people.

We’re not the only ones shaking our heads over this. Many sports pundits have been cheekily pointing out how, despite seven appearances, Bangladesh remains the largest nation to never win a medal.

We’re not getting much supprt from our own, mind. Sports experts in Islamabad went on record this week to say Pakistan's Olympic delegation will most likely return without winning a single medal at the London Games as there is no potential team or individual that can achieve the feat.

So what’s the answer? While we’re holding onto all our wild cards in the hope someone from Team Asia will hit it lucky, I think if the Olympics is showing us one thing, it’s this.

It’s about time all us Asians started to take sports a little bit more seriously...

This is England THE saddest part of the Kiaran Stapleton ‘Psycho Killer’ case of the mindless killing of Indian student Anuj Bidve was his father Subash’s reaction.

A model of calm and collected, he sat through the entire trial watching Killer Kiaran taunt him, make a mockery of the courts, and doing everything he could do show how depraved he is as a human being.

Just one word from Subash sums up the whole sorry affair: “Why?” Here he is, a man born and raised in India, who was so proud that his son was the first Bidve to leave his country to study in Great Britain, a land that makes no bones about feeling superior to Indians in every way.

And this is the impression he leaves our country with?

As Brits, we should all feel very, very ashamed.

Eid Mubarak FOR all our readers who’ve been fasting during Ramadan, not long to go now. By the time our next issue comes out, the ceremonies will be in full swing.

Our Muslim brothers and sisters don’t need reminding that this is a time for celebrating, sharing and caring – but let’s not keep it a secret this time.

Considering the reputation Islam has garnered in recent years for violence and oppression, it’s probably a good time to let all our non-Muslim friend know the real reason why we celebrate Eid. Because we all believe life is for living, people are for loving, and the world is ours to share as one.

Eid Mubarak to one and all, whoever your god or goddess may be.

Email: letters@asiancity.co.uk

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

DISRESPECTING GANDHI WAS A DISGRACE LAST week’s front page headline made my blood boil! How dare you attack the Father of the Nation in such a manner? The man gave all he had to save our nation from the evil British Empire, how can you smear his name so? He was a married man with children, he sacrified all that he had to help the millions of Indians.

You should apologise for blackening his name.

Hitesh Hiren, Barkingside I’D LIKE to thank you for last week’s story on Mahatta Gandhi. A lot of people were up in arms at the thought of Gandhi being gay. Quite rightly Asian City points out that ‘so what if he was?’

Whether he was gay or not is irrelevant. Why does the Indian government want to hide this story?

As a gay man of Indian

origin, I have been a victim of homophobia in my own community for years. It's a shame that Asians still don't see gay or lesbian people as equal citizens. Whether Hindi, Muslim, Sikh or Christian – Asians have yet to be enlightened.

Asian City should do more to highlight the homophobia in the Asian community. I for one would be really pleased if Gandhi was gay.

Name and address withheld

YOUR Gandhi story was very offensive, both to Indians and Hindus.

Whether he was gay or not, it is a non-story. He was a great man, with great visions. He is also laid to rest. It is similar to the Western Media writing about the offensive cartoons of the Muslim prophet Mohammed. He too is a

Olympic greats

Tackling big issues

HOW brilliant was the Olympics opening ceremony? Other than the sportsmen and women (few and far between as they may be), I was thrilled to see AR Rahman and almost close to tears to see Shami Chakraborti chosen to be a key flag bearer at the climax of the ceremony. We may not be world champions at sports, but when it comes to standing up for what’s right, Shami deserves every gold medal going.

Arti Char, Stevenage

I MUST say I’m very impressed to see the length and breadth of topics you cover in your paper. While the news section does a wonderful job of cherry picking Asiancentric stories then giving them a further Asian spin, there’s some genuinely interesting articles in thre features section. I found the 7 Deadly Sins entertaining, the piece about the dangers of losing weight (Walking The Thin Line) enlightening, and the article about heroin (Under The Drug) informative, and refreshingly, not in the least bit sensationalised or patronising. My regards to you and your team.

Dr Suchitra Kumar, via email

Bored of losing I LIVE in Newham, East London, at the heart of the Olympics. I'd like to say that as an Asian, I hate the whole ruddy thing. We have hardly any decent atheletes, no sport we dominate and have to face trafic jams and road closures everywhere.All the TV channels and news reports about USA and China winning medals, it's getting boring.

I'm glad it's only for a few weeks. It might not be so bad if any of our Asian teams ever won anything!

Saleha Bibi, Chadwell Heath

Car celebrations EID is coming up, please can you tell all the rude boys and wannabe romeos to NOT spend their life savings hiring a car for the day, instead spend their money on a copy of the Highway Code and a few driving lessons. Sticking your head out the roof top at trafic lights is NOT what the day is about!

Parveez Aktar, Plaistow.

Content with content I RECENTLY read that the newspaper Metro takes 27 minutes to read cover to cover. I don’t know how you guys manage to knock out so much content, but seeing as I had a long train journey, I can tell you it took me 1 hour 42 minutes to read Asian City. so now you know!

Amandeep Guha, via email

More Deepika I REMEMBER your columnist Shihab Salim saying that back when he was the editor of Asian Xpress newspaper, he would always put a picture of Aishwarya Rai on the cover. Well, now that he seems to be doing the same here, can we please have him do the same with Deepika Padukone?

Deeply_Deepika, via Twitter

revered man from the past, which a lot of people hold dear in the minds. So when they are seen to be attacked, people naturally get upset.

Lucky for you guys, Gandhi preached non-violence.

Anuj D, Hounslow

LET me get this straight, if you’ll pardon the pun. We have some letters, the contents of which show Gandhi felt love for another man. We have a biographer who retracted the comment that Gandhi was, as The Wall Street Journal review of his book claimed “a sexual weirdo”.

The rest is speculation. I’m sorry, but I like a bit of gossip as much as the next person, but I expect to find that in the Bollywood pages, not on the front page, masquerading as “news”.

Sharmilla Frazer, via email

PUBLISHER Thufayel Ahmed GUEST EDITOR Shihab Salim ART DIRECTOR Virchand Pindoria ENTERTAINMENTS EDITOR Sohail Anjum MARKETING MANAGER Shuhed Miah CONTRIBUTORS Aliyah Ahmed, Azeem Hussain, Shima Shastry, Sarwar Ahmed, Momtaz Begum-Hossain, Jaz Kaur, Ariana Jamila Ayesha Ahmed, Avni Pindoria, Poonam Patel, Lisa Sage, Mandy Jandoo, Jerin Rahat, Adam Ahmed, Asya Ahmed, Faizah Faheem, Rafia Rahman, Tanvir Ahmed, Paul Williams, Ibrahim Ahmed, Amanda Harrison, Mike Singh DISTRIBUTION Qalbi Ali: 07947 279 926 Newstrade: Postscriptum Ltd Non-newstrade: Surma Media PRINTED BY Newsfax Ltd ASIAN CITY MEDIA LTD Unit 103, Greatorex Business Centre 8-10 Greatorex Street, London E1 5NF T: 0207 247 3537 E: info@asiancity.co.uk W: www.asiancity.co.uk

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Copyright © 2012 Asian City Media Ltd

THE LIES OF A BOLLYWOOD STAR

BETTER SAIF THEN SORRY PERHAPS it’s the pressure of his dream wedding to Kareena Kapoor being called off, but Saif Ali Khan appears to be left living in a world of fantasy.

Last week, the Cocktail star announced his next project would be a Hollywood blockbuster. He told Times of India reporters that it was to be “a love story we are working on...

It’s a secret...We are doing a film with Natalie Portman.”

But the story, widely circulated on Bollywood gossip sites, got to the attention of the Oscarwinning star, and it transpired that Portman had never heard of Saif Ali Khan, let alone of any plans

to work with him. Her legal team immediately threatened Khan with a lawsuit unless he retracted his claim and issued a public apology for falsifying information using Portman’s name.

The shamed actor, who also claims he will star with Keira Knightley in Gurinder Chadha’s next movie, backtracked on his comments and admitted that he made the whole thing up because he had become frustrated with the increasing speculation about his private life.

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•TAUNTED OUT Haresh Sood

‘Bollywog’ outrage

Star reveals big Hollywood plan, then forced to apologise for lying

by NAZMUL HUDA

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

•BRAWL Saif after fight

“If this goes on, I might just start making up stories like these to entertain myself. Hope people will understand that.”

But despite claiming his falsifications were driven by media speculation about his private life, the actor then changed the subject by Joke talking about… his private life. Speaking of his calledHe told the Times of India: off wedding to Kareena, he “It was a joke, I am sorry. revealed: “The wedding is It’s just that I am very not off. It is in Maldives... annoyed with speculations 100 people... December not on all the aspects of my life. October!”

Although whether that’s definite or another one of Saif’s flights of fancy to “entertain” himself only time will tell.

This is not the first time Saif Ali Khan has been accused of lying. Earlier this year, the actor was accused of “fabricating” his account of events, after he was charged with assualting businessman Iqbal Sharma and his father during a brawl at the Taj Hotel.

Following the incident, the star took the unusual step of telling media that the fight wasn’t a “publicity stunt”.

•SAIF WHO? Natalie Portman had no idea of “collaboration”

•UNSAIF TERRITORY The actor was forced to issue a public apology

A MODEL turned teacher who claims to have been sacked after complaining of racism, was left racist taunts in his staff pigeonhole.

Haresh Sood, 35, who is suing Nottingham’s Christ the King School for race discrimination, harassment, unfair dismissal and victimisation, claims a scribbled drawing of his face captioned “Farewell Bollywog!” was left for him shortly before he was made redundant from his language teaching post at the Catholic secondary school.

Sood, who was once voted one of Britain’s top 20 hottest men in New Woman magazine and shared the honour of “most promising newcomers to mainstream media” with Aishwarya Rai at the 2004 Global Media Awards, complained that another note allegedly from a colleague read “Good Riddance Turbanator!”

He claims he complained of harassment after pupils at the school called him a “Paki nigger”, “vindaloo”, and “black b*****d”, but instead of sympathy, he was made redundant.

Pupils from the school commented on Sood on the teacher rating website ratemyteachers.com, with one saying, “y does everyone hate soody? he like the best teacher!”, while another added: “Very good teacher. sad for his exit.

Handsome and down to earth. God bless him.”

Sood, who was made redundant from his £22,000-a-year post in August 2008, is seeking more than £100,000 in compensation for lost earnings, aggravated damages and injury to feelings.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

Diabetes can defeat us all WE knew Asians were more prone to contracting Type 2 Diabetes, and now a new research from the University of Leicester has explained why – we have higher blood sugar levels than white Europeans.

The study, the largest of its kind, found the reason behind our higher blood sugar levels is NOT due to our diets or unhealthy lifestyle, as previously thought.

Dr Samiul Mostafa, who led the study of 4,688 white Europeans and 1,352 South Asians, said the high rate of diagnosis among us was: “independent of risk factors which cause diabetes such as obesity, blood pressure, smoking and gender.”

He stressed the importance for all Asians to get tested, even those who lead healthy lifestyles and show no symptoms.

KORMA BLIGHTY! Dictionary reveals popular words and phrases the British cooked up in India

by SHIMA SHASTRY

to the gym derives from “gymkhana”, the cummerbund worn at balls is so-called because THE AVATAR that’s used by web users the of the words “kamar” (waist) and “bund” (tie), even the cot we put our infants in comes from world over, the bandana made famous the word “khat”.

by American rock stars, the very British The title Hobson-Jobson itself refers to the pursuit of polo, and the shampoo used Indian habit of rhyming words (as author Salman Rushdie paying homage to the trend by women everywhere all have the same by sprinkling his novel Midnight’s Children common root – all of these words with phrases such as writing-shiting, and originate from a British mish-mash of and Discursive. It is has now been updated for the pudding-shudding), and Indian phrases such Indian languages.

Oxford Dictionary by British academic Kate as naukar-chaukar gave birth to British terms Spanning over a 1,000 pages, the new Oxford Teltscher, in collaboration with the celebrated such as higgledy-piggledy, roly-poly and edition of the Hobson-Jobson dictionary, a Indian poet Dalgit Nagra, who described the hocus-pocus. lexicon of words and phrases of Asian origin used lexicon as “not so much an orderly dictionary as Even the word “Blighty”, which is as British by the British in India, charts how they translated a passionate memoir of colonial India”. as any word can get, originates from the into the British vocabulary during the days of the Hindustani word “vilāyatī”, and the Bengali Raj. The glossary of colloquial Anglo-Indian word “Bilati”.

Surprise words and phrases, compiled by colonialists Oh, and in case you don’t give a damn…

Henry Yule and Arthur C. Burnell, was first that’s Indian too. Dumree was a copper coin published in 1886, with the subtitle A Glossary of Words such as “pundit”, “shawl”, and and when the Brits in India felt they were being Colloquial Anglo-Indian Words and Phrases, and of “veranda” probably won’t come as too much of overcharged by an insisting Indian vendor, they Kindred Terms, Etymological, Historical, Geographical a surprise, but the very western habit of going would snap, “no, I don’t give a dumree”.

A FEW WORDS WE MADE UP Anaconda Aryan Avatar Bandana Bangle Bazaar Blighty Bungalow Cashmere Catamaran Char Cheroot Cheetah Chintz Chit Chokey Cot Cummerbund Cushy Dinghy Doolally Dungarees Ginger Gymkhana Hullabaloo

Indigo Jungle Juggernaut Jute Khaki Kedgeree Loot Musk Nirvana Pariah Pashmina Polo Pukka Pundit Punch Pyjamas Shampoo Shawl Swastika Teak Thug Toddy Typhoon Veranda Yoga

CITY TEST Can you guess which of the following words from the 1995 play Indian Ink (starring Art Malik and Felicity Kendle) by playwright Tom Stoppard are of Indian origin?

Flora: “While having tiffin on the veranda of my bungalow I spilled kedgeree on my dungarees and had to go to the gymkhana in my pyjamas looking like a coolie.”

Nirad: “I was buying chutney in the bazaar when a thug who had escaped from the chokey ran amok and killed a box-wallah for his loot, creating a hullabaloo and landing himself in the mulligatawny.”

How many did you get right?

Check answer on Twitter@asiancity

•NARCOPOLIS MAN Jeet Thayil

Drug talking A NOVEL set around a Bombay opium den has been longlisted for this year’s prestigious Man Booker Prize.

The semi-autobiographical Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil, explores the author’s own seedy experiences in India’s underground opium scene in the 70s and 80s, with a cast of pimps, pushers, poets, gangsters and eunuchs.

Despite being a renowned poet and commentator in the hip Mumbai scene, at 53, this is his first novel, a delay he puts down to his previous addiction. He admitted that he spent decades getting inubreated and “talking about writers and writing.

And never writing”. These days, he says, the only addictions he has are poetry and coffee: “Coffee’s much easier to get than heroin.”

Peter Stothard, Chair of judges, said: “Goodness, madness and bewildering urban change are among the themes of this year’s longlist.

Bookmaker William Hill has put Jeet Thayil at odds of 16/1 to win the prize.

•LOVE LOSTHudson & Ahmed

Radical choice for film festival THE film adaptation of a controversial novella that sympathises with a terrorist’s point-of-view is set to open the 69th Venice Film Festival next month.

Based on the book by Mohsin Hamid, The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a charming yet disturbing thriller starring Riz Ahmed, who plays New York city slicker Changez, forced to dramatically reconsider his religious views and cultural opinions following the events of 9/11.

Directed by Mira Nair, responsible for taboobreaking movies such as Monsoon Wedding and Kama Sutra: A Tale of Love, festival director Alberto Barbera described The Reluctant Fundamentalist as ‘an exemplary film that provides much food for thought’.

The film, shot in Lahore, Delhi, Istanbul, New York and Atlanta, also stars Kate Hudson, Kiefer Sutherland, Om Puri and Shabana Azmi.

aSIaN CITY

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FROM BOMBAY TO BRICK LANE, DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS SHIHAB SALIM MUST GO

e: shabbs@asiancity.co.uk

Hands off Winfrey SO Oprah is horrified we eat with our hands.

Questions for you Oprah: how do you eat a cheeseburger? How about a slice of pizza? Chicken wings? Maybe you’re too posh to eat things that everyone else in the civilised west regularly stuff into their faces using their grubby little paws, but what about fruit? Do you eat an apple with a knife and fork, Oprah? And how about those diet pills? You must touch them, no?

Or do you have an Asian butler on standby who dutifully shovels them down your throat with a silver spoon?

GOOD to see the story about the 11year-old kid Liam Ciorcoran-Fort tagging along with a large family to sneak onto a plane has been a thought-provoking experience for his mum.

After her tearaway son was returned to her safely at Manchester airport, relieved mother Mary said: “How did he get that far without anyone asking him one question? I just keep thinking how easy it would be for a terrorist.”

Well, here’s a thought, Mary. Instead of filling your head with thoughts about how easy it might be for terrorists to board a plane in Manchester to fly OUT of the UK, how about you keep an eye on your son?

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THE SUN SHINES OUT OF ITS FARCE Gun with the wind MURDOCH be praised! The Sun newspaper has saved everyone attending the Olympics, perhaps every man, woman and child in the United Kingdom, from imminent death and destruction from terror!

STOPS PAKISTANI TERRORISTS FROM COMING TO BRITAIN MASQUERADING AS OLYMPICS SPORTSMEN AND, YOU KNOW, BOMBING EVERYONE. Let’s boil this down to what it really is. A dodgy travel agent and corrupt politician in Pakistan are asked by a Pakistani man who lives in the UK for Here is how they saved the world. documentation – they take his money The Sun’s infamous “our man” (or Ali and promise him more, but check this, as he’s known to his mates) found a the visa was never issued. dodgy travel agency, who on earth could comprehend a dishonest travel Scammers agent, and my word – if it isn’t in his homeland Lahore! A company known But it’s the suggestion of intent that to have fallen foul of the law in the past, you say? Let’s “investigate” turns a rip-off into an almighty blowthem, thinks Ali. Offer them an up. You can investigate countless extortionate amount of money, see if dodgy travel agencies right here in the they can sort out me out with some UK offering false documentation, and they’ll call them scammers. There are dodgy documents.

They can? Well, I never. Now let’s companies promising seats at the ask them if they know anyone who Olympics at a hugely inflated rate, can pull a few strings, get me into the and they’re called touts. But when the UK (even though I live there), maybe money-grabbing firm in question are even tickets to the Olympics. Maybe all the way in Lahore, well, they’re you guys know some sort of corrupt obviously some sort of terrorist cell, politician who might sign a piece of aren’t they?

You should read The Sun readers paper saying I’m part of the Olympics squad? Don’t answer that yet, here’s page. Dick Waring from Portsmouth another few grand while you’re shudders: “It’s worrying how many thinking about it. What’s that you people will be coming to the say? You “promise” you can arrange Olympics just to disappear after it’s all this? Hold the front page: SUN over.” While Luke Jones from

HOW MEN INTELLECTUALISE STARING AT A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN HAVE you noticed how many bud-bud accents appear on American TV these days? Apu in Simpsons was funny, because everyone in Springfield is meant to be a caricature, but it’s cringy stuff like The Big Bang Theory that makes idiots like Ashton Kutcher think it’s okay to parody us in a way that’s make the producers of It Ain’t Half Hot, Mom blush. Ever since Mike Myers resurrected Peter Seller’s intelligent ghost in the dimwitted The Guru, hardly an American movie goes by without a confused desi speaking funny and shaking its head. So it comes as a total delight to see the character of Cece (played by half Indian Hannah Simone) in prime time show New Girl, playing an Indian, but with no trace of caricature. And that, ladies, is just one way a man tries to intellectualise staring at a beautiful woman. Oh bloody hell.

Clwyd adds: “I’m extremely relieved The Sun has exposed the racket that might have allowed terrorists to infiltrate the heart of the London Olympics. The thought of what could have happened filled me with dread.”

Do these people really think a bunch of terrorists can get past The Home Office’s stringent checks on every sportsman entering the country, whose names, pictures and fingerprints have been logged and scanned months in advance, then just stroll into the Olympics arena, because don’t worry, everyone will think all Pakistanis look the same?

What am I talking about? These are Sun readers we’re talking about.

Of course they do.

I DON’T like making fun of Americans. My favourite novels are by American authors, my as are many of my favourite actors and comedy shows, the good looking people on telly I feel good looking at – all Americans.

But when it comes to being insane, nobody does it quite like them.

I’m not simply refering to James Holmes, the Batman Killer, but the pro-gun lobbyists who’ve all started a relentless campaign to prove that, and I kid you not, if everybody in that cinema was armed... then this tragedy wouldn’t have happened. Quite apart

from the fact that if everyone is carrying a weapon that generally means you’re at war, this line of thinking is on a par with the thought: well, if terrorists have bombs, so should we!

But nothing gets more looney tunes than how they’ve decided to ensure this sort of thing never happens agains.

Seeing as James Holmes was dressed in a costume and wielding a gun, they’ve decided to ban...um, costumes.

I guess we should be grateful the crazy contingency of America haven’t taken to expressing their beliefs through explosives...

EID is almost on its way. I’m not the most religious of people. In fact, you might go as far as to say I’m Satan’s little helper in just about every single way, but I do see all religions for the peace it can bring. I’m not one of those people that bangs on about religion being the root of all wars – I’m fully aware those are caused by men and their wholly ungodly greed. Nor do I buy the claptrap about how Islam breeds extremism because, well, I’m not a Tory Daily Mail reading nitwit. But there is one thing about Islam that drives me nuts.

Every year, seemingly without fail, Eid is celebrated by my Bangladeshi friends on one day, my Pakistani friends the next. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t is haram to fast on Eid, and haram to feast on a fasting day? How can we show the world we’re united when we can’t even agree on which day we should celebrate our unity? And I hate to bring science into it, but in this instance, the moon sighting issue can easily be solved by science. It’s called a lunar calender.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

PSYCHO CAGED

Indians prefer Oz to UK THE reputation of Australia for being racist may be a thing of the past, with India topping the list of the highest number of permanent migrants entering the country.

29,000 Indians entered Australia during the 2011-2012 migrant programme, accounting for over 15% of their total intake. China came second and Britain third with just over 25,000.

The country has also seen a rise in migrants from Sri Lanka. Those entering are mainly skilled professionals such as accountants and software engineers. Chefs were also high on the list, which means Sydney may be in the running for becoming one of the curry capitals of the world; 43% of Indian migrants are cooks.

•KILLER Stapelton showed no remorse

TIME UP HO GAYA, PACK UP Rajesh Khanna’s final message to fans, friends & family from the grave

Sean Paul to Dhoti Rock DESIS are getting geared up for the onslaught of dancehall fever as Sean Paul announces dates for his South Asian tour.

The Dutty Rock singer, who kicks off the live tour in India this November, also announced he will be trying his hand at composing a movie soundtrack.

Following in the steps of Akon who appears along side Shah Rukh Khan in Ra One, the dancehall, r’n’b, ragga sensation is hoping his reggae sounds will appeal to the Bollywood fraternity.

Admitting he’s already in talks with filmi producers, Sean said: “It’s your boy Sean and you heard it straight from me – India, get ready!”

RAJESH Khanna’s death was mourned by the whole nation, but the actor renowned for keeping his fans begging for more has given them just that – a message to cherish after the final curtains.

In the recorded message, the veteran actor, considered the Hindi film industry’s first superstar, said: “Dear friends, I don’t have a habit of dwelling on the past and living in nostalgia. We have to always look forward to the future. There is no point thinking about things that have passed by. But when we meet familiar faces in unfamiliar circumstances, old memories come rushing back.

In his very own obituary, the 69-year-old iconic actor reflected on the starting point of his long and illustrious journey. He said: “When I joined the film industry, I had no godfather, no relatives or family that I could turn to.”

True to his good humoured-persona that made him a hit both with all genders and ages across the board, he joked about his first film audition, saying: “They asked me: we sent you a dialogue, did you memorise it? I was sitting in front of the table where they were seated and felt I was undergoing a court martial. I thought they would take a gun and fire at me!”

In the message, he made a point to refer to

friends, fans and family as one, saying: “Friends, I am a part of you, and I am grateful that you all took time out for me. It was your love that made you come to watch my films.

And for that, I remain eternally grateful.”

The star, whose final breathing words, according to NDTV, was “Time up ho gaya, pack up” has had tributes flood in since his funeral last Thursday.

Akshay Khanna, who is married to the legend’s eldest daughter Twinkle, told fans: “I always wanted to witness my father-in-law’s superstar stardom during his hey days. Thanks to you all, I did, giving him a dignified funeral that he deserved.”

Khanna’s old sparring partner Amitabh Bachchan could barely contain his sorrow when he tweeted: “The crowds were in throngs, with scant respect for the situation.

Pity”.

Perhaps the stars can find consolation in his final piece of reflection: “Yes, I am an artist. Yes, I am an artist. Why would you want to hear my story?”

The one person who might not have a good word to say is estranged wife Dimple Kapadia, who wasn’t left a rupee of Rajesh Khanna’s vast fortune in his will.

Mindless killer locked up for life THE self-styled ‘psycho’ who shot dead an Indian student in cold blood because he “had the biggest head”, has been given a life sentence.

Kiaran Stapleton, 21, walked up to stranger Anuj Bidve, 23, on Boxing Day last year in in Salford, Greater Manchester, and shot him in the head at point blank range.

He then laughed as he stood over the body of his victim.

Stapleton, 21, had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but a jury at Manchester Crown Court rejected that argument and convicted him of murder yesterday.

He also found amusement in police interviews over the murder and regularly grinned and laughed throughout his five-week murder trial.

The defendant beamed as he came into court for the verdict and again towards a family member as he was led from the dock.

Mr Justice King told Stapleton: “In my judgment, this was no impulsive act on your part. It was a piece of coldblooded controlled aggression.”

He added: “I have no doubt that when you fired that fatal shot you had the intention to kill and moreover at all times you were in full control of your actions and fully aware of what you were doing.”

In an impassioned statement, the dead man’s father Subhash Bidve said: “Everyone in the family was so proud of him. Anuj was taking all our hopes with him. He was the first Bidve boy to go abroad to study.”

He added that he believed Stapleton should never be released from prison.

His son had arrived in the UK to study micro-electronics at Lancaster University and was visiting Manchester with a group of friends last Christmas. They left their hotel in Salford to queue early for the sales when their paths crossed with Stapleton asked them for the time. He then pulled a handgun out of his pocket and fired one shot to Mr Bidve’s left temple.

Stapleton told one psychologist in prison he picked out his victim for no logical reason other than because “he had the biggest head”.

•RAJESH KHANNA BOWS OUT His funeral, led by the Bachchans, and the actor in his prime •SENSELESS KILLING Student Anuj Bidve

Model’s death riddle Did Sahar Daftary jump or was she pushed?

THE truth behind why a model fell to her death from a highrise building may never be known after the coroner was unable to say what led to the fall.

Sahar Daftary, 23, a former Face of Asia beauty contest winner and Asiana magazine model, died after plunging to her death from a 12th floor building in Greater Manchester.

The coroner returned an open verdict, after concluding it would be impossible to reach any conclusion as to whether Sahar had been unlawfully killed or had taken her own life or that her death was an accident.

The inquest heard she had married businessman Rashid Jamil a year earlier, even though he was already married and had two children with another woman.

On the eve of the tragedy, Sahar had a furious row with Jamil after discovering glamour girl Lauren Penney and her friend had been staying in the flat.

An hour after former escort Miss Penney and Helen Marshall, another escort, left the property, Miss Daftary fell 150ft to her death.

He was arrested on suspicion of

MAY THE HORSE BE WITH YOU

11

•CALL FOR CALM Vaz

Keith Vaz says relax

doing against him.

He said: “This tragic loss has clearly deeply affected everybody touched by it. Mr Jamil now wants to return to his wife and family and continue normal life.”

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said Greater Manchester Police reviewed the investigation earlier this month and found that every possible line of inquiry was “thoroughly looked into” by detectives.

He said the force had found “no evidence whatsoever” to substantiate any claims of thirdparty involvement in her death.

Sahar’s mum Anisa Daftary, 58, •WIFE NO 2 Sahar with husband Jamil criticised the police investigation after the inquest calling it a murder by police, but was later told ‘shocking disgrace’.

She said: “Since her death, all we by the Crown Prosecution Service he would face no charges. Mr Jamil have wanted is justice because the told the inquest he did not see police have failed to properly Sahar go over the edge. He told investigate what happened.

“We have never believed that police she had jumped after giving him an ultimatum to leave his wife. she took her own life and hope everyone can now see that her Investigation strength and personal beliefs show this to be the truth.”

“We have never believed that Mr Jamil’s barrister Eric Shannon said his client had been she took her own life and hope cleared by a “very thorough” police everyone can now see that her investigation and said the coroner strength and personal beliefs show had made no finding of wrong- this to be the truth.”

•MYSTERY How Sahar died may never be known

HORSES skulls, discarded human hair and chicken heads may be the stuff of nightmares, but for Nottingham artist Kashif Nadim Chaudry, thery are things of beauty. The openly gay artist’s new exhibition Meme is a “continuation of ideas” that takes our passion for colour onto a new dimension. He revealed: “”My inroad in being creative came from my mum with her tailoring and the kind of fabric she used. At Asian tailor shops they use every kind of colour, any kind of colour.” With an unhealthy dose of formaldehyde, of course... Memes, is running at Nottingham’s Lakeside Arts Centre until the 27th of August.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

HOME Secretary Theresa May should relax border checks to prevent queues at UK airports going back to pre-Olympics levels, a committee of MPs has said.

Border force chief Brodie Clark was forced out of his job in a row over easing identity checks at airports.

He claimed he was being used as a political scapegoat after Mrs May said he had relaxed passport checks without her approval, something he denied.

But Keith Vaz, chairman of the influential home affairs committee, said the scheme had kept queues down.

And it should be reinstated now the “panic” around Mr Clark had died down.

Mr Vaz led believes the senior civil servant's departure was “totally unnecessary” and had happened because “everyone panicked”.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

13

WORLD NEWS

HINDU MOBS PUNISHED •UNSETTLED The displaced

Let’s settle this now

THE resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North will be completed in the next few months and the elections for the Northern Provincial Council will be held before September 2013, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa said today.

At a discussion held with heads of news divisions and chief editors of electronic and print media institutions held in the Temple Trees this morning the President affirmed that the government’s aim is to hold a free and fair election that reflects the true preference of the people in the North in order to empower democracy.

In response to a question on holding provincial council elections on a staggered basis, the President said results of the elections will highlight the true will of the voters.

21 sentenced to life for 2002 Muslim killings

No entry to Australia

AN INDIAN court sentenced 21 Hindus to life imprisonment in the deaths of 11 members of a Muslim family during some of the country’s worst sectarian violence 10 years ago.

Muslims have been largely peaceful since the bloody partition of the subcontinent into India and Pakistan on independence. But mistrust runs deep and there are sporadic bouts of violence.

The verdict on Monday was the second in nine cases of rioting and Judge S.C. Srivastava found the murder pending against hundreds 21 guilty of attempted murder and of Hindu hard-liners. In November rioting. The killings took place in last year, 31 Hindus were 2002 in Visnagar, a town in sentenced by the same court to life imprisonment for killing dozens of Gujarat state.

More than 1,000 people, most of Muslims by setting a building on them Muslims, were killed by fire in the state’s Mehsana district.

Hindu mobs in the state after a The courts are expected to issue train fire killed 60 Hindus who verdicts in the remaining cases were returning from a pilgrimage. within a year as ordered by India’s Muslims were blamed for the fire. top court. Indian courts are Tens of thousands of people were notorious for long delays.

The state government, run by left homeless as the rioters set fire the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya to Muslim homes and businesses.

The religious violence was Janata Party, was accused of among India’s worst since its looking the other way when independence from Britain in 1947. Hindus attacked Muslims after the Relations between Hindus and train fire.

WILDLIFE experts are shocked at the recent mass-death of wild peacocks fearing it may be an outbreak of the highly contagious Newcastle disease.

At least 60 peacocks were found perished in the Thar desert in southern Pakistan, officials have confirmed, but local media reports say hundreds of the exotic birds have died.

Newcastle disease, which has nothing to do with Cheryl Cole or Brown Ale, is the deadliest of all viruses spread among birds.

The Pakistani wildlife ministry said tests were being done to determine cause of death, but experts are suspecting they may have been afflicted with Newcastle disease, known locally as ‘ranikhet’.

A spokesperson said the wild peacocks had been weakened by starvation, deforestation and a lack of safe drinking water blamed on delays to the annual monsoon rains.

POWERLESS TO REACT ONE of the biggest power cuts in India’s history brought Delhi and the surrounding region to a stand still when the northern grid failed leaving over 370 million people without power for over eight hours. Major disruption occured throughout the city affecting 300 train services and impacting on street lights, food production, offices and services.

While the midsummer outage was unique in its reach — it hit 370 million people, more than the population of the United States and Canada combined — its

•STRANDED Illegals on boat

cuts, and upscale homes are hooked to backup systems powered by truck batteries.

Power cuts are common in India due to a ‘shortage’ of power, high demand and an ageing grid, this is despite the fact millions of people are still not connected to the grid. The •BLACKOUT India’s worst powercut system is also so ‘weak’ that impact was softened by Indians’ power cuts can be set off by the familiarity with almost daily smallest of interferences. On blackouts of varying duration. Saturday, a cat jumped onto the Hospitals and major businesses Delhi grid and left parts of east have backup generators that Delhi without electricity for 24 seamlessly kick in during power hours.

•MIXED EMOTIONS Muslims welcome the news while Hindu relatives weep

SRI LANKA’S navy rescued people from a stricken boat trying to flee to Australia and stopped a second vessel, raising the number of would-be illegal immigrants caught this month to more than 530.

It was the highest number detained in a onemonth period in recent years, a navy official said, as Australia faces a steady influx of asylum seekers arriving by boat.

The navy went to the rescue of 28 people after a passing ship reported that their trawler was drifting some 300 miles southeast of the island.

“The vessel was on its way to Australia and had been drifting for days,” said a navy official, who declined to be named.

“After the rescue, they were arrested for breaking immigration laws.”

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

WORLD NEWS

TOTALLY GUTTED AT least 47 people perished in a fire aboard a passenger train in southern India and railway officials expect the death toll to increase as desperate rescue efforts continued.

The accident on the train traveling from New Delhi to Chennai, 1,100 miles to the south occurred near Nellore in Andhra Pradesh province around 4.20 am local time when most of the passengers were asleep.

One coach was completely gutted and rescuers were struggling to operate gas cutters in searing temperatures inside the metal carriage to gain access to adjoining coaches to try and recover some of the injured.

Officials said 30 injured passengers many of suffering from critical burn injuries, had been transferred to nearby hospitals.

Railways ministry spokesman Chandralekha Mukherjee in Delhi said the cause of the fire was not known, but speculated that it could have been triggered

•WRECKAGE The scene where 47 people died by a short circuit. “Inflammable materials being carried by some passengers could have been responsible for the fire spreading rapidly across the passenger coach,” she added.

Indian Rail, meanwhile, has announced an gratia payment of Rs 500,000 (£5800) for the families of those who died in the fire.

Politician stripped

•THE PERFECT MODEL Model Zulkeya Rivera helps promte AIDS awareness in India

A BANGLADESHI member of parliament filmed naked with a woman in his office was forced to undress at gunpoint by a gang who used the footage to extort money from him.

Officers arrested five people, including three women, on charges of blackmailing the lawmaker who is allied with the government.

The incident took place in the capital Dhaka in May and the gang allegedly demanded five million taka (£40,000) from the legislator – identified as Abdul Jabbar by media – or threatened to release the film on the internet.

India’s winning plan to fight aids in Africa A HIGHLY successful AIDS prevention programme launched in India holds hope for Africa where over two- thirds of the people with the deadly disease live and claimed some 1.3 million lives in 2009.

Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

At a cross-learning session between Africa and India at the AIDS conference, four African nations which had seen the Indian programme effectively conveyed that they were looking at how they can scale up their programmes in quality and “There is so much demand for these intensity by following the Indian model. learnings in Africa,” Alkesh Wadhwani, Although Africa is home to about 14.5 head of the foundation’s India percent of the world’s population, it is programmes, told IANS. estimated to be home to 22.5 million or 69 “Multiple countries visit us and seek all percent of all people living with HIV and the tools and techniques we use to scale up at 1.3 million accounted for about 72 their programme with sex workers,” said percent of all AIDS deaths in 2009, Wadhwani who was here to attend the just according to UNAIDS Report on the concluded International AIDS Conference. Global AIDS Epidemic 2010.

In just one year, official teams have come “We are intensifying the effort to to visit the foundation from seven eight transfer tour learning to Africa,” said African countries, including Cote d’Ivoire, Wadhwani.

MADE TO CONVERT ON TELEVISION

THE forced conversion of people to Islam is not a new occurrence in Pakistan, but the recent conversion of a Hindu boy on a live TV program has given the issue a new dimension.

To the shock of Pakistani rights activists and progressive people, a 20-yearold Hindu boy, who goes by the name of Sunil, was recently shown being officially converted to Islam on a live TV show aired by the ARY Digital, a private

it was presented live on TV in Pakistan.

Though Sunil said he was not forced to convert, the issue sparked a renewed debate in Pakistan about conversions, religious •FORCED Rinkle Khanna privacy, media ethics, and TV channel. It was a special more significantly, the role of live transmission marking the religion.

Earlier this year, the forced Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Though the conversion of Rinkle Kumari conversion of Hindus and and two other Hindu girls Christians is not a new from the southern Sindh also angered phenomenon in the Islamic province republic, it was the first time Pakistani activists.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

15

ISSUES

A LOAD OF RUBBISH Throwing it away doesn’t mean the problem is gone Give a child a home

WE’VE got a lot to be proud of. As a community we welcome strangers into our home, never let guests leave without feeding them, have unshakeable family values and we’re fiercely passionate about our culture. So why is it that when it comes to the idea of adopting an Asian child all alone in the world, we don’t want to know?

Most of us have been lucky enough to have a mum and dad, who we’ve probably taken for granted. Right now there are hundreds of Asian children in Britain who desperately need a mum and dad to take care of them. If you’re unable to have children, adoption is such a fulfilling option.

Worryingly, adoption figures have dropped since 2000 but a huge effort is being made to raise awareness, particularly in the North. Councillor Margaret Davidson, convener of the joint committee on young people and children, said: ‘We are looking for a range of people with different skills and from different walks of life, particularly those in the ethnic minority communities. We want as many people as possible to come forward as we need to build up our bank of carers, so we have more choice when young people need to be looked after away from home.’

It’s largely due to ignorance about the actual adoption process that certain people in the Asian community think adoption is a long-winded process or, even worse, taboo.

If a child’s parents gave them up for adoption then it’s shameful. But bad things happen and life isn’t an easy ride; there is nothing shameful about a child who’s lost their parents and needs to be nurtured.

You don’t have to be a traditional family to qualify to be adopters, all you really need is what all healthy families need to meet a variety of challenges: flexibility, humour, a reasonable amount of patience and an unlimited supply of love.

LEARN TO ADOPT

What is adoption? Once a child has been adopted is it final?

Adoption is a legal procedure in which all the parental responsibility is transferred to the adopters. Once an adoption order has been granted it can’t be reversed except in extremely rare circumstances, so if you think you want to help out temporarily, then you should consider fostering. An adopted child loses all legal ties with their first mother and father (the birth parents) and becomes a full member of the new family, usually taking the family’s name.

Who can adopt?

There are far more people wanting to adopt white babies than Asian, and more importantly the agencies try to match the racial and cultural background of the child and adoptive parents, which is why Asian adopters are needed urgently. You don’t need to be a homeowner, married, childless, under 40, or university educated to adopt.

Under the Adoption Act, any resident over the age of 21 is eligible to apply to adopt, regardless of whether they are single or in an unmarried relationship.

If I want to apply to adopt how do I go about it?

You will need to go through an agency, which are usually part of the local authority social services or voluntary societies such as Barnardo’s. Look for agencies on the British Association for Adoption and Fostering website at www.baaf.org.uk How long does it take to get approved?

It usually takes six months for social workers to get to know prospective adopters and to assess and prepare them for what’s to come.

What happens when the child moves in?

After a series of introductions, which can stretch over a month, the child moves into the home and becomes part of the family. A social worker will be on hand at all times to help things run smoothly.

Useful contacts: • BAAF: 020 7593 2000 • Barnardo’s: 020 8550 8822 • www.dfes.gov.uk/adoption

WASTE not, want not is a phrase we’re all familiar with and most of us abide by it: if we don’t want it, we chuck it in the bin. Who cares what happens to it afterwards as long as it’s not cluttering up our houses?

You should do, because mountains of rubbish don’t just disappear by magic, and at the rate we’re going, we’ll end up turning the world into one big dumping ground. And all it takes to make a huge difference are small actions.

The simple act of sorting out your newspapers and bottles from the rest of your trash, buying re-usable batteries, or giving old clothes to charity instead of throwing them away can create tidal waves of change.

It doesn’t take much at all. And what with 75 per cent of Londoners being provided with services collecting recycling goods from their home, being environmentallyconscious has never been easier.

Recycling does make a difference. You can, for instance, make 20 cans out of recycled material with the same amount of energy it takes to make a new one.

You can save enough energy by recycling one aluminium can to run a TV set for three hours or to light one 100 watt bulb for 20 hours.

And you can run this country with enough electricity for several years by recycling steel…

containers. Do the ‘scrunch test’. If it can’t scrunch up, then it can’t be recycled.

•Plastic is difficult because it’s often mixed up with other compounds, but you can recycle clear plastic water or soft drinks bottles and opaque plastic bottles such as milk Here’s just some of the things you containers. could do to clean up your planet: •Electrical goods like computers • Aluminium foil can be recycled, and televisions are difficult to including kitchen foil, foil milk dispose of, resulting in an estimated bottle tops, baking and freezing 2 million TV sets discarded per trays, take away and ready meal year while 1 million computers go

RECYCLE LESSONS

The most common materials collected for recycling are glass, paper, cans and textiles. Some are collected from your doorstep, others through recycling sites. Some London boroughs recycle a broader range of materials such as green garden waste, plastics, cardboard, electrical goods, domestic appliances e.g. fridges and cookers, car and household batteries.

Reuse things Use jam jars to store pens, think about either selling unwanted items or giving them to charity, or friends and family, rip up old shirts for dusters, make playthings for children and use plastic water bottles to

protect seedlings in the garden.

Think about what you buy Try and choose products with packaging you can recycle. Buying products that are more concentrated, using refills for household items, buying products in bulk, and avoiding disposable products, will all cut down on London's waste.

Buy recycled products Look out for products made from recycled materials as this will help to create further demand for the materials you recycle.

Recycled products you can buy include mouse mats made from recycled tyres, pencils made from plastic vending cups and toilet paper and kitchen roll made from recycled paper.

into landfill sites each year.

•Disposing of mobile phones is important, as a number of their parts are toxic. A number of charities, some boroughs and some supermarkets now collect mobile phones for recycling.

You’ll notice more and more recycling banks popping up all over the nation – use them. Junk mail, newspapers, jars, bottles, shoes, clothes – throw in the lot. Many people can’t be bothered, especially if there isn’t such a facility in their

neighbourhood and they don’t own a car, but thanks to a new service launched to collect your garbage for recycling straight from your home, there’s no longer an excuse. Call the helpline number on 0845 600 0323 to see if you qualify to have the load taken off your doorstep.

Recycling is an issue we all need to get clued up on, before it becomes too late.

• Visit www.recycleforlondon.com to find out what recycling services your local borough provides.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

Hot in the City YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ASIAN ENTERTAINMENT

e: sohail@asiancity.co.uk

ACTON IMPULSE How Eisha Acton is hotting up the ramps

Syal along to Shakespeare

MODELLING is all about instinct, says Miss Norfolk 2012, Eisha Acton, who narrowly missed out on the Miss England crown recently.

“You get a feel of what will work and what won’t, but you have to go for it if it feels right,” she said. Far from crying over the lost Miss England crown, she added: “I appreciate how taking part opens doors.”

As Miss Norfolk, she was asked to model jewellery donated by Paris Hilton at a charity auction. “It’s such a privilege to be wearing the jewellery which was actually worn once by Paris Hilton herself for the Guess shoot in New York.”

Her most recent assignment, lead Eisha to team up with international photographer, Alan Strutt, which took her to the exotic beaches and resorts of Thailand for a week long swimwear photoshoot.

But she’s not about to or dive it anything on a whim: “After receiving my final year university grade a few days ago 2:1 (A heart-wrenching 1% off a first which I am currently trying to appeal for) I’ve decided not to rush into a graduate job just yet.” Besides modelling she also runs a mobile spray-tanning business and four comparison websites.

Enjoying the fast paced life, Eisha plans to participate in more international pageants, with the likelihood of representing Ireland at the Miss Bikini International in China later this year.

Should the impulse take her...

MEERA Syal, currently starring in an all-Asian adaptation Much Ado About Nothing in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford-UponAvon, thinks there’s much in the bard we can relate to.

“I think it works very well,” she says. “One of the biggest challenges with Shakespeare is finding the right setting, one that makes the play sing with urgency, and modern India does seem to be the ideal place as so many of its major themes have such present-day relevance in a city like Delhi.”

She explains: “The story is set in a joint-family system.

Then you have the contrasting couples of Hero and Claudio – the arranged marriage – versus the old unmarried cynics Beatrice and Benedick – the love marriage. And then there’s the central dark scene on which the play turns, which is a staged honour killing.”

The love story, reminds her of her relationship with husband Sanjeev Bhaskar: “They can’t stand each other, but they love each other and belong together!”

The pair will get the chase to lovingly battle it out again soon, with a new series of Kumars at No 42 planned for later this year.

•LAUGHTER THERAPIST Nitin Mirani

IN PAIN? NITIN IT THE BUD IF laughter is the best medicine, then Nitin Mirani is a shot of adrenelin pumped straight into your funny bones.

From recession to iPhones and Enrique Iglasias to Bollywood, relationships and different cultures and his witty one-liners, he managed to tie up every audience in stitches of laughter.

Having already entertained packed houses all over the Middle East, India, Hong Kong, Maldives and Canada, this was his first ever UK appearance where he brought his show Komic Sutra to London.

He explains:“I have always believed and known that humour plays a very important part in everyone’s lives. Some people work so hard they end up having a comedy bypass or even an amputation. My job is to lift their spirits, stitch them up and laugh them back into shape.”

He adds: “You should know I don’t have medical training for this, so please don’t come to me if you have flu... or syphillis.”

Having performed with international comedians such as Maz Jobrani, Aron Kader, Dean Obedullah, Papa Cj, Vidur kapur to name a few. Nitin has earned titles such as “A Comic Riot” and “the laughter therapist” internationally.

With growing demand all over the world for his sharp wit and observational comedy, get ready for Nitin to tickle all your pains better.

ON THE HOT SEAT: SWAMI BARACUS

Why don’t men open up to their girlfriends or wives?

It’s probably because women tell them exactly what they DON’T want to hear... which is the truth! Procrastination is a classic male trait, and the less the problem is dealt with the easier it is to manage daily. Plus a few pints ensures they forget what the issue was by the next morning anyway!

Why do men never listen?

I always felt it’s a myth that men don’t listen. They do, however, it’s more SELECTIVE HEARING than listening!

There’s only so much time given to a repetitive conversation before it inadvertently gets channeled out, especially if the point was already made and addressed in the first conversation!

Why do men leave socks on the floor?

I don’t personally, but I can envisage those that do. I suppose its easier to collect all your clothes for washing at

the end of the week, and if there’s no specific place for dirty socks till then, the floor will do!

Why don’t men bother to groom themselves while women have to tart themselves up?

Men do groom themselves. It’s just that it’s done in a tenth of the time it takes a woman, so it feels to them like no effort was applied!

What irritates you about women the most?

Umm, where do I start? There’s a few but here’s for something off the top of my head. I love my food, so eating out incorporates a healthy part of my social life. I’ve been out with girls who order a specific dish, only finish a quarter of it saying they’re too stuffed, then proceed to pick food out of my plate... food envy gets you nowhere, love.

Why do blokes never call when they say they are going to?

That notion can work reciprocally. It’s always an attempt to end a conversation when you don’t want to pursue things, without hurting the other person’s feelings. Also, people may assume an unrealistic response time for calling back, that cannot be helped!

When women ask you what you’re thinking and you say ‘nothing’ … is it true?

If it’s me, nine times out of ten... It’s probably true. The tenth time would be one of music, sport or food!

Men enjoy sport because secretly they like the idea of playing with each other. Discuss …

There’s nothing to discuss, absolutely no way! It’s the equivalent of saying women date older men, because secretly they like the idea of wanting to be with someone like their father. It’s just wrong! End of discussion.

Is it possible for a man to be faithful?

If your woman provides you with everything you need in life, then why the need to be unfaithful? Yes men can be tempted by the ‘grass is greener’ concept, but a good woman means the need to stray is non-existent. Now, if a woman continually plays games and absconds to anything physical, then obviously don’t be surprised if a man cheats!

If you were married and your dream girl offered you a one night stand, could you resist?

Damn... Does that mean I didn’t marry my dream girl then?

Who should make the first move?

Never dither, or you could potentially miss out in your attempts to get the person you’ve always wanted in life. For that, both.

Should women rule the world?

It’s pointless. The apes will take over soon enough, regardless.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

PARTY CHOPRA

Sharma shaker AFTER the success of his debut directorial film Arjun and Alison which premiered at the recently held London Indian Film Festival, Sidharth Sharma will now be looking forward to his next venture, Darinda early next year, co-produced between an Indian and •DARING Sharma a UK production house.

Talking about his next venture, Sidharth said, “Darinda narrates the story of a man who becomes a monster due to certain unavoidable circumstances. To add some light moments to this intense drama, a love story will be weaved in.” The film will be shot in India, Nepal and the UK.

FILM FANS can wait for the release of Don 2, Agneepath, Teri Meri Kahani, Barfi!, and Krrish 3, but we here at Hot are going crazy with anticipation waiting for Priyanka Chopra’s new turn as a recording artist.

We know PeeCee has flown out to Spain to work on her music album with producer RedOne, and that she’s decided to extend her stay in the party capital of Europe, Ibiza. She must be having fun because Priyanka, who turned 30-years-old last month, has taken an almost unheard of break from social networking.

One of Chopra’s team member, who manages her fan club on Twitter posted: “She’s in a bad network area but @priyankachopra just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for making her feel so special and loved!”

Five days after her birthday, another message on Twitter was posted saying: “Thanks for your messages. @priyankachopra is on a well deserved holiday for her birthday with friends.”

We haven’t been informed of an official release date, but it’s expected that Priyanka Chopra will release her first international sometime this year and that JAY SEAN has penned three songs on the album. Normally, we’d have got confirmation on all this through Twitter, but the silence tells us one thing: that’s one long 30th birthday bash she’s having!

Gurinder’s Saif bet CHIN up Saif Ali Khan. The shame of lying about starring with Natalie Portman might soon get remedied if Gurinder Chadha goes ahead with her plans to cast him opposite Keira Knightley in her movie The Life Of Lord Mountbatten. The young •LORDING IT Chadha Nawab is said to have been approached for the role of Nehru and are in talks with Colin Firth to play the lead and Naseeruddin Shah to play Jinnah.

•FARAN HEIGHTS Where have you seen him before?

Something dark comes

THE Dark MC is a mystery when it comes to tracking him down, mainly because he's normally globe trotting somewhere exotic. In a short space of time Dark has built up fan bases in Dubai, Canada, Australia and India where hoards of music lovers have fallen for his heavenly basslines, sharp synths and explosive live performances. But thankfully he’s realised where home really is and now Dark is back in the UK this summer with a brand new track. Featuring the sultry tones of Miss Pooja, Aetbaar is a magical song with an energetic soul and is accompanied by a stunning video shot in majestic locations across Delhi and Jaipur. The track is out now and later this year The Dark MC is set to release his second album. Keep an eye on www.thedarkmcworld.com for more updates.

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JOIN THE FARAN CLUB YOU may have seen him sitting besides Tom Hanks in Charlie Wilson’s War or perhaps getting beaten up in Iron Man

by Robert Downey Jr or even getting killed by the Romulans in Star Trek... yet Faran Tahir remains unknown to many in the UK. The son of a famous theatre actors from Pakistan, Faran made his name by appearing in many US shows, most notably Lost, The West Wing and 24.

He can currently be seen on the small screen in the new series of Dallas where he plays JR’s right-hand man, ‘Smiling Frank’ but you will soon see him back on the big screen again and this time along side Matt Damon in Elysium directed by Neill Blomkamp of District 9 fame. There are also rumours that he may be starring in G.I Joe: Retaliation as a cobra commander.

And come on, if you had to pick anyone to star in a remake of 70s cop show Kojak, surely no one fits the bill better than Faran Tahir?

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

BOLLYWOOD

No Paresh for wicked

•OH BOY! Taaha Shah

SHAH-ZAM!

IT’S THE stuff dreams are made of. Good looking boy heads to Mumbai in search of fame and fortune and before he even makes it onto page 3, is snapped up by one of the biggest movie houses in the industry with a three film deal.

You may not have heard of Taaha Shah yet but he’s already hot on the heels of his peers Imran, Ranbir and Ranveer, becoming the new boy in the business that everyone wants to sign up.

Rewind the story a couple of years. Just like Farhan Aktar in the 2009 super hit Lucky By Chance, Taaha decided to enrol at an acting school, even though he had a background in business and no performance credentials. After completing a diploma at the New York Film Academy in Dubai, at the age of 22, he packed his bags and took the first plane to Mumbai.

Crazy? Yes. Scary? Absolutely. Taaha reveals; “I came to India as an outsider but so did Shah Rukh Khan. I had no idea if India would make me feel welcome. I wasn’t just an outsider to the film fraternity, I grew up in Dubai so even being in India was a culture shock.’

After coming to terms with the fact Mumbai beach is more of a sand pit compared to the luscious beaches he was used to, Taaha got straight to work knocking on the doors of the most prominent filmmakers – one of whom was Yash Raj, who took an instant liking to him.

Taaha explains: “I landed a role in a film called Luv Ka The End where I play a villain called Luv Nanda – well a villain where girls are concerned! Five months later, I was summoned to meet Aditya Chopra in a secret den!”

Within days, Taaha was signed to do two more films under the Yash Raj banner.

But it wasn’t just the masters of melodrama that fell under his charms. K-Jo too has become a firm friend with Taah starring in Karan’s forthcoming film Gippi.

Which begs the question. Have they been for coffee yet?

Taaha confirms: “Of course! I love meeting up for Koffee With Karan! He is very sweet, energetic and a great conversationalist. He even took me home to meet his mum and introduced me as a new actor!”

But being the ‘new actor’ isn’t just about having the looks and learning a few lines. Taaha admits: ‘This is an industry where you have to take care of yourself. Over the last four months I’ve learnt about hair styling, make-up and even colour psychology – what you wear can really have an effect on first impressions.’

Taaha has also had to face his fears when it came to mastering the dance moves. Wearing women’s clothes, no less. Check out the track The Mutton Song to see the hilarious results.

But that’s not how he gets that body. He admits: “‘Martial arts is a huge passion of mine. I also spend a lot of time at the gym and doing activities like parkour and yoga. I want to prove that if you’re good enough you can make it big in Bollywood without having grown up in the film business. I’m going to give it my best shot and hopefully become as strong and successful as my idol; Dharmendra.’

Taaha Shah stars in Karan Johar’s forthcoming film Gippi.

GUARANTEED to send chills down your spine, Paresh Rawal is set to shock audiences with his new look in the forthcoming thriller Table No 21. The veteran will sport a shaved head, with heavy brows and an intense grimace to play a key role in the film, details of which are tightly being kept under wraps.

Our insider reveals “Paresh was keen on experimenting with his look for the film and wanted to do something novel and edgy since he felt it would suit his character. Although much cannot be revealed about his role in the film, Paresh Rawal plays a pivotal character in the film.

MOREA YOU GET Not acting up, Dino Morea tells Sunny What has kept you busy lately?

I have been busy with the production of the film that I am producing called Jism 2. I am producing a film for the first time.

You have been away from the limelight for some time now.

It is a conscious decision to do only good movies. I am waiting for something that is really interesting and I just read two very good scripts. If I go ahead with them, I will only start shooting after I finish Jism 2.

It’s important for me to choose the right script because at this stage of my career, I could do a bad film and it will sink me further but just one good film changes everything.

Hence, I have been waiting for the right script and I just did not want to do anything.

Don’t you think you have to be seen in films, on TV, at events and parties regularly?

You know, people keep saying that you have to be seen all the time. I don’t agree. I think, if you are in touch with directors and they know that you are here to work, things will fall in place.

Now with my production, I am

trying to create an impact that I am here producing a film, which is a great brand. I have tied up with Pooja Bhatt, Mr. Mahesh Bhatt and that gives you a lot of credibility that you are still in the industry.

If all goes well, then the second film, which is really good, I might produce myself. For the first one, I will sit out because people will take you more seriously.

How did Jism 2 come about?

Pooja Bhatt and me go back a long way. We worked together on film called Holiday. She spoke to me about producing Jism 2 and I told her that I would love to come on board. It’s as simple as that.

Grover’s gay new guise HE IS more famously known for his villainous roles, but you will now see the bad man of bollywood, Gulshan Grover surprising audiences by playing a gay man in Ban Gayi Baat. Grover, who plays a homosexual dance teacher in the film, stated: “I don’t believe in vulgarity. I don’t do cheap work. This is entertainment.”

He isn’t the only actor to have played the role of a gay character.

Anupam Kher played Pinku in Mast Kalander, Abhishek Bachchan invents a gay twin brother in Bol Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor will go pink for Karan Johar’s next Student of the Year.

Why did you name your production house Clockwork Films?

So we can run on time. Unusual for Indian cinema, I know.

As you mentioned that you will only be focusing on Jism 2 for now, what will you be doing as a producer?

It’s Pooja’s company and my company, so putting the entire film together. From shooting to releasing it, I will be involved in everything.

Were you present at all times

during the shooting?

Yes, I have to. We have casted actors for the film now and they are brilliant. We are very excited about that. Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh are the boys and Sunny Leone is the girl.

Why did you not chose actors for the film who are already more established?

Well, Sunny Leone has in fact given us publicity which is more than any actress would have given us. We are happy with that, no questions asked.

The boys were chosen because their characters are very intense.

One plays a very cool and the other one is rather quiet and has a deeper character. They both just worked well because they are great actors in what they can do respectedly.

You have a lot of expectations to live up to because of Jism starring John Abraham and Bipasha Basu was very well received.

There is no continuation from the first part. It is a franchise but they both have crimes of passion. The film is darker and gritty. It has a brilliant script written by Mahesh Bhatt and the screenplay has worked out really well. We do have to keep in mind that Jism did really well and

WIN A TIGER!

WHILE everyone is talking about Katrina Kaif’s booty shaking and Salman Khan’s muscle flexing in this week, nay year’s, biggest release Ek Tha Tiger, we’re here to give you the chance to win a tiger. Well, not an actual tiger, more your inner tiger.

Because the film is pure adrenelin-charged, bringing out the Alpha in every male and the footloose and fancy free spirit in females, Yash Raj Films have joined forces with Asian City for you to win a rock climbing day for two.

To stand a shot at winning this dream prize, simply write in and tell us about something brave which you may have done to win someone’s love.

The best story will be picked by an Asian City and a Yash Raj representative. Email us with your story to sohail@asiancity.co.uk Ek Tha Tiger is showing in all good cinemas this week.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

THE BETTER IT IS Malik why he’s in the hot seat

19

BOLLYWOOD

how do you beat that? But we are working towards that.

It was reported that Dostana 2 was offered to you...

Yeah, as a matter of fact, they are still writing the script. I know the director, Tarun Mansukhani really well. He is still writing it and I do not know what has happened with the script.

Karan Johar, is another dear friend of mine and If there is a suitable role, they will offer it to me

IDOL WORSHIP

But they haven’t?

No because they are not ready yet.

There were rumours and I saw it in the papers. I called up Tarun and asked him how he is offering me a film, which I don’t know about (laughs). We are laughing about it but nothing is confirmed yet.

You have earlier filmed a few movies in the UK. How was it like to shoot here?

I shot Aksar and Aap Ki Khatir over here. It’s always been great to shoot here because they take you to these remote places out of the city and it’s nice for an actor because your focus is all there on the film.

You are giving your everything; you wake up, go to the shoot and come back. There is nothing else that you can do because everyone from the crew is tired and it is usually freezing outside.

The experience is nice. I have always enjoyed shooting in England.

It’s cold, the colour temperature is great, you look good, you feel good and you are wearing warm good clothes all the time.

Unless, they take you to these places where it is sweltering hot and it’s tough to shoot with jackets and everything.

Were there any crazy fan moments while shooting in England?

We were shooting Aksar and while shooting in the city, the crowds were going mad and I enjoy that. I love that kind of stuff.

• Jism 2 will be out in cinemas in August

“We named our production company Clockwork Films because we plan to run on time. Unusual for Indian cinema, I know”

COMING OF A NEW HEROINE A PICTURE is worth a thousand words and the first look of Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine, with Kareena Kapoor lying upside down, wearing a golden attire, surrounded by film magazines, and an empty glass of wine thrown away, does just that for the movie.

Heroine delves into the behind-the-scenes life of an actress in the Indian film industry and the first poster of the film itself is selfexplanatory. It indicates where the glitz and glamour of the film world can take an individual.

Bhandarkar had launched Heroine at the Cannes International Film Festival last year with Aishwarya Rai as the leading actress. But later, Ash had to opt out of the project after she became pregnant.

Kareena stepped in to essay the role, and she is said to have delivered her best so far in the film.

We can’t wait!

•STAR TURN Kareena Kapoor

Sony TV’s Indian Idol 6 back to get our toes tapping, nerves jangling and passions rising all over again.

Adhering to its approach of offering distinctive and innovative programmes, Sony Entertainment Television Asia, had launched Indian Idol – a musical show that exposes the talents of aspiring singers.

And in the days that followed its launch, Indian Idol has created television history and has become a rage for music lovers and viewers in India as well as in other countries.

Cutting across all boundaries of caste, creed and social status, the show engages people from every walk of life, not only to participate and make their dreams come true but also to vote to choose their idol.

Now Indian Idol has begun its sixth season on Sony Entertainment Television Asia (SetAsia).

Indian Idol is a format based on the Pop Idol/ X Factor concept which has enjoyed success across the world, including America, the United Kingdom, Australia, France and Germany.

Previous winners of Indian Idol have been very successful and have gone on to star in dramas, movies and became playback singers for some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

The innumerable fans of the show can now see the talented Indian Idol contestants from India and the UK battle out with their sonorous voices for the 2012 singing sensation.

Neeraj Arora, Executive Vice President, SetAsia, International Business, commented: “This is an exciting and biggest year for Indian Idol. All the finalists are extremely talented singers. And Sony is proud to introduce them to the British audiences. The final is set to capture the Asian community here in a big way.”

With the new judges and a more dynamic mix of contestants, the sixth season promises to be not only the best Indian Idol ever, but the best reality talent show ever.

The judges of Indian Idol 6 are singer Sunidhi Chauhan, music directors Anu Malik, Salim Merchant, and the legendary singer, Asha Bhosle. They will judiciously screen the finalists and help select that ‘One Voice’ who will become the pride of the nation.

In addition to a recording contract with Universal Music India, the new ‘Indian Idol’ will be awarded a contract with Multi Screen Media, thus catapulting him/her to unparalleled stardom. The new idol will experience a jet set lifestyle, mingling with the stars and follow their dreams of becoming a professional singer.

Indian Idol6: On Sony Entertainment Television Asia Fridays and Saturdays at 8.30pm.

To subscribe to Sony Package call: 08700 7669 248

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

MUSIC

In the driving seat

In memory ROB-E AND of RDB Kully SUNNY-G TAKE NINDY Kaur will lend her soulful voice to a special song in memory of RDB’s Kuly Ral. The song, titled Tut Gaya Dil, features the vocal talents of rising urban rap star Smooth, who previously collaborated on Nindy’s track Aloo Chaat.

Nindy said of the project: “Not only did I lose my brother-in-law but a true friend, my biggest support and studio buddy. The atmosphere in the studio will never be same.

“I had to pour out my feelings to Dad (Harjog Singh) when writing my lines, and I must say Dad did an amazing job of writing those emotion filled lines. Smooth is like a brother and we’ve shared many good times with Kuly when making songs like Aloo Chaat. When he asked me to be part of this song there was no way I would ever refuse.

Smooth defines talent and his lyrics throughout the track sum up everything we are going through”.

The tribute track Tut Gaya Dil written by Nindy, Smooth and Kuly’s father Harjog Singh, is available for download via YouTube.

US FOR A SPIN IT WAS a dream come true for Punjabi singer Rob-E when he met with seasoned producer Sunny-G and he agreed to work with him to produce this debut single Driver.

Driver is a bhangra tune with a difference. A real infectious little number, it’ll have you tapping your feet in seconds. It’s accompanied by a quirky video which sees Rob-E ejecting Sunny-G from his VW Vanette to make space for a beautiful girl he sees stranded by the side of the road.

Rob-E hails from Bathinda in India and has been singing from the age of six. He was inspired, like many others by the folk legends of Punjab including Kuldeep Manak, Gurdas Mann and Chamkila.

Sunny, no stranger to the music world has previously released an EP called Gettin’ Started and has worked on numerous productions ‘behind the scenes’. Sunny-G has developed his own style and sound that bring together a fusion of Bhangra, Hip Hop and other genres which influence his unique sound. He is classically trained and plays a number of instruments such as the dholki, dhol, tabla and •RIDING HIGH Rob-E and Sunny G harmonium.

NAVIN ON FIRE

MUSIC CITY IR WITH SAM

SUMMER SOUNDS

GREETINGS Asian City-zens. This week, I caught up with bhangra producer DJ Sanj who told me more about his new signing Jay Status.

The singer, under Sanj’s wing, has been one of the brightest newcomers this summer and has taken the bhangra scene by storm. Their huge hit Katal Kare has been a favourite in the clubs and on wedding dance-floors up and down the country, and both DJ Sanj and Jay Status will be performing at the main stage at this year’s London Mela on 19th August.

Headlining the main stage at the mela is an artist who’s making a resurgance in the bhangra scene. Jaz Dhami has been away for a couple of years but has been back on the road over the last couple of weeks. I caught him at Birmingham Mela where he performed his brand new track High Heels to a packed out audience. Jaz showed why he remains one of the most musically talented bhangra artists out there with a flawless live performance accompanied by a full band. As for the new single, it’s produced by the go-to man of the moment, Honey Singh.

I’m loving the Burban Mixtape that’s hit the internet as a free download this week. Stand out tracks are from Jernade Miah, Raxstar, Arjun, Pure Music Generals and the ever brilliant Kazz Kumar. Most of the songs we’ve heard before but Radio’s 1 Nihal and DJ Fricktion (no relation to Bobby!) have done a good job of collating and mixing all that’s good and ‘Brown urban’ into one definitive, rocking body of music.

It’s a busy couple of weeks for rapper The Truth. The award winning Brit Asian has been championed by the DJs and has even had his brilliant track I Make Em Say playlisted by BBC Radio 1. He releases his debut album Tum Kya Jano on his birthday 8th August and will be dropping Never Scared featuring Raxstar and Mehi as the next single. The rapper is set to perform at BT London Live’s Asian music event at Victoria Park for the Olympics alongside the likes of Bobby Friction, Shammi Pithia and Engine Earz. Word on the street is that The Truth is also set to drop an Olympics freestyle tune.. truly getting into 2012 Games spirit!

My last shout out goes to Shahid Nazir AKA the One Pound Fish man. The YouTube sensation of the year has bagged himself a recording contract with Sony / Karman Records! This means we will be seeing an official release of the song accompanied by a video and no doubt One Pound Fish will be performing at a gig near you this summer! Oh and then there’s X Factor… will he successfully sell his fishy music to the judges?

Rumour has that Shahid will be on the new series of the TV talent show when it re-launches this autumn – we’ll keep fishing for more news in the coming weeks!

NAVIN Kundra is back with his next solo single, Shudaayi.

Having achieved a consistent string of hits such as Tere Liye, Mehbooba and Nach Le, Navin’s latest offering sees him delivering vocals in a mixture of English and Punjabi over a strong Dutch house beat.

“This is a high energy dance fusion track made to make you move”, says Navin speaking about Shudaayi. “This record has been my obsession for the last year and a half, and I have been working very The multi-talented Niraj Chag is closely with my talented back with a little number aptly producer, Mushtaq, to titled ‘Shu Bu Bu Bu’! This original ensure that every element track which features the vocals of ‘Sa of this song is right”.

Re Ga Ma Pa’ runner up Paresh Known for his Madhaparia and ‘Wah Wah Girls’ singerversatility, Navin also songwriter Japjit Kaur, captured the reveals his new look and hearts and minds of movie goers vocal style for the new everywhere after being used in the release and viewers will see film ‘All In Good Time’. pop singer Tina Barrett from www.facebook.com/niraj.chag the former pop group S Club 7 twitter: @NirajChag in the music video. As she embarks on her new solo career, Navin will also be featuring on a remix for her debut solo release, Fire.

CHAG ON

•EVER BRILLIANT Kazz Kumar

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

21

BLOGGED ON

TECH CITY N WITH EM KWA

Ramadan technology RAMADAN is here once again, and the perfect time to re-align your spiritual self. At the first instance, you may be tempted to turn off your electronic gadgets and consider them to be a distraction during this month. However, were going to share 3 apps that will help you improve your Ramadan experience. iQuran Lite, Free, Available on the apple, and android app stores.

Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed, perfect time to catch up with your Quran reading. iQuran Lite is the perfect companion to help you achieve this. With apps available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, as well as for android phones and tablets. It comes in two versions: a free and paid versions. Read the arabic text with english translation as well as transliteration. The app also has a handy feature in both versions to allow you to download chapter recitations directly to your device, making the quran reading experience even better! A must have for your device. iPray, from £2.49, Available on the apple app store.

If you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad then this app is a must have if you want to keep up to date with prayer times and be notified too.

With settings to help you customise prayer times according to your location, iPray also allows your phone to play a small call to prayer as a notification for when certain prayer times are due. Well programmed, with a beautiful user interface, the app also includes a compass feature to help you locate the direction for Makkah.

Muslim Kids Series: Dua, Free, Available on android app stores.

Designed for children this handy and useful app for android helps in teaching ‘duas’ or short prayers for day- to -day activities.

With a simple and colourful user interface, the app is highly useful to both children and adults alike.

• Connect with EM KWAN now via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

READ IT AND WHOOP Our regular spotlight on a blog to log onto Name: Priya Mulji Age: 30 Name of Blog: Priya Mulji Blog Blog link: www.priyamulji.wordpress.com

on it as it can potentially make a difference in yours or someone else’s life.

Who is your biggest influence?

I love a writer called Roopa Farooki. She is someone I can totally relate to and I love her effortless writing style. I had the pleasure of meeting her at a book signing once and was shocked to know she had read a blog post I had written about how she had inspired me. She suffers from eczema as do I and she wrote a wonderful character called Lila in her book The Way Things Look To Me and ever since then I have been an even bigger fan of her and her work.

How long have you been blogging?

2 and a half years How did the idea of blogging come about?

A few years ago I was reading a book called 50 Ways To find A Lover

by Lucy Anne Holmes and in the book she is looking for a lover in the process she starts a blog to record those ways. Afterwards I myself went through a breakup. I have always loved writing and find it to be the best way to express myself then on a whim; I decided to start my own blog. The rest you can say is history.

What advice would you like to share with fellow bloggers?

That if you want to do it, don’t think about it; just do it. Another thing is to always be completely honest. My audience love the fact I am honest in my blogs and mostly write about my experiences. Don’t worry about what people will say because there will always be people who will not be nice to you; that’s when then delete comment button comes in very handy!

What is your blog about?

I cover a lot of varied topics such as love, dating, relationships, music, films. I do an exciting feature called ‘One Minute Interview’ in which I interview people from all walks of life. In the interviews they share aspects of their life, what they do and also answer some of my fun questions such as chips or roast potatoes? Jude Law or Robert Downey Jr? it is a great way of attracting attention to people who otherwise may not get the chance.

I also write about holidays I go on and review films and concerts.

How many hours a week do you spend blogging?

At least three.

How often do you update your blog?

Normally at least once a week or whenever I feel passionate about something and feel the urgent urge to share my thoughts with the world.

What is your greatest accomplishment in Blogging?

To be discovered by a newspaper and offered a fortnightly column for them just because the editor read my blog and was so impressed by it that they wanted to make me their own Asian Carrie Bradshaw (obviously, it is a subdued version of Carrie!) I don’t think my mum would be impressed if I wrote about everything she did. I also had the chance to interview legendary band Cornershop on my blog and as a big fan that was very exciting for me.

What has been your greatest challenge?

When people are negative towards my blogs and I have to address these people. It can be upsetting and I recently experienced some nasty comments but you have to use these as constructive criticism and move on.

by Katy Red is my personal favourite. She writes about sex, dating, relationships in a very light hearted manner. Katy has been shortlisted by Cosmo Magazine for best sex & relationships blog so I wish her all the best!

How many people read your blog?

On a day when I haven’t posted anything I get about 80 visits but when I post something I can get up to 300! My highest number of visits has been around 460.

What do you do that is considered unconventional in the blogging world?

I think as an Asian girl many are scared to open up to the world and discuss dating with people other than friends as freely as I do. My mum often reads my blog and says you are revealing too much about myself but for me that is my personality and I believe that is why people do read my blog.

Young Asian girls are often scared to talk to their elders about dating.

I get many emails asking my opinion on certain situations because they’re afraid to ask parents and usually they’re from young girls (but sometimes guys too) so I like to think I am doing the older sister duty and helping them in life.

Do you get upset if you don’t get any feedback on your blogs?

Not really, usually that is a reflection on the post and that maybe people didn’t relate to it. I like to encourage debate, but if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Being negative or nasty about veers away from the topic.

Do you have a personal favourite blog or blogger?

Yes! All Sweetness and Life (allsweetness-and-life.blogspot.co.uk/)

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Being negative or nasty doesn’t encourage debate”

Why do some people start a blog and then give up after a while?

In my opinion because they were never passionate enough about the blog in the first place. Of course there are instances where life changes, you become busy and cannot commit to it or perhaps just got bored. Whatever the reason if you are passionate (and good at blogging) you should never give up

If someone was interested in blogging, what few things would you suggest?

First of all, write a few blog posts without posting them, get people to read them and get their opinions.

Develop a style; it could be that you cover lots of different topics but just practicing before you post them will help you a lot.

Think of a great name! Mine is quite boring as Priya Mulji’s Blog as I started it on a whim but having a catchy one is an excellent idea.

For example I read a blog written by a lady in New York called Bikini Martini which I think is a fabulous name.

Also, don’t be scared of what people will say. People have an opinion all the time and they may not agree with you what you are saying. But a blog is exactly that; an opinion. Address other people’s opinions by posting comments explaining why you have written something but do not be afraid to delete; none of us want negativity in our lives.

Use social media to promote your blogs; it is a fantastic tool. Just by positing your blogs on Twitter and Facebook it will encourage people to share them and that way word of mouth advertising will help you to get more readers. It’s how I did it!

What do you do when you aren’t blogging?

Usually writing down ideas! I do like to get to the gym and do a spin class or go watch a movie. I love dining out and I can’t deny I enjoy a glass of red wine or two at the weekend. A lot of my time is being devoted to finding a day job at the moment as I got made redundant recently but we can’t let setbacks make an impact in our life.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FEATURE

TO THE MOON AND To boldly go where no Pakistani has been before, Namira Salim tells Sohail Anjum why space is the final frontier How does it feel to be the first Pakistani woman to go up in space?

I will not only be the first Pakistani woman, but also the first Pakistani in space. I feel extremely honoured and fortunate to represent my country as the First Pakistani Astronaut and as the first South Asian Space Tourist.

How did the idea come about?

It is in my DNA. I was born believing that I would go to space one day.

What made you want to go up into space?

I was always enchanted by the mystery of the night sky and the beauty of the stars. I always felt a deep connection –as if I belonged there.

How did you first become associated with Richard Branson's project?

I heard about the $10 million Ansari X Prize winning flight, which was the first private manned spaceflight in October 2004. Media was abuzz with Richard Branson’s plans to license this technology and create the first commercial space-liner of the world – Virgin Galactic. I first called Virgin Galactic in early 2005 when they had not even set up their offices. In January 2006, I was selected as Virgin Galactic’s Founder Astronaut out of 44,000 candidates.

Are you a fan of sci-fi movies?

I have been more of a fan of astronomy and star gazing. During secondary school, I studied the subject i and

•SKY BUDDIES Namira & Sir Richard Branson regularly navigated the skies to learn the position of the stars. I’m an artist and have created several astronomically accurate art objects. That’s how I kept in touch with my passion for space travel.

Would you call yourself a dare-devil?

I am actually a risk taker who believes strongly in her convictions, which easily projects me as a dare-devil... but in reality, I just like to test my own limits and test what I believe in strongly.

How hard was it convincing your parents that you wanted to become an adventurer?

I never thought I would be an adventurer. By profession, I am a very creative person who lives a very quiet life. So, when I decided to go to the poles and specially skydive over Mount Everest, it took a lot of convincing. It was not easy but when I returned successful, my parents were very proud of me.

How did it feel to become the first

•SCALING HEIGHTS Namira in Mount Everest

Pakistani to have reached the North and South Pole?

Great... again very proud to be not only the first Pakistani, but also the first Pakistani woman at the North Pole in 2007 and at the South Pole in 2008.

At £128,000 per flight, some will only think that this is for the rich and famous?

Yes, the impression is that this is for the rich and famous. But the truth is that Virgin Galactic will mark the advent of private space flight which means that we as founders have invested £128,000 each to make these flights affordable for every person in future. The first transatlantic flight in 1919 cost $50,000 and today anyone can afford to fly across the Atlantic for a few hundred dollars. The private space industry will be a consumer industry and will make way for researchers, scientists, satellites and payloads into space at a much more affordable price and in an environmentally friendly manner.

Would your life have been different had you been married with a family?

Perhaps, I fear it may have been, which is why I did not venture that way yet!

After the space trip, what do you plan as your next adventure?

I will concentrate on my art which is a blend of art, music and poetry, all inspired by the stars! But I also believe, there are other worlds beyond the stars, and one should keep exploring further into the heavens.

What do you do when you in your spare time?

Reflect and get inspired to go further.

What was your greatest challenge?

It was just before my Everest Skydive when we had a plane crash and an accident of two jumpers from our team.

“It’s in my DNA. I was born believing that I would go to space one day”

One of them crashed in the rocks and broke several bones. It was a late Monsoon and the situation became very tense just before my jump, in Sangboche (12,350 feet) --the world’s highest drop-zone, where I was tuck for three weeks after my 10 day acclimatization trek in the Himalayas.

But my strong faith kept me going and I had the most spectacular dive without a single cloud and the most beautiful weather. I am the first Asian to Skydive (Tandem) over Mount Everest at 29,480 feet.

How do you split your time between everyday work and going on adventure?

I lead a very hectic day to day life, as I travel a lot. It almost feels like I live in airplanes! Last year, I became the Honourary Consul of Pakistan to Monaco, where I am based. Besides my creative activities, I am currently also running the Consulate of Pakistan in Monaco which was inaugurated by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco on 29th March this year. I am currently working on several projects to

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FEATURE

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enhance bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Monaco.

Have you ever considered yourself as the Asian Lara Croft?

That never crossed my mind, but am I allowed to take that as a compliment?

James Cameron’s challenge was to go the deepest depths of the ocean … has something like this ever crossed your mind?

Yes, when I was a child, I made a resolution. I remember the moment vividly when I told myself, one day I would touch the ocean floor and reach the heights of the skies. And now we have Virgin Oceanic which will take us to the deepest of points in the sea!

Back on earth, what’s your favourite place to be?

I love Monaco where I have been based for 15 years, where I can be myself, live in solitude and create. It is like living in a museum – surrounded by all my creations. It is my “Space” on earth which inspires me profoundly.

•WHAT A DIVE! Sky’s the limit for Namira

23

•POLE POSITION At the North Pole

•PLANE SAFE With Richard Branson

24

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

DATING

THE ULTIMATE DATING BIBLE

Everything you need to know about pulling, dodging, keeping and ditching a man RULES OF ATTRACTION Commandment :: Thou shalt be confident within thyself Testament :: A woman happy being herself is always more attractive than one on a constant mission to impress.

Stop projecting an image of what you think a man would like and instead concentrate on letting your best qualities shine through your personality. If you believe a guy is too good for you, so will he.

Absolution :: If going to the gym makes you feel happy, go for it. But ultimately, you’re more likely to pull a suitable boy if you sharpen your wit, widen your interests and brush up on your intelligence. The more you know about the world, the more secure you feel and the less you fear other people.

Mantra :: ‘You have to believe in yourself. Because if you don’t think you’ve got what it takes, don’t expect other people to find it for you.’

Jay Sean, Singer

Commandment :: Thou shalt not appear a brazen harlot Testament :: Just as the kind of bait he uses determines a fisherman’s haul, the kind of men you attract depends on how you entice them. Even though you pull more men wearing a skimpy skirt and a boob-busting top, you’re only going to attract men who want to see you in less, not one that wants to see you more.

Absolution :: Sophisticated men like a classy woman, so next time you go shopping, think sexy and demure, not trashy and wanton.

Mantra :: ‘A woman with a sense of mystery around her is always more attractive than one that leaves little to the imagination.’

Bobby Friction, DJ Commandment :: Thou shalt let thy body do the talking Testament :: Men rely on signals.

Unless the guy is a shameless cretin, he

will worry about rejection or fear of causing offence. Your body language should say you are approachable and interested in being engaged in a discussion.

Absolution :: Positive body language is all about open gestures. If you have your arms folded, your upper body turned away and your legs locked shut, you are giving out closed gestures that will only discourage a potential suitor from approaching you. Your pupils dilate when you see something attractive, so eye contact is crucial.

Other obvious signals include playing with your hair or flipping it, leaning forward and, of course, a big winning smile. Once you’re in conversation, little tricks like mirroring his gestures, laughing at his jokes and touching him gently are always a winner. Make sure you do them subtly or he’ll think you’re a loon.

Mantra :: ‘Conversation is only one form of connection between two

people. It doesn’t even matter what you’re saying sometimes; with the right person, you can communicate so much more through your eyes, your smile, your aura.’

John Abraham, Actor

KEEPING HIM HOOKED

Commandment :: Hold thy phone Testament :: It’s a fact that men aren’t as emotionally attached to their phones like us girlies. So, even if the need is killing you, never call him more than

PULLING POINTERS

• Be the centre of attention. No guy wants to go for the ‘fat, shy friend’. If you have friends you feel physically inferior to, don’t go out with them when you’re on the pull.

• Drink in moderation. Have a drink to put you in a flighty mood by all means, but don’t get plastered.

• Show your true colours. If you dress to appear invisible, you’ll go unnoticed. Think bright but be careful of red, as it tends to put a mans mind on one track.

• Smell the part. Men are instinctively drawn to alluring scents – but avoid overpowering ones. Pick ones that complement your body’s natural sexual secretions of pheromones.

• Don’t be afraid to be forward. When you spot your target, aim and fire. If you are brave enough to approach a guy, he won’t think you’re a pushover.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

25

DATING once a day especially if he doesn’t answer. Men get bugged by calls they’re not in the mood to take.

Absolution :: Desperation, acting overkeen and instability are never turn-ons.

Whenever you get the urge to make a call, find a way to distract yourself. It’s better to have fantasies that he’s thinking about you right now than have it confirmed he’s thinking about nothing. If you want to talk, share your thoughts with a trusted pal.

Mantra ::: ‘Guys like to play things cool and it’s very rare to meet a girl that we think is cool. If you keep bugging him with phonecalls, he’ll think you’re one of those girls that just won’t leave him alone.’

Sinbad Phgura, Dancer Commandment :: Don’t be at his beck and call Testament :: Remaining slightly unavailable is fundamentally attractive.

As humans we yearn for what we can’t have – men more than anyone. Easy pickings take away his thrill of the chase.

Absolution :: Don’t accept every date on the day he suggests (unless he has backstage passes to see Arjun Rampal dance, that is), but give him another day that suits you. And under no circumstances accept a 3 am bootycall.

The more he’s left waiting, the more he’ll be wanting. Don’t be mad and leave it a year though…

Mantra :: ‘For a relationship to be equal, you need to lay down the law from the start – I ain’t your bitch.

That’s not going to happen if you go running to him every time he clicks his finger.’

Hard Kaur, Rapper

DATING TIP

DATING RULES

• Never date a married man. You might think he really cares for you, but this man has got his cake and is eating it. It’s your right to expect to be number one in a relationship. The bit on the side is always left over.

• Approval of your peers is not always vital. Trust your own instincts. He may have a history, but it’s how he treats you now that counts.

• Always be safe, especially at the early stages of any relationship.

Make sure you always keep your phone charged, topped up and by your side during your date. Also, let friends and family know exactly where you are, in case things go awry. And if things do go all the way, always practice safe sex.

• Dating should make you feel good about yourself.

If you’re not into a guy as much as you feel you should, don’t string him along. Nor should you date a guy that you see as a catch but who doesn’t seem to love you for it. Respect yourself enough to only date men who you share a special connection with. Don’t date for the sake of it.

• Stay positive. Make things happen for yourself. Take the bull by the horns, ask out the office hottie or hit on the cute boy on the bus. If you don’t help yourself, who will? And remember, you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince.

Commandment :: Do not try to make thy man jealous Testament :: It’s a fallacy to think the green-eyed monster will shock him into realising how much he wants you. It sets a terrible precedent of mistrust, paranoia and one-upmanship that does not bode well for the future.

Absolution :: Never dance with other boys on your date, flirt with his friends or drop other boys’ names into the conversation; a real man knows your true worth without you having to convince him other guys think you’re all that.

Mantra :: ‘Men see women as a challenge, but if there’s a threat of other men to contend with, his mission becomes not to win you, but to beat them.’

Simone Bienne, Relationship expert

Do you sometimes wish you could be out and about and know who’s available? The SmartDate® app means when it’s on, it will tell you any of the other girls or guys that are SmartDate® uses and looking for love. You can then message them and voila. Ice broken, game on!

Commandment :: Hold thy tongue Testament :: It’s important to be honest, but there’s a difference between what you reveal to a boyfriend and someone you’ve

started dating. A boyfriend wants to know about how you wept the day your gran ran over your hamster, the new guy will just think you’re mental.

Absolution :: Even if you really connect, keep a lid on the topics that are truly personal to you. Men love an enigma, so leave a little to the imagination and ensure that he is left totally intrigued by you and hungry for more.

Mantra :: ‘A relationship is like reading a book. You want to read more as you turn every new page, learn with every new chapter. It takes away all the fun if you know what to expect at an early stage.’

Sushmita Sen, Actor Commandment :: Keep thy knickers on Testament ::The difference between a male friend and a boyfriend is, let’s face it, between the sheets. But the key to dating is respect and the only way to make sure he’s actually after you – and not just a quickie – is by taking things slow on the physical front.

Absolution :: When the horn blows, make a quick exit. You don’t want to appear frigid or a tease, but nor are you easy. The signal you’re giving is neither red nor green but amber. And remember, by keeping him waiting you’re steadily building up tension and guaranteeing that when it does happen, it will be earth moving.

Mantra :: ‘Your personality is what attracts you to him, but sex is what he’s after. If you give it to him straight away, he’ll see you as a sex object first, a person second.’

Sangeeta Sabharwal, Presenter

DODGING THE FREAKS

If a man is not punctual for your first date, take it as a bad sign. Don’t wait for any man. By making you hang around on the first date, he is immediately stamping his authority over the relationship. If he’s late, take control of the situation and call him to say that you’re simply going home.

Unless he has a valid excuse (nothing short of death), don’t give him a second chance unless his way of making it up to you happens to impress. Avoid arranging to meet in a street or outside a station and opt for a bar or a restaurant. That way it won’t feel like an eternity if he’s late. But really, he should pick you up…

Only date men that hold your attention; men that are entertaining and interesting. If you’re looking for Mr Right and not Mr Right-now, someone you connect with on all levels is essential. It doesn’t matter that he’s drop-dead gorgeous if he sends you into a coma. Romance will grow with a man that intrigues and challenges you. Throw away the wet blanket.

A man that doesn’t pay for the first date usually means he’s a loser. As harsh as it sounds, it is still dating etiquette that he coughs up. As independent as women are – we instinctively seek a man that can provide, not just financially but emotionally and if he allows you to pay for the first date, he’s probably

too selfish and unworldly-wise to have a real relationship.

There’s a fine line between flattery and plain sleazy. A heartfelt compliment is always welcome and fabulous for the self-esteem, but if he cant stop talking about how damn gorgeous you are and his eyes are mainly focused towards your cleavage, know that this man is determined to get you into his bed rather than into his heart.

If he just talks about himself during the whole date, back off. There is nothing more destructive in a relationship than an arrogant man who’s full of his own self-importance.

Equally, beware of the man that talks about his ex for too long. He’s not over her and you are merely a rebound. You might think that it’s cute that he’s so sensitive, but honey you’re just a fresh, new shoulder to cry on.

If you go running to him every time he snaps his finger, you’re his bitch

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FASHION

READY TO RAISHMA COUTURE QUEEN LAUNCHES HER PRET-A-PORTER RANGE CAPTURE the elegance of couture bridal designer Raishma’s signature womenswear everyday, thanks to her newly launched prêt-aporter collection.

SWING OUT

THE 60s come and go, but this time round – it’s back brighter, bolder and with hair accessories on top! So it’s a welcome back to Alice bands, neck scarves and you can inject your wardrobe with a megawatt surge of acid yellows and ultra violets.

Yellow Alice band (£4), Violet polka dot neck scarf (£3), Yellow button earrings (£3), Purple and yellow beads (£3 each), from Claire’s Accessories

Offering stylish Read-To-Wear outfits for all budgets, it’s the perfect opportunity to snap up designer wear that is fashionable, flattering and full of elegance.

The full range was launched at a star-studded party at her showroom in Green Street earlier this month, where as well as the chance to see the range on an exclusive catwalk, Raishma raised money for international charity the Hashoo Foundation’s 500 for 500 Appeal, for whom Raishma is a campaign ambassador.

Speaking about her gorgeous new collection, Raishma said: ‘Over the years I’ve had many requests to design an off-the-peg range that will make a woman feel as beautiful as when she wears one of my classic wedding gowns. The new spectrum of affordable tops, dresses and churidars are priced from £49-£199

223 LADYPOOL ROAD, BIRMINGHAM B12 8LG DESIGNER BESPOKE SERVICE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 07814 429 428 - 07878 757 795 | www.ziggistudio.com | info@ziggistudio.com

•DIVA STYLE Raishma and Singer Syrene and are available in multi sizes, making them accessible to everyone.’

Amongst the guests enjoying the day were Alka Makwana and Yuvna Kim from Sony TV’s Snapshot; celebrity hairdresser Dar; British Asian singing sensation Syrene; radio presenter Sharon Sharma and broadcaster and comedian Yasmeen Khan. All of whom were impressed by the fashion and the fundraising.

New British Asian singer Syrene said: ‘I came for fashion, but actually learned so much about the women in Gilgit that I want to get involved and support the campaign on a deeper level. I love the fact that with just £250 and the training they receive, these women are able to take back control of their lives and move forward in a positive way – they don’t want to be seen as victims, they are winners. ’ The 500 for 500 appeal aims to empower women living in the remotest regions of northern Pakistan by training them to become bee-keepers and thus run their own sustainable business. 10% of all sales on the day was donated to the appeal.

Raishma explains why supporting them through her business is so important to her. She said: ‘I was delighted that so many people were enthralled by the charity and what the 500 for 500 Appeal aims to do especially since Ramadan was

•READY &WEARING Models showing off Raishma’s new Ready to Wear Collection coming up. Ramadan is about selfassessment, evaluation of your own life and priorities, and charity – what better cause than helping these incredible women.’

Raishma’s collection which is available in-store and online The full Raishma RTW Collection can be seen on. www.raishmareadytowear.co.uk To find out more about the Hashoo Foundation and the 500 for 500 Appeal visit www.hashoofoundation.org • Raishma 37 Green Street, London, E7 8DA. t: 020 8552 6751 www.raishma.com •SMILE With comedienne Yasmeen Khan

•COUTURE CLUB Syrene, Raishma and Buzz Asia presenter Sharon Sharma

•SO NOW Presenters Alka and Yuvna

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

WEDDINGS

BEST OF

THE BUNCH

Renowned florists Manj Sanghera and Shilu Amin provide the pick of their best bouquets Bouquet: These colours are classically beautiful, while the arrangement sticks to a very simple design. Ideally this would be used as a bridesmaid bouquet, since it is quite small and easily matched to the bride’s outfit.

Garland: Garlands should look bright and outstanding, but not garish because the bride’s outfit will be striking anyway. Soft oranges and gentle yellows have been used in this creation because brides tend to wear a lot of gold, which suit these colours perfectly. Regardless of how long the ceremony takes, you want your garland to look as fresh as when you first put it on. Long-lasting flowers are recommended and roses should be avoided because they tend to wilt in the heat.

•GARLAND

Buttonholes: Stylistically these need to be quite versatile to match both the groom’s suit or sherwani. These buttonholes were created for a simple garment because a striking flower can sometimes lift the entire outfit.

• Manj Sanghera from Blue Daisy Flowers 01384 396 747 www.bluedaisyflowers.co.uk

•BUTTONHOLES

•BOUQUET Bouquet: I’ve always felt flowers should be the finishing touch to a bridal outfit rather than be the focal point. And when we think about designing the bouquet, we try to think of something that will complement Indian outfits, especially since they tend to have a lot of work on them.

This example is modern but has a sprinkle of Asian culture, as denoted by the diamantes.

It’s important that a bouquet reflects the season you choose to hold your wedding in, and should definitely mirror the ambience and atmosphere.

With this bouquet, I decided to make the stem quite long because it creates a visual impact of extra height – perfect for making yourself seem taller than you actually

•BOUQUET

•GARLAND

are! The stem has silver filigree work which adds a unique flourish and complements bridal jewellery because of its intricacy. Detail is fairly important – we pay attention to minor things like co-ordinating our nail varnish for the day, so the last thing you want is a rushed bouquet.

And if you really want to ensure things will be perfect, bring your outfit to us so we can match the colours exactly.

Garland: Getting the right colour match is very important, especially so with garlands because it’s such an integral part of the wedding ceremony. Every pair of eyes will be on them, so they need to look fantastic all the way through the ceremony. Today’s

•BUTTONHOLES

bride and groom are far different to couples who got married ten years ago, now they want the garlands to be comfortable and not too heavy. Some people aren’t too happy wearing vibrant colours, especially the groom, so softer creams and ivory colours are ideal for a contemporary or traditional wedding.

Buttonholes: These are made to match the wedding bouquet, and in this instance we have added feathers to the groom’s button-hole to complement the theme. These can also be ordered for the rest of the family but they won't be as elaborate as the groom’s.

• Shilu Amin from Buds and Blooms: 08000 561 322

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

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WEDDINGS

PRIDE & GROOM Real men know how to look after themselves I’M A real man, me. You’ll never catch me swanning around beauty salons like some ladyboy. With the recent revelation that one in three men are secret dieters, twinned with a sharp rise in sales of men’s grooming products and the advent of grooming salons offering men-only services – it’s fair to assume the modern Asian groom doesn’t share such outdated sentiments.

Gone are the days when the groom would slip into his sherwani and be out of the door in 30 minutes flat and embark on a lifetime of grumbling as the finishing touches are applied to his better looking half. Today’s Asian groom will also allow for a grooming budget in the wedding costs.

He will be just as wrapped up with magic cosmetic formulas that banish stress spots and tired looking skin. If this doesn’t sound like you – it’s time to start acting like a real man…

With so much attention on the bride, it’s sometimes easy to forget that the Big Day is one of the most important days in a man’s life too. You will be paraded in front of your bride’s extended circle of family and friends, with cameras following you around all day. In short, you owe it to yourself to make a lasting impression.

No doubt you think you’re doing your bit by buying a few random grooming products. But don’t assume that splashing on some sweet smell

and splashing out on the odd beauty treatment the day after the stag night and the day before the Big Day will leave you looking the perfect picture.

There’s a lot of positive action you need to introduce into your grooming regime and you need to start implementing them right now.

Remember, the golden rule of looking good on the outside is by feeling good all over…

showing bitten or, perish the thought, grimy fingernails.

SPOT OF BOTHER Welcome to every girl’s nightmare. The unsightly blemish that magnifies every time you look at it! If it’s not cold sores then it’s spots that appear at the wrong time and in the wrong place. Spots thrive on over-excess and over-stress – so don’t overdo it.

SKIN STYLE If one does appear, don’t go picking holes in it.

Your party days may not be over, and so long as It’ll only make things worse. Topical treatments you don’t let the effects show on your face – she from the pharmacist or tea-tree oil gel or cream might just still allow it… At least two litres of water will help to dry up spots. To hide the spot that a day is essential to combat dry and flaky skin appears on the day use a blemish or cover-up stick caused by late nights, unhealthy diets and stress. – don’t go thinking it’s a girly thing to do. Your Ignore all the recent rubbish you’ve read in the favourite male celebs do it all the time. The lady papers about bottled water suppliers exaggerating in your life will be able to guide you through the the benefits of water – it flushes out toxins, it keeps right type for you in the make-up counter in any you hydrated and gives your skin a healthy large department store. complexion: fact.

Healthy, glowing skin also needs vitamin C. Get HAIRLY BELOVED your fix from vitamin supplements, citrus fruits, No matter how much you spend on your attire tomatoes and fresh vegetables. Needless to say, and grooming, there’s nothing that dulls the stubbing out the cigarette, cutting down on the appeal than a hairstyle that lies dead on your alcohol and banishing the junk food can only do head, or worse, is all over the place. Try out the wonders for your complexion. haircut you’d like weeks in advance. When you’re To maintain healthy skin it is also essential to happy with the cut and style, go to the same moisturise regularly. Use a cream that contains hairdresser before the wedding and ask for same vitamin E and UV protection. Facials also help again. Don’t go too mad with the hair gel or spray. revitalise the skin. A manicure is also a good idea. There’ll be a lot of sweat on the day and you don’t You don’t want the wedding video to play back the want to be a greaseball. Best to keep it looking moment you slip the ring on the bride’s finger natural.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

BEAUTY

ACNE FIGHTING FOODS In a spot of bother? Eat the zit away

by Hannah Ahmed Beauty Editor ONE of the most covetable beauty traits, in my opinion, is being blessed with naturally clear, glowy skin.

KEEP FIT FOR SUMMER WITH summer upon us finally, it’s time to eat healthy, stay in shape and keep fit. We caught up with fitness guru Yasmin Khan who shares her top 5 tips to stay in shape.

1

Get active! Find something you enjoy rather than something you hate as you won't carry on with it.

Whether that's weight training, running, zumba, pilates etc. Try and train a minimum of 3 times a week if you want your body to change!

2

Seek help! There's nothing worse for a Personal trainer to see people in the gym who have real goals that are achievable but doing the complete wrong things to hit those goals! It doesn't matter how hard you work; if you’re doing the wrong thing it won't work! Get advise from someone who’s in the know.

3

Nutrition is key. You may just want to lose weight and tone up, or run a marathon or compete in bodybuilding competitions. Which ever it is what you consume will affect the way your body looks and your performance.

4

Water. Drink at least 3 litres of water a day as this is a fat burner! Without water your body also can't function properly to flush out toxins etc so get drinking!

5

Use weights! You will not ever look like a man that’s just a crazy misconception - snap out of it! The only way to shape and sculpt your body is weights! So use the machines as well as the free weights!

• For more information log onto www.bodybyyasmin.com

But we all know that even the luckiest of ladies might get a blemish or two once in a while, and bad nutrition might be to blame.

Pesky pimples are never any fun so you might be surprised to learn that making some small swaps in your daily diet can be the key to clearer skin.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids. This includes salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids have been known to give skin an almost instant glow.

These foods can also help reduce inflammation, so any blemishes you do have won’t be quite so red. I love making grilled salmon for dinner. Adding flaxseed to a fresh fruit smoothie is another simple way to boost your omega-3s.

Foods rich in selenium. Brazil nuts, almonds, onion, garlic, and whole grains are all sources of selenium, which is also a powerful antioxidant. These foods help preserve your skin’s elasticity and reduce inflammation. Just eating a handful of almonds a day is an easy way to up your selenium intake.

Foods rich in vitamin E. This category includes nuts, soybeans, almonds, leafy greens and eggs. Vitamin E rich foods also help protect your skin from scarring. An easy way to get your daily dose is by drizzling olive oil on a salad or using it to cook. (I always use it on my pan when cooking my veggie omelet in the morning.)

Foods rich in vitamin A. Foods that give your body vitamin A are rich in beta-carotene, which enhances the benefits of selenium—that powerful antioxidant I mentioned earlier. Your skin will thank you if you include carrots, bell peppers, cantaloupes, and sweet potatoes into •LOW MARKS Healthy foods can give you unblemished skin your daily diet.

GET RID OF CELLULITE FAT is one thing…but CELLULITE is a completely different story!

You too may have been finding that despite your best efforts to take off the weight, you’re still left with saggy, dimpled skin.

Well you may also have wondered if there was anything out there that fights cellulite that you just don’t know about yet…

I recently learned about this odd “Hollywood secret” technique for getting rid of that disgusting extra jiggle that’s also backed by science Here’s what to do…

1. Take about a half cup or so of yesterday’s USED coffee grinds (NOT decaffeinated!) and mix them together with just a little bit of olive oil and put the mixture in an old nylon stocking.

(If you don’t drink coffee, ask your neighbors or friends to give you theirs and just tell them you’re using it for “compost fertilizer”! Sneaky, eh?

2. About 10 minutes before getting into the shower, vigorously rub the coffee grind mixture over your “trouble areas” like your hips, butt, belly, or thighs.

3. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off in the shower.

4. Do this a couple of times a week and start watching your skin get tighter and more toned as you continue your fat burning efforts.

Restore Ramadan diet balance

WITH Ramadan having just started you may have already started encountering head rushes and fatigue, which can be often caused by dehydration. You can now reduce these symptoms with the help of O.R.S soluble oral rehydration salts that will help you stay refreshed and energized.

Available in lemon or blackcurrant flavor, O.R.S will help your body absorb essential nutrients that are depleted when dehydration occurs. The solution will help restore fluid balance and help get you feeling back to your best. O.R.S can be purchased in handbag / kit bag or pocket sized friendly tubes, which provides a tasty low calorie alternative to energy drinks and a handy substitute for rehydration sachets. Simply dissolve two tablets in a glass of water at the first sign of dehydration.

O.R.S is suitable for adults and children and is available at your local pharmacy and leading supermarkets or online at www.pharmacy2u.co.uk (12s RRP £4.99, 24s RRP £6.99). For more information visit www.ors.uk.com

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

MODEL WATCH:: FAHMINA C How did you get into modelling?

I was first initially approached to model during my college years by the style editor of a leading Asian fashion magazine, however lacking the confidence and dedication I decided to focus on my studies. Fast track 5 years, having now graduated, again I was approached to model but this time to enter a beauty pageant which I went on to win.

I think I've been very fortunate by starting off representing a fashion boutique 'Sharons Couture' based in Birmingham, they were already within an established network of Make up artists, photographers and fashion houses, therefore proving to be a fantastic platform to launch my modelling career. I'll forever be grateful for the love, support and encouragement I received from the team.

What struggles did you initially go Modeling highlights? through to become a model?

I think going from living and doing everyday mundane tasks to featuring on billboards, magazine cover shots, commercials and representing major fashion houses has been a spectacular experience, I will always cherish these moments.

You seem to prefer the moody look‌ Haha, it's hard to pout and smile at the same time. I have dimples so the moody look conceals them quite well.

Is there pressure to be a size zero in the industry?

As much as there isn't as much pressure in the Asian fashion industry to be a size zero, models are still desired to have a slim frame. Lucky for me working in the Asian industry as I certainly am not a size zero.

How do you keep fit?

I'm not really one for keeping fit, when the guilt builds up I do make a random visit to the gym. Although I have just started personal training with Gareth an ex-army soldier. I'm one session in, it has taken me a week to recover so we'll see how long it Model stereotype that frustrates you the lasts. most?

Models and the fashion industry are often How image-conscious are you? portrayed as being a nasty, jealous, high Taking into consideration the industry I maintenance, demanding and highly work in, image is everything. sprung environment and therefore I'm often asked how I cope within an industry Dream modeling job? which has this image of myself and my I don't have an ideal dream job, each colleagues. The truth is, my modelling assignment is a blessing. It's an career is actually a break from these types overwhelming feeling when a client of negative attitudes that I experience in chooses myself to represent their my everyday life surrounded by jealousy product/service. and insecurity. I'm highly self-motivated, determined and modelling has built my Wardrobe essential? confidence. When people don't feel good I have a soft spot for designer bags, my about themselves they view other people's favourite little fashion investments. I think success as a poor reflection upon they're the perfect accessory to add a bit of themselves. This often leads to resentment class to any outfit. and instead of working harder to achieve their own goals, they slow themselves • www.facebook.com/fahminac down by being envious. twitter - @fahminac

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BEAUTY

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

BEAUTY

VICIOUS CIRCLES

Dark circles around the eyes is the biggest beauty problem facing Asian women the world over

by ANJANA GOSAI FINALLY, we can answer your You have spent too much time in the constant cries for a solution to sun In darker skinned people, exposure to dark circles around the eyes with sunlight can cause a melanin surge (a a resounding yes! higher-than-normal level of skin

We’ve managed to zap away that other problem particular to us – unwanted body hair – but dark circles remain a cause of frustration, particularly to those of us with darker skin tones. It is estimated that up to one in five Asian women are prone to the problem, be it minor or severe, all searching for a cure or ways to minimise their appearance.

A UK survey, commissioned by US beauty experts Bremenn Research Labs, revealed that 48% of women found dark circles to be their most embarrassing and distressing beauty problem, as it made them look old, tired, and exhausted.

If you fall into this percentage and suffer from dark circles (and I don’t mean the kind that appear in the morning after a heavy night and are gone by breakfast – but the type that stay around forever), then you’ll want to know why, and more importantly, how to prevent them.

Serious dark circles (the kind that make you look like you went five rounds in the boxing ring with a panda) are caused by the oxidation of blood in the capillary of the eye. These leak blood (through a process called haemoglobin degradation), creating a dark bluish, black pigmentation that looks similar to a bruise. The blood turns deep purple and you end up having dark shaded skin shaped like a circle around the eyes.

There are a whole host of factors that cause dark circles or make them worse.

In younger people, allergies or chronic medical conditions make dark circles around the eyes more noticeable. In older people, dark circles are often caused by the thinning of ageing skin, which makes blood vessels below the surface more apparent.

Other causes include: You inherited them Dark circles under the eyes tend to run in families. If your parents suffer from them, chances are, you will too. The skin under the eye is extremely thin and delicate. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin, it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent your skin, the darker the circles will appear.

pigmentation under the eyes). We get suntans because exposure to the sun increases the natural pigmentation of the skin and draws that pigmentation to the surface. This principle also applies to the under eye skin.

You have an allergy or suffer from asthma or eczema Any allergies or medical conditions that causes your eyes to itch can contribute to darker circles, because rubbing or scratching the skin under the eyes can darken the skin. Hay fever sufferers may notice under-eye "smudges" during the height of the allergy season.

Your medication is causing them to appear Some medications may cause blood vessels to dilate and can lead to dark under eye circles. As the skin under the eyes is very delicate, any increase in blood flow will be visible through the skin.

You’re not getting the nutrition your body needs A lack of nutrients in the diet, or an unbalanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under the eyes.

Excess sugar consumption is an enemy for dark circle sufferers. Research about the action of insulin shows that sugar can lead not only to weight problems, but also skin problems, through inflammatory responses as well as their effect on protein, which can age the skin and the body prematurely through a process called glycation. Inflammation can lead to eye puffiness and dark circles. Salt is another culprit – too much produces fluid retention that increases

Various beauty products or complementary therapies lay claim to miraculous powers and you’ve probably lost count of the amount you’ve tried You’re not getting enough sleep and tested. You’re certainly not to be A lack of sleep caused by late nights is a blamed for remaining somewhat cynical big contributor. Too many late nights and weary of the new and costly creams can lead to paleness of the skin, which Blame it on the world you live in allows the blood underneath the skin to Stress and environmental pollutants to hit the cosmetic counters.

But, in the last few years, there’s been become more visible and darker in including cigarette smoke or dust may appearance. irritate the area around the eyelids a revolution in skincare, with the introduction of creams created by top causing the appearance of dark circles. end dermatologists. Here are a few that They appear during your pregnancy are well worth a look… or at certain times in your menstrual Treat Them cycle Skin can also become paler during And finally we come to the question that Teamine Eye Complex pregnancy and menstruation, which you are all waiting to be answered. How Claims to offer both immediate and again allows the underlying veins under can we get rid of them? Unfortunately, long-term results. The treatment cream there is no simple answer or a miracle is only available through physicians and the eyes to become more visible. cure. But there are certainly steps you is clinically proven to reduce dark can take and products you can use to circles. Teamine Eye Complex has been They are caused though ageing As we get older the skin around the eyes diminish the appearance of dark circles. designed to work through multiple Rebecca Terpou at the Peach Tree pathways associated with dark circles gets thinner, due to the gradual collapse of the ‘scaffolding’ formed by collagen Beauty Clinic tells us: ‘As far as cures are and puffiness. The formulation assists in fibres combined with the weakening of concerned, there aren’t any specific providing increased microcirculation treatments that can eliminate dark and drainage, by strengthening the circles. They can occur due to a variety capillaries and developing firmer skin of factors, be it hereditary, due to under the eyes. They claim that most unhealthy lifestyle patterns or lack of patients will see and feel immediate sleep. All we can do is look at ways to improvement in their skin’s smoothness, minimise them and to ensure that the with a noticeable reduction in dark condition does not get worse. One of the circles within four to eight weeks. most important things to do is to Teamline Eye Complex (£40). For increase the hydration levels around the stockist details call 0800 028 7222 eyes using area specific creams.’

Shenaz Shariff from The Face & Body Hylexin Clinic adds: ‘A healthy lifestyle, coupled Hylexin is said to be a ‘dark circle with treatments and products, will breakthrough and the first formula definitely produce good results and, in specifically developed to dramatically many cases, eradicate the problem.’ reduce the appearance of serious dark the pressure in the small capillaries in the eye area.

VARIOUS BEAUTY PRODUCTS HAVE BOASTED MAGIC POWERS, BUT THE NEW RANGE CREATED BY TOP DERMATOLOGISTS REALLY DO WORK WONDERS

the elastic fibres which keep the skin taut. So skin around the eyes is thin and gets thinner with age – allowing the blood vessels and darker shadows of bone to show through.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

33

BEAUTY circles’. In scientific studies, Hylexin has been shown to help reduce hemoglobin degradation byproducts by optimising enzymatic activity, causing the red-blue pigmentation to fade. Studies also confirm that Hylexin actually helps strengthen the capillary matrix to help stop the leaking, therefore, the orbital eye area is protected against further damage. In a clinical trial, more than 72% of women who had serious dark circles and used Hylexin saw a visible reduction in the color and severity of their dark circles. If your dark circles are of the ‘ordinary’ variety you probably don’t need it. Hylexin (£95) is available from Harvey Nichols. For stockist information call 020 7235 5000 DDF Erase Eye Gel A humectant formulation with seven natural bioactive ingredients including Kojic acid a natural skin lightener, Japanese green tea known to protect against superoxide free radicals and vitamin K liposomes that helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and strengthen capillary walls. DDF Erase Eye Gel (£42). For stockists details call 020 7235 5000

ingredients used in the treatment, its aim is to attract nutrients and natural healing agents to repair weak tissue.

Phytonadione is used to help fade the appearance of dark circles by supporting healthy and damaged capillaries.

Glycyrrrhetinic acid is a powerful healing agent with strong antiinflammatory properties. It also uses Retinal to plump skin, thicken the epidermis, improve texture and blood circulation and repair the signs of sun damage. The above ingredients combined with a Vitamin C liquid work to reduce inflammations and pigmentation. A course of seven, 20minute sessions once a week is recommended. Prices start from £100.

For further information or to book a consultation call 020 7226 6560

Murad Eye Renewal Mask Treats symptoms such as signs of ageing, dark circles, fine lines and puffiness. The mask revives the eye area and restores a softer more youthful appearance. The treatment uses products developed by Dr Howard Murad a board certified dermatologist, pharmacist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at UCLA, he is one of the leading Dr Sebagh For Your Eyes Only authorities on internal and external Dr Sebagh has long been regarded as skincare. Costs £25 at The Peach Tree one of Europe’s most prestigious Beauty Clinic. For more information call aesthetic doctors. With a client list, 020 8741 1254 which ranges from celebrities to royalty, his line of high-tech, advanced The Face & Body Clinic formulations have achieved the same Offers the Ionic Treatment which helps recognition. For Your Eyes Only has to reduce dark circles by combining the been designed to reduce dark circles and use of various natural creams, gels and puffiness whilst providing hydration to application of negative currents to restore a youthful look to the skin. The encourage hydration and absorption of powder contains MPI, which is a natural oxygen. The treatment costs £39.95 per enzyme that slows collagen loss and session with a course of 6 diminishes under eye circles. The cream recommended. For more information formula contains a substance to reduce call The Face and Body Clinic on 020 fatty deposits under the eyes. Dr Sebagh 7436 3936 For Your Eyes Only (£62). For stockists details call 020 7730 1234 Surgery In severe cases surgery may be an Dr Brant Lineless Eye Cream option. The following clinics offer Apparently Madonna won’t leave home treatments for dark circles. without this cream created by Miami London Laser Clinic, 591 Fulham Road based A-list dermatologist, Dr Fredric London SW6 (020 7385 3922) Brant. Idebenone and its natural parent Cranley Clinic, 3 Harcourt House, 19A compound Ubiquinone are among the 5 Cavendish Square, London W1G leading antioxidants packed into this (020 7499 3223) cream. Antioxidants protect cells from environmental damage, improve the appearance of fine lines, reduce dryness, and smooth skin texture. Dr Brant Lineless Eye Cream (£46), for stockists details call 020 8740 2085 Concealers If your dark circles are not that severe, use a good quality light-reflecting concealer to hide them.

Treatments If you feel that treatment is your only option, then the first step is to consult a qualified surgeon or dermatologist who will be able to determine the cause and then discuss your options for a solution.

Speaking to a specialist is very important as not all skin types and individuals will be suited to every technique or treatment.

Here are some of your treatment options and remember that a thorough consultation is essential before undergoing any treatment…

Tired Eye Treatment with Eporex The aim of this treatment is to reduce dark circles, puffiness and improve skin vitality and tone. It works by introducing high concentrations of therapeutic substances into the skin around the eye where they can be more effectively utilised by cells developing beneath. Maltrodextrin is one of four

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

HEALTH

Fair trade fasting

THE humble date has long been the fruit of choice to break fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, all over the world.

Nutriously speaking dates are packed with the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for general well-being so are an excellent choice for snacking on, and to recover from a fast.

To mark Ramadan 2012, charity Oxfam have joined up with MADE (Muslim Agency for Development and Enterprise) to encourage fasters to buy ethically-sourced dates when they do their iftar shopping.

The store are selling dates by Zaytoun who source Palestinian dates on a fair trade basis, to help the countries rural economy. Manal Ramadan, Director of Zaytoun said: ‘We are asking consumers to think about the farmers who grow the dates that they eat to break their fast.’

Supporting fair trade in Palestine helps farmers keep their land, as land that is not used for three years or more can be confiscated by the government of Israel. Fair trade provides a market alternative, as farmers face a domestic market, which has been flooded with cheap imports making agricultural viability difficult. Fee Gilfeather, Head of Marketing for Trading at Oxfam said: ‘It is crucial that we give a fair deal to farmers in developing countries on whom we rely for our everyday products. By buying Zaytoun fair trade dates from Oxfam shops this Ramadan; you will get a good quality date and show your support for the Palestinian farmers that grew them’.

Health benefits of eating dates: • Dates contain dietary fibre so are excellent for the digestive system • They are easily digestible and contain simple sugars like frutcose and dextrose, making them packed with energy • High levels of vitamin A means they are an excellet antioxident and good for your eyes • They are a good source of iron, needed for making healthy blood cells • Zaytoun dates are available from Oxfam stores around the UK. To find your nearest store visit: www.oxfam.org.uk/shop.

EAT, LOVE, PRAY THE Islamic month of fasting got underway on Friday and in the UK it’s one of the most difficult timings there has ever been, with fasts that lasts 17 hours, in increasingly warm, summery conditions.

While the health advice being given out to non-fasters is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water – this is something those observing Ramadan can’t do.

But there are some steps you can take, to ensure you stay healthy during the month so that during the non-fasting hours you are eating and drinking the right things.

5 tips to survive Ramadan

1

State of health If you suffer from any type of health condition or are on medication, you must speak to your GP first. For example if you are diabetic and normally take insulin or tablets fasting may not be suitable for you. If a doctor says you cannot fast during Ramadan, it is acceptable to make a charity donation instead.

2

Eating before sunrise It is essential you eat something at this time, rather than skip it and fast from the moment you go to sleep at night. What you choose to eat is also important. Opt for a balanced meal that contains carbohydrates, fat, protein and sugar (fruit is ideal) to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it still needs in a day.

Complex carbohydrates such as barley, wheat, wholemeal and oats are a good choice as they release energy slowly during the day.

How to look after your body during Ramadan

relax to preserve energy. If you do need to important to ensure these contain take a few minutes to lie down, try and do everything you need; vitamins will give so and it will have several benefits you an added boost. including making you feel better and giving you and extra boost of energy.

Breaking with iftar What you choose to eat when Take supplements you break your fast will impact If you normally take vitamin on your health. It is not advisable to eat a tablets continue to take these. If huge meal after starving your body for so you don’t, it’s a good idea to take a daily many hours and in fact if you do, this is Dealing with tiredness The body becomes tired when it tablet or supplement during Ramadan to can contribute to obesity.

Instead break your fast with a small is fasting because blood sugar ensure your body gets all the nutrients it levels drop which is not being replaced by needs from a balanced diet. Your body is snack like a fruit salad, take a short break food. The body responds by telling us to only getting two main meals a day so it’s and then eat a normal meal. Avoid

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heavily processed foods like refined carbohydrates such as cakes, biscuits and Indian mithai as they will only give you an immediate energy boost, they will not have lasting nutritional effects. Instead try milky based desserts like rasmali.

As an alternative to fried food, go for healthier choices: so baked samosas rather than fried. Also avoid caffeine as drinks like tea and coffee will dehydrate you unnecessarily.

If you experience any unusual side effects from fasting, speak to your doctor.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Gurpareet Bain’s new book celebrates the health benefits of spicy foods Don’t be put off by the fact there are no photos of the finished dishes in this book – it doesn’t need them! Gurpareet Bain’s Indian Superspices engages you from the start with its fascinating facts, splendid sounding recipes and a seasoning of Gurpareet’s own sense of humour. It makes you realise just how rare it is to find a curry cookbook with personality.

In 2009 Gurpareet created the worlds healthiest meal – a simple Chicken Curry with Blueberries and Goji Berry Pilau – which contained the antioxidant equivalent of 23 bunches of grapes.

His debut book Indian Superfoods, published in 2010 was a bestseller, and this time he’s on a mission to show that spices are of equal importance as the main ingredients; nearly a quarter of antioxidant rich foods are spices.

Recipes are split into different sections, to combat different illnesses. Each chapter starts with a list of healing spices and their properties, for example star anise is antibacterial, turmeric anti-inflammatory, and

coriander is an analgesic.

There’s also a sprinkling of hints, tips and tricks that offer alternatives that can help you save money. One of his penny pinching suggestions is to make ‘light coconut milk’ using just 1/2 a can of coconut milk and diluting it with water.

Recipes include No More Cough and Sort Throat Spiced Rooibos Tea which he draws comparison to with a 1980s gobstopper: ‘If like me you had the pleasure of growing up in England, you may recall fireball jawbreaker hot candy bubblegum gobstoppers. Well this cuppa also has intense hair-raising properties. Just as a fireball would, this tea will set cold and flue nasties alight.’

Medicinal meals include PMT and PainAnnihilating Beef Rogan Josh, Blueberry and Fennel Ache-Calming, De-traumatising Prawns and Belly Comforting Eggs with Cumin-Infused Yoghurt.

• Indian Superspices by Gurpareet Bains is out now. www.gurpareetbains.co.uk

Try this delicious dessert to drive away summer colds: Soothe My Sort Throat Ginger Ice Cream Serves 4 Ingredients: 2 teaspoons ground ginger 100ml light coconut milk 300ml low-fat Greek yoghurt 400ml Light condensed milk Method: 1. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Pour the mixture into a wide, shallow freezer-proof container. Freeze for about 1 and a half hours or until slushy and starting to freeze.

3 Remove from freezer, tip into a chilled bowl and remove any ice crystals.

4. Return the mixture into the container and freeze for another two hours 5. Serve in scoops

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

ARE YOU A CHORE WHORE? Is sorting out your IT’S a weird one for us. We know we can’t stand our house being untidy, but at the same time, we don’t want to heed the outdated advice that an Asian woman’s role is to cook, clean and clear up. Being a housewife, cries the militant voice within us, does not mean being married to the house.

But while bra burning is all well and good, a woman will always wonder: someone has to clear the charred mess up afterwards…

One of the biggest causes of conflict between a couple living together is the delegation of chores. It appears our other halves simply don’t like doing their homework. We ran an online survey asking men why and the reasons ranged from the sexist to the ridiculous. Here are a few choice chore chortles:

• I work all day. Why should I come home and do more work?

• I’m so bad at washing up. My wife has to do them all over again so why bother in the first place?

• Men like fixing and building things.

Women like washing and clearing. I don’t ask my wife to go under the bonnet of our car with a wrench, so why should she insist I hoover up behind the skirting boards?

Whatever men say, the fact is women can’t ignore the sight of a pile of washing up with the same nonchalance our men display so infuriatingly.

So we’re left to hang our dirty laundry in private. But why exactly do we do it? It’s time for the washing up gloves to come off and clear the matter up once and for all...

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it The chore: You’ve accepted that the mess won’t get cleared up unless you do something about it, so what the heck.

The problem: There are many times when the last thing you want to be faced with at the end of a hard day is a mound of unfinished business, and you will naturally feel embittered by having to deal with it all.

At such times, he may step in to do the chores for you – but this establishes a ritual whereby you are grateful for any help he gives and he feels he is doing you a favour.

The solution: If the idea of a rota system seems too bureaucratic for his liking, adopt the winning formula of I-cook-you-clean, you-hoover-I-tidy. And remind him, many

mess leaving you feeling washed out?

hands don’t just make light work but also keeps the bedroom headaches at bay…

Keep it clean, treat him mean The chore: Some women like to keep things at home in shipshape order because they like it just so.

The problem: This not only makes him feel excluded from your ritual of housekeeping, but chances are, he will constantly irritate you every time he places something that doesn’t belong there or removes something that puts your order into disarray.

The solution: It’s a fact that people who live alone tend to be selfish when it comes to their home life. Newsflash: you don’t live alone. Learn to share and he’ll show he cares.

Wash away your worries The chore: Doing the housework can be incredibly therapeutic. The humming of the hoover and the gurgle of soap suds help clear your mind of all those day to day woes.

The problem: Once the chores become a form of escapism, it turns into your own private retreat where no man dares to tread.

And the more worries you have, the more you will find yourself constantly reaching for the cleaning products – to the point where you may well become obsessive about it.

The solution: It’s never a good idea to replace problems with distractions. Deal with it by talking it through with your man.

Let him into your world and share your thoughts while you share the chores.

Clean slate It’s time to rethink your whole clearing up strategy. Don’t see them as chores but as a time for both of you to bond. Read a Feng Shui or Vastu book together, show an interest in his DIY plans for home improvement, drive down to the garden centre and weed out the rubbish. It’s up to both of you to make your home a castle.

And if all fails, just hire a cleaner…

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COUPLES

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

FUN CITY

THE BOULEVARD GITA

by Sandeep Sood

HOROSCOPES March 21 - April 20 ARIES This year has been one of many lessons that now may be sorted through for the pearls of wisdom that will allow you to have more freedom as you evaluate the worth of your outer connections and make decisions about where to make adjustments. Seek quality and those who nourish your mind.

April 21 - May 21 TAURUS Personal fulfillment for the long-term is more significant now than getting ahead in work alone. Time spent evaluating how far you have come and where you want to be next will be a major key to what you do as long as you also include what gives you peace of mind.

May 22 - June 21 GEMINI As you think about life in general return to the foundation of your beliefs and ideals for ways to manifest something more true to your nature. You enjoy and appreciate liberty and opportunity to express yourself that should be part of the dynamic of what you do during the next two weeks.

June 22 - July 22 CANCER Time to get your finances into order. Take time to make sure what you have in place regarding money is in order and as you need it to be. Also, if anyone else is involved with you financially bring that connection into alignment. This is the time to shore up the edges rather than expand.

July 23 – August 23 LEO Sort out that niggling issue that’s quietly destroying a friendship.

Finish up work with those you have asked for help such as accountants or others who offer services to help you in business or personally. Someone may have too much to do right now that gets in the way of properly working together with you.

August 24 - September 22 VIRGO Set a pace and pattern of work that will help you to shed the past and get ready for renewal and also monitor your energy levels noting how much you rest and the quality of it. If you fall short of time for quality sleep, find ways to accommodate a better lifestyle that includes rest and energy building.

September 23 - October 23 LIBRA Renewal and finding ways to refresh the spirit are all positive avenues this week. Recognition of your spirit of adventure will benefit you later on if you define it and acknowledge it now. If there are children in your life there will be a decision made or something will be finalised.

October 24 - November 22 SCORPIO Finish up everything possible to make room for new events and activities later on in the month. Review and renew what gives you the most joy in your lifestyle so you may reinforce the positive element of it. Also, simplify where you can right now as later on there will be time to do more and add activities.

DID YOU KNOW? Deepika and Saif’s Cocktail may well have good cause to celebrate for raking in £554,697 in less than two weeks of its release, but it has a long way to go before it can match the dizzy heights of 3 Idiots. Released in 2009, the Aamir Khan comedy caper made over £49 million in the box office worldwide. The second highest grossing movie? Ghajini, also starring Aamir...

NAME THE STAR

This little girl went on to be nominated for a dozen Filmfare Best Actress Awards. But who is she?

Find out the answer on Twitter @asiancity Last weeks’s celeb: Anushka Sharma

stars to follow on lonely nights TO TWEET. TO WHO? The Rahul Khanna@R_Khanna “A Gagan-tuan achievement!

Congratulations on bringing India into the Bronze Age, Mr. Narang”

Celina Jaitly@CelinaJaitly “in films-A man shows no pain while tkng beating but winces when a woman tries 2 clean his wounds”

Amitabh Bachchan@SrBachchan “The year 2012 will have 3 Friday the 13th, and they will be exactly 13 weeks apart”

CJanina Gavankar @Janina “sh! don't tell me what happened on True Blood. Oh wait, there’s a script right here”

November 23 - December 21 SAGITTARIUS Ttroublesome people are all around you – keep your distance to avoid controversy. Another is restless and may want to stir you to action which is not in your own best interest. Think for yourself and make your own decisions. Stay clear of those who cause you to feel despondent or who are judgmental.

December 22 - January 20 CAPRICORN Get your lifestyle and your values sinto alignment. Keep true to your ethics and what you believe rather than allowing challenge to throw you off course. This is the time to manage what you are doing and what you have rather than trying to change it or add something new.

January 21 – February 18 AQUARIUS Take life a day at a time and tend to needs as they arise rather than trying to tackle anything major right now. Adjust, readjust and refine what is already happening for best results. Your awareness is growing and gives you a birds-eye view of the near future.

February 19 - March 20 PISCES Settle into a nice routine that includes time each day for being quiet and meditating on order and how to maintain a nice even pace of living. Any issues that come to a peak is there to be resolved. Psychic flashes may come through a dream or in some way that gives you reason to react.

ask Neelam SHOULD I MAKE THE FIRST MOVE? Dear Neelam,

MY BOYFRIEND and I have been going out with each other for two years now and he’d like us to move in together and rent a house. I’ve never lived with a partner before and am worried about making the right choice for both myself and our relationship.

How do I decide?

Neelam says..

You are right to think long and hard about living together because it is a big step which will either strengthen your relationship or break it.

When you share a home with your partner, there is no hiding your habits and idiosyncrasies. And most of us only discover the full extent of these after we’ve moved in together. A trial period at your place and his would be a good idea for you both. But remember, because you are still making your mind up, he will be on his best behaviour and be consciously hiding any unsociable habits he may possess – as will you!

Before you say yay or nay, there are some sensitive points you should talk through together. It will be much better that these are brought in to the open now before you take the final step.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

37

GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? SHARE IT, HALVE IT, LET NEELAM SORT IT e: neelam@asiancity.co.uk

Tears on my pillow Dear Neelam,

SINCE my mother passed away a year ago, I’ve had to stay strong for the sake of my younger brothers and sisters, but there hasn’t been a single night that I haven’t cried myself to sleep. The thing is, now that I’m ready to talk about it, I daren’t in case it upsets my family again.

My father has even said we shouldn’t bring up bad memories and try to move on with our lives…

Neelam says..

By being the strong one for your loved ones, it’s almost as if everyone assumed you were able to handle the grief. But, as you’ve now discovered, bottling up your true feelings whilst holding it together for everyone else has left you with unresolved issues.

Discussing the loss of a loved one and what they meant to you is crucial to the healing process. Start off speaking about it to a friend, or someone outside your immediate family – preferably someone who has possibly been through a bereavement. Speaking to people who have experienced a death in the family often helps as they are able to empathise. And don’t automatically assume your father doesn’t want to talk about it – that may be the case, but he hasn’t spoken to you about it. Who’s to say he doesn’t have unresolved issues himself? Choose the right moment, away from your siblings, and tell him how you feel. In the meantime, contact an organisation such as Cruse Bereavement Counsellors, who are trained to help you come to terms. You can find some basic advice at www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Fashion victimised Dear Neelam,

waking moment, and I think she sees you as her pet project. To be fair to her, it wouldn’t harm you to get yourself an extra pair of jeans and trainers – if only on the basis of hygiene! My advice is to go shopping together.

Most high street stores don’t sell the wackier extremes of fashion you see in cutting edge magazines, so there will be plenty of things you actually like on the shelves.

Even better, providing you can afford it, would be to take her out on a spree.

Few women can resist buying clothes, and seeing how interested in fashion she is, I’m sure she’ll find It sounds like things are plenty of things to buy. Just getting out of hand. Your be grateful you’re off the girlfriend is letting her hook – especially when she enthusiasm for her new makes you carry all the course control her every bags home!

MY GIRLFRIEND has just started fashion college and she’s now become obsessed with changing my image.

Barely an evening goes by without her flicking through the latest men’s fashion magazines, trying to get me excited about some dreadful outfit, from furry boots to a jacket that zips up at the back. I like how I dress – usually in the same classic jeans and trainers – so why should I spend a fortune turning myself into a style victim?

Neelam says..

DOES HE JUST WANT TO USE ME FOR TEXT?

Dear Neelam,

I’M 32 and have just started dating again after months of getting over a serious relationship that ended very badly. I’ve now met someone I really like and have been seeing him twice a week for a month. I’m really happy except for the fact he never calls. He only arranges to see me via text. When I call him, he doesn’t answer the phone but then he’ll send me a really sweet text afterwards. As it’s early on, I’m scared to bring it up because I don’t want to frighten him off, especially as when we see each other he’s so affectionate. It’s starting to upset me. What should I do?

Neelam says..

Your new man has what I call an STD. A Serial Texting Disorder. And curing it is not as simple as a quick trip to the clinic. I’ve been out with plenty of blokes who only communicate via the Nokia dictionary and I’m sorry to say the outcome was never good.

If a man can’t pick up the phone to talk to you, he’s not interested in developing a serious relationship.

A phone call takes effort, thought and even an amount of forward planning. A text message on the other hand can be shot off in seconds. Not only that, it’s easy to hide behind a text. So if your man mainly or only compliments you via 160 characters, there’s a good chance he isn’t being genuine.

You say he’s affectionate when he sees you. Of course he is. That’s when he wants to bed you. You should be with a man who wants to know your thoughts as well as your body.

Don’t be frightened of scaring him off by talking to him about it, because if he’s a good ‘un, he

won’t take offence. Rather, he’ll respect your feelings. The next time you go out with him, approach the subject of him having an STD. Although you might want to phrase it differently.

Award good behaviour so he feels you’re not being accusational.

Start by telling him you love receiving texts from him, but make it quite clear you would like to speak to him as well. If he hasn’t started to call you on a regular basis within a couple of weeks of your one to one, ditch him.

Because you’ll find out the hard way what he was thinking all along.

That you were a ‘good for now’ girl.

And promise me if this happens, you’ll do the decent thing. You’ll dump him via text…

LOVE FACT

Falling in love can induce a calming effect on the body and mind and raises levels of nerve growth factor, which helps to restore the nervous system and improves memory. But unless you feel at ease with your partner, it can also exert the same stress on your body as deep fear!

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 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 159-161 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

Sangham Video & Fireworks 410 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London E17 9AA T: 0208 521 4792 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

Digital Music 176 Plashet Rd, London E13 T: 07957 126 976

Balo Basha 9 Osborn St London E1 6TD T: 07865 053 716

Eastern Styles 302 Green St, London E7 8LF T: 0208 257 8825

Geet Ghor Plus 24 Osborn St London E1 6TD T: 07958 176443

Partap Fashion Fabrics 277B Green St, London E7 8LE T: 0208 472 9979

Sangeeta 22 Brick Lane London E1 6RF T: 0207 247 5954 W: sangeetaltd.co.uk

S.S. Designers 277 Green Street, London E7 8LJ T: 0208 472 9141 Pan Parlour 337 Green Lane, Ilford IG3 8BD T: 0208 597 8328

Sanam Music Centre 266 Bethnal Green Rd E2 0AG T: 0208 552 8008 Anand Pan Centre Green St London E7 8LL T: 0208 472 4425

JR’s High Class Butchers 163 Upper Tooting Rd SW17 7TJ T: 0208 682 3949 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 Santosh 832 London Road Croydon CR7 7PA T: 0208 683 2447

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

South London

Anand Pan Centre 116 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2LE T: 0208 514 3800

Anand Pan Centre 102 Upper Tooting Rd SW17 T: 0208 762 7576

New Khalsa Super Store No.4 South Rd, UB1 1RT T: 07427 675479

Imaani London 93 Ilford Lane Ilford IG1 2RJ T: 0208 478 8558 E: info@imaanilondon.com

Style 2000 155A Upper Tooting Rd SW17 T: 0208 672 1115 W: studiostyle2000.co.uk

Santoshi 41A South Rd, Middx UB1 1SW T: 0208 843 2461 E: info@santoshi.net

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!

Parampara 79 The Broadway, UB1 1LA T: 0208 571 4697 E: parampara.xd@gmail.com Milan Video 75 Station Rd Harrow HA2 7SW T: 0208 861 4971 Indian Music4U 718 Kenton Rd Middx HA3 9QX T: 0208 204 5000 E: indianmusic4U.co.uk Shivan Pan & Sweet Mart 443 Kenton Rd HA3 0X T: 0208 206 2225

A-Z Muzik Unit 3, 7 The Broadway UB1 T: 0208 843 2358 E: atozmuzik@gmail.com

Quality Foods 118 Ilford Lane, Ilford IG1 2LE T: 0208 514 8888

Quality Foods 47-61 South Road, Southall UB1 1SQ T: 0208 917 9188

Prabu Pan Shop 5/8 Dominion Parade HA1 2TR E: yunushmir@yahoo.co.in Sonas Haute Couture 48 Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4TQ T: 0208 795 1100 E: sona@sonacouture.com Panachand Pan House 238 Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4QL T: 0208 902 9962 Muzik Zone 105A Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4BP T: 0208 795 1265

Prabu Paan Shop 129 Ealing Rd Middx HA0 4BP T: 07402 682586 New Fashion House 88 The Broadway UB1 1QF T: 0208 843 0969 E: newfashionhouse@gmail.com 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

Midlands: Midlands Representative: Ziggi Studio 223 Ladypool Rd Birmingham B12 8LG T: 07814 429 428 E: ziggi@asiancity.co.uk

North West: North West Representative: Mr M Ahmed 2 Sylvan Street, Oldham 0L9 6LX T: 07949 177 392 E: thespicecity@gmail.com

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

39

RECIPES Chandi Kalia

Chaamp Lajawab WHEN cooked well, the meat literally melts on the tongue. This recipe makes a wonderful main course, served with some rotis and a crunchy onion and lime salad. The chops will be more tender if you marinate them overnight – which also helps to heighten the flavour. In India, many cooks marinate meat in a mashed raw papaya to tenderise it. Although spicy lamb chops are fabulous as a main meal, if you buy smaller pieces you can serve it as a starter. You can cook these chops on a barbecue – the lightly charred effect complements the flavour delightfully. For autumn celebrations, grilling works just as well.

Ingredients: Serves four

LAMB BAM THANK YOU MAM

Delicious meaty cuts that will have your guests baa-ing for more THIS dish is an updated version of the awadhi (Awadh is the ancient name for Lucknow in north India), which was created for the ruling nawabs of royal India and known for its delicate flavours and slow cooking. While the flavour has subtle nuances, it is a relatively heavy dish, which is why when this is served at dinner parties, soft rotis and a juicy tomato salad provide the perfect accompaniment. Silver leaf or varq is available from most large Indian grocery shops.

Ingredients: Serves four • 3 tbsp sunflower oil • 600g lean lamb, cubed • 3 tbsp ginger-garlic paste • 2 onions, sliced • 2 tbsp garam masala • 150ml natural yogurt • 100ml double cream • 1 sheet silver leaf • Salt to taste

Preparation: It only takes 15 minutes to prepare, but if you want the meat to really soak up the full-bodied flavour, then this dish takes at least an hour and a quarter. Heat the sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and fry the lamb until brown on all sides, stirring so that it does not stick to the pan.

Tip in the onions, ginger-garlic paste and garam masala powder and stir well. Fry until the onions turn golden.

Then pour in the yogurt, season with salt and add 150ml (5fl oz) hot water. Cover and bring to a bubble.

Reduce the heat and cook on low heat until the meat is tender, adding a little more water if the curry dries up.

Lift out the meat with a slotted spoon and keep aside. Then strain the curry through a fine sieve and return the meat to the sauce. Add the cream.

Heat through gently and serve topped with silver leaf.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: SECRETS OF INDIA WHEN it comes to good old fashioned home cooked food, especially apt when the cuisine in question is faithful to its Bengal roots, the connoisseur won’t trust a place that’s as jazzed up as Secrets of India. The notion being: trendy Asians just don’t get their mother’s cooking!

Which is what makes Secrets of India all the more alluring. We arrived here with upturned noses, expecting style over content, but the moment the aroma made

their way up those very noses – it wasn’t long before our tongues began to drool.

Because what you’ll find within an interior based on clubland pretentions is unfussy, good honest food.

The menu doesn’t try to win you over with fancy wording, the staff don’t act like they should really be in the West End, meaning what you don’t see is what you get. Delicious, authentic dishes cooked with love. Secrets of India is the kind of place you’d happily take your mother along to...

• 36 High Street, Northwood Middlesex HA6 1BN Tel: (01923) 841 561 / 841 107 enquiries@secretsofindia.co.uk www.secretsofindia.co.uk

• 8 lamb chops • 3 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste • 150ml (5fl oz) natural yogurt • 1 tsp cumin seeds, dry roasted and ground to a powder • 1 tsp chilli powder • salt to taste (don’t add too much since most pastes already contain salt) • 3 tablespoons ghee • Freshly squeezed lemon juice Preparation: If marinated for over an hour, the meat will reach the desired texture. Put the chops, ginger-garlic paste, peppercorns, spice powders, yogurt and salt into a large mixing bowl, blending the spices evenly.

Place the chops under a hot grill, turning them to cook evenly and basting frequently with the ghee. If you’re dieting and prefer not to use ghee, you can replace it with a healthier alternative like sunflower oil. If, however, taste takes a higher priority, I would advise staying loyal to ghee, as it rounds off the flavour.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice to add a piquant touch.

Garnish with mint leaves and serve hot with rice.

40

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

TRAVEL Our top destinations CAN’T afford a long holiday? Take a short break. That doesn’t mean a weekend in Scarborough, mind. Pack light, fly high and still have enough change left to send us a postcard…

Brussels If you’ve had your fill of shopping and beach holidays, pay a visit to stunning Brussels for cultural treats like beer and chocolate museums by day, and a fantastic party scene by night. www.brussels.org Dublin Perfect for those with a unsteady bank balance, Dublin brings you the delights of streets bursting with historical sites and buildings dating back to 1028 AD, assuming of course, you can negotiate your way past the ludicrously cheap antique bars and contemporary clubs dotted along the way. www.dublinuncovered.net Verona Forget Paris, if it’s romance you’re after, nowhere comes close to the city where Shakespeare set the scene for Romeo and Juliet. Make sure you get a room with a balcony (well, it worked for Juliet) and immerse yourself in medieval cobbled streets and courtyards. www.thomsoncities.co.uk Annecy The sparkling turquoise lake is the jewel in Annecy’s crown, studded with snowcovered mountains and acres of green meadows and crisp, clean air. Ideal for a short break from city life. www.annecyevenement.com Stockholm Who says detox holidays can’t be fun? Rejuvenate dried skin with the clean air this harbour city has to offer. Enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the city or chill out in the countryside. www.destinationstockholm.com

WHEN you think India, you think big, bustling cities or quaint, rural towns and villages. In fact, you could probably reel off dozens of places before you thought of any of the islands that dot the coasts of the country.

But then these heavenly islands are among the world’s best kept secret locations. Places such as Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just renowned for their seclusion and untouched beauty, but beloved by the elite for their exclusivity.

Preserving a precious eco-system and way of life that exists only on these two sets of islands, the Indian government insists you apply for a special permit before you can enter. Rather than alienating tourists, it only increases the allure, making you feel every inch the VIP, but thankfully, minus the exorbitant expenditure.

Adorning the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea like emeralds glinting in a sea of aquamarine, the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands come dusted with pure white sand and breathtaking diving spots teeming with tropical fish – all of it imbued with an infectious tranquillity that takes you from the realm of the tourist to another plane…

Lakshadweep Islands Although it’s been likened to the Maldives in terms of its aweinspiring natural beauty, Lakshadweep differs in that there are nowhere near as many tourists. Located 400 miles from Kerala, it is revered for being on of the world’s most valuable tropical lagoons, with over 1000 different species of fish. Quite

ISLANDS OF PLENTY You don’t have to go to the pacific to find Paradise

simply, it is the ultimate exotic location, opening your eyes to sights very few people have seen, especially since at any one time, only 150 tourists are allowed on the entire archipelago, consisting of 36 islands!

And as an extra precaution, you’ll be shown a video on the boat ride over to the islands, outlining their way of life and why things such as picking up a piece of coral might get you arrested! But once you step foot on the island, it is apparent why such extreme measures have been taken to protect what is quite possibly the last shred of evidence that heaven is a place on earth.

Tourists are permitted to stay on two of the 36 islands, Bangaram

and Kadram. for the adventurous traveller, things don’t get much better than this. There are no locals staying on Bangaram – hence no shops, which means although you'll be able to buy most things at the hotel, it’s wise to take all your provisions with you. Two resorts, the Bangaram Island Resort and The Casino Hotel are beautifully furnished, with fans and attached bathrooms – but don’t expect air conditioning or hot water. It’s bad for the environment, you see…

The ecological restraints might sound daunting to the British Asian tourist used to creature comforts, but adapting to the environment couldn’t be easier.

Endless canopies of coconut trees

grazing the sea are perfect for cooling off when the sun is at its zenith, while an endless array of water sports are perfect to satiate the adventurer in you.

The coral is absolutely pristine and a delight to swim past.

Bangaram and Kadram have dive centres run by thorough dive masters, who can show you the ropes if you’re a novice.

The most popular dive spots off Bangaram is Manta Point. Set in a glittering crust of black coral, you’ll find manta rays, eagle rays, moray eels and green and hawkbill turtles swimming past in droves, offset by flutters of colour from angel and clown fish, not to mention the abundance of the awesome, but harmless sharks. If

I’D LIKE TO BE UNDER THE SEA TAKE advantage of the inexpensive summer breaks on offer on lastminute.com as a much needed warm up to the big annual event. Beautiful islands such as Malta are extremely affordable and the good it does restoring peace to frazzled nerves is worth tenfold the price of the ticket.

As a more sophisticated European destination where enjoyment doesn’t hinge on tequila and trashy clubs, Malta impresses quietly with its rich 700 year old history, where medieval architecture stands side by side with contemporary embellishments.

It isn’t called the heart of the Mediterranean for nothing; rich with the remnants of all the great ancients who passed through Malta, it is a breathtaking museum replete with baroque churches, tranquil monasteries and Norman cathedrals set under a brilliant blue sky.

Reserve the party animal in you for the summer and instead indulge in long rambling walks along the coastline, afternoon siestas underneath a spray of olive trees, sampling wine and fresh fish

in earthy local taverns overlooking the sea.

The good news is that most activities in Malta are fairly kind to your wallet and better still, the country is also rated one of the cheaper places in Europe without compromising on quality.

Whereas in other countries pleasures

like island hopping and scuba diving would eat into a huge chunk of your budget, the Maltese positively encourage the experience by providing frequent ferry rides. It’s worth every penny.

Gozo and Comino – Malta’s sister islands – resemble an untouched paradise surrounded by blue lagoons

you’re really lucky, you might even see a pod of dolphins accompany your dive boats! Dive into a bit of history by dipping into the wreck of the Princess Royal – she lies in 35m of clear water after being sunk in battle by the French and British 200 years ago.

Most visitors like to wind down the rest of their stay with more relaxing activities like visiting the Ayurvedic Centre.

But be warned – it’s addictive.

With so many wonderful treatments and soothing massages to choose from, it’ll be a wonder if you don’t pay a visit every day.

• For further information, log onto www.indianislands.com

and red sandy beaches. Dressed in hills covered with fragrant oleander and geranium, you’d barely believe that it is a mere three hour flight ride from arctic London. And for those sick of traffic jams and road rage back home, Comino offers complete respite as it is absolutely car free. Pure bliss.

Once you head back to Malta you could indulge in the local nightlife – after all it fares well when compared with other European cities – or you could continue with the relaxation program and hop on a harbour cruise around the island.

Remember to pack some warm clothes – springtime in Malta is extremely pleasant but has been known to turn gusty during April. The weather can affect your choice of accommodation, which is no bad thing.

If the seafront is quite choppy, you could move inland and stay in delightful antique farmhouses wreathed in jasmine or if budget permits, you could splash out on a night in a baroque palace.

• Visit www.lastminute.com for similar cheap deals

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

CLASSIFIED

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LOOKING FOR HAIR MODELS FOR BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES

41

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HOW TO PLACE YOUR ADVERT

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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.

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Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

CAREERS

HOW TO WORK ABROAD

IT’S STILL too darned cold for our liking, so it’s only natural to fantasise about working abroad. According to a recent survey by monster.co.uk, a whopping 96 percent of Brits are with you on this one. But is the grass really greener on the other side?

• Your decision to work abroad shouldn’t hinge solely on whether it is sunny. Ensure if you lose your job, there are other work opportunities. Make a short visit to your desired location to find out what life is like as a resident rather than a tourist.

• Your visa is the most important thing. You don’t need a work permit for any country in the EU, but you do for any other country in the world. Research employment laws as they vary from country to country.

• Know your languages.

Make sure English is widely spoken otherwise you will have a tough time socially and an even harder time at work.

• Appreciate that people do things differently and put some research into it. Log on to chat forums and talk to people from your desired country to find out where to look for jobs, qualities employers look for and what variations to make to CVs. • Apply to a UK based company who have international locations. This means that you still have the same salary and perks due to you as a British citizen, but living in a country with a cheaper standard of living ensures you’ll save a lot of money.

KEPT UNDER

It’s time to stop office bullying being swept under the table IT’S SAFE to say that across the globe, no matter what job, whether it involves managing millions or cleaning loos, at some point employees find themselves at loggerheads with their managers.

This is the natural state of affairs; your manager yells at you, you quietly nuture your resentment from the confines of your desk. Or is it?

Statistics reveal that 90 per cent of bullies are managers and, according to thousands of employees across the country who ring The National Workplace Bullying Advice Line, there’s a huge difference between tough management and bullying at work – but all too often, employees don’t recognise the difference. And, you’d be wrong in thinking most bullies are men; statistics reveal that out of all the reported bullies, over 50 percent are women.

CAREER ADVICE Q

Are the sufferers of power hungry bosses employees by being firm when necessary being over sensitive, or are they being and crediting good work where it is due. abused?

Bullies on the other hand, use a mixture of intimidation and deception. In front of Are you being bullied? others, the bully will be the picture of It’s not something to be taken lightly. charm and understanding. With you, he/ Bullying can leave serious physical as well she will reveal their horrible side. as emotional effects on its victims. It can They usually act this way to ensure you lead to increased levels of stress, chronic have no support structure or empathy depression and thoughts of suicide, anxiety should you confide in another work and loss of self confidence. If you feel colleague about your bullying. Exhibiting you’re being demeaned, isolated, controlling behaviour is a major indication, overloaded with work (in comparison to as is threatening behaviour and being your other colleagues), you might find overly aggressive. yourselves the victim of a bully. A common characteristic is trivial criticism – unlike What to do constructive criticism which serves to • Write everything down. Keep a diary of improve your work. The bully will often every incident, noting exact details and pick on something which has an element of witnesses. truth in it, to confuse you into thinking it is • Talk to a colleague about it, you may well true. find that you are not the only victim.

• Approach your bully, and calmly tell them How to spot a bully that you do not like their behaviour and ask Good managers get the most from their them to stop.

I’ve recently been promoted and now have an employee working under me. I don’t have any complaints about her apart from the fact that she spends an awful lot of time on the telephone making loud, personal calls. It doesn’t interfere with her efficiency because she often stays late, but I’m finding it quite annoying.

A

on, is that personal calls should be kept to a minimum – unless of course they are made during break times.

It’s irrelevant whether your employee stays late, the problem is that when she’s on the phone, she’s unable to meet targets according to your deadline, which is fundamentally why she’s there.

Every office has different Schedule a meeting and set etiquette but if there’s one boundaries – reminding her that the thing they generally agree office phone is not free.

www.futuretraining4jobs.com

• If you feel like you cannot talk to the bully, or if this has proved unsuccessful, tell your manager.

• Know Your Rights. If you’re not already part of one, join a union. They will give you advice on what to do, provide free legal advice, support you and even if you don’t want to approach your company directly, they can do it for you.

• Make a formal complaint.

How to stop bullying if you’re the boss The hear no evil, see no evil school of thought is a dangerous one. If you know that bullying is taking place within your company.

Apart from decreased productivity, if the bullying is not dealt with, employers may find themselves facing fines, compensation and potentially a jail sentence.

• Visit www.banbullyingatwork.com or www.bullyonline.org or ring the Andrea Adams Trust confidential helpline on: 01273 704900

Q

Recently I felt that I should resign from my job as working there on a daily basis had become intolerable and extremely difficult. I know this situation should be handled carefully but I am not totally sure how to approach it.

A

Ask yourself if resigning from your job is part of your long-term strategy to move your career forward or if you’re making an impulsive move.

It’s better to seek work while you’re employed – it looks better on your CV and you’ll feel less desperate. If you are set on resigning, schedule a meeting with your manager and explain your career plans have changed, that way it doesn’t sound like you’re blaming anyone.

You also need to rely on your company to provide a good reference, so ensure you part on pleasant terms.

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

HOCKEYSTAN •SERVICE Saina Nehwal

She shoots she scores

INDIA’S ace badminton star Saina Nehwal cruised into the knockout stage of the women’s singles competition after notching up a comfortable straight-game win over Belgium’s Lianne Tan in a group stage match on Monday.

The world number five Indian did not need to exert herself and was in complete control of the match as she saw off the Belgium girl 214, 21-14 in just 24 minutes at the Wembley arena.

The fourth seed Indian is likely to take on Chineseborn Yao Jie of The Netherlands, ranked 20th in the world, in the knockout stage.

The 22-year-old Indian was in her dominating best as she judged the shuttle well and had better idea of the court. She anticipated the moves of her opponent very easily and took just nine minutes to wrap up the first game in her favour.

•MISSED Bombayla Dei

No bullseye Bombayla TOP ARCHER Bombayla Devi crashes out of women’s archery in drtamatic style.

Bombayla Devi loses 2-6 to Mexico’s Aida Roman.

Roman started the tie in perfect fashion, hitting three consecutive 10s to storm through the first set, and a rout looked on the cards.

However, Bombayla Devi rallied back to win the second set 25-24 after Aida opened the second set with a 6. Bombayla earned the ignominy of becoming the first archer at the Games this year to miss the target completely, recording a 0 on her first try, all but ending her hopes in the competition.

At time of going to print, other Indians Chekrovolu Swuro and Deepika Kumari were in preparation to hit the winning target.

43

SPORT

Pakistan give Spain a run for their money PAKISTAN held 2008 Olympic silver medallists Spain to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the men’s Olympic hockey competition at the London Games after Australian captain Jamie Dwyer’s spurred the World champions to a runaway 6-0 win over South Africa on Monday.

Pakistan wasted several scoring chances after surviving sustained Spanish attacks in the first session and later in the second half saw a Spanish goal being negated after the umpire had blown the whistle and pointed to the centre.

Spain had the rival goal under intense pressure in the Group A encounter when the Pakistan defenders were unable to clear the ball for 10 minutes.

Pakistan were unlucky that striker

•HOLDING ON Pakistan Olympics team Mohammad Rizwan twice faltered after getting into goal-scoring positions and a rising drag flick from skipper Sohail Abbas got deflected out after hitting the cross-piece.

Pakistan had finished last among seven nations in the Azlan Shah Cup two months ago.

After a goalless first session, Pakistan broke the deadlock when Rehan Butt slammed the ball into the

board on a pass from Haseem Khan in the 46th minute, but Spain equalised within a minute as Pau Quemada found the target with a reverse hit that beat goalkeeper Imran Shah.

A Spanish goal was overturned after video referral later on when Pakistan protested against a striker swinging the stick to slam a rising ball into the net.

Pak Track looking bleak THERE was bad news for Pakistan ahead of the track events as Rabia Ashiq, who will be taking part in the 800m race, was affected by back spasms while sprinter Liaqat Ali is suffering from stiff legs ahead of their events.

While Rabia has over a week to recover – her event takes place on August 8 – Liaqat is racing against time to be fit for his August 4 heat. Bushra Parveen, who is accompanying the pair as coach, said that the players suffered minor injuries due to the Mondo track.

“The Mondo track has taken a lot out of our athletes during the training as they had to put in a lot of effort to run on it,”, said Parveen. “We’ve got tartan tracks in Pakistan so it’s a bit of a tricky situation for our athletes.

But we’ll make sure that whatever time we have, we use it to get acclimatised to the track so that when the competition starts, our athletes can run to their potential.”

Parveen added that strong winds and chilly weather in London can also be a discomfort for them and hence termed their chances of performing well at the Olympics bleak.

BOXER Sumit Sangwan put up a heroic performance against Brazil’s Yamaguchi Falcao Florentino in the 81-kg category before losing his bout 14-15 in what looked to be a controversial decision in favour of the Brazilian.

The decision not only enraged the Indian contingent and sports minister Ajay Maken but also had them lodging an official protest, which the Minister confirmed through a tweet.

Sangwan, one of the bright youngsters on the Indian boxing scene, had an excellent third and final round, where he seemed to land way more punches than what he was given credit for. He came into the final round trailing by two points following the first two rounds going 5-4 and 5-4 in the favour of the seeded Brazilian.

It was an evenly poised bout but the Indian did not seem to find favour with the referee, Greek Nikolaos Poutachadis.

Though Sangwan matched the Brazilian in the first two rounds, it was in the third round that he went really opened out with a flurry of punches and put Falcao under pressure.

BOXED OUT

It was blow for the Indians, who have already seen Shiva Thapa lose in 56 kg bantamweight class. However, 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Vijender Singh and Jai Bhagwan have already progressed to the round of 16

and Vikas Krishan has got a bye into the pre-quarter finals.

India’s head coach Gurbaksh Singh Sandhu was understandably disappointed that the verdict went against Sangwan.

SWIMLANKA

Will Hershan Unamboowe go great strides?

SRI LANKAN swimmer Heshan Unamboowe said his Olympic experience in London will help him to bring international glory in future. “It was a tremendous experience that would definitely help me in the long run as a swimmer,” Unamboowe said.

“I have competed in many international meets, including the FINA WorldChampionships but I have never been nervous like this before. It was a very good experience for us to ascertain where we stand,” he said. Unamboowe, who made it to the London 2012 on a universal selection system, formally known as the wild card system, said the experience he gains by competing at Olympics would definitely help him to face pressure situations. “At least we know where we stand. The asking was high and the expectations are even greater.

Nevertheless, it was a great experience that would help me in the big league,” he added.

The Lankan backstroke specialist said he could not give out his brilliant best. “We all dreamt of making it to the Olympics, the dream of any athlete. But once I made it, I could not make the best use of it due to two reasons. One was an old shoulder injury that aggravated. I had this in my right shoulder before and underwent physiotherapy. All of a sudden, this began troubling me on the morning of the event,” he said, adding that the expectations were high at a meet of this magnitude.

“All I wanted initially was to better the Sri Lanka record. But that did not come my way as I could not keep the pace in the second half. I swam the first 50m well but could not accelerate in the last 50m,” he added.

Unamboowe, who made a first round exit after finishing second in his heat and had an overall position of 39 among 40 swimmers who competed in the women’s 100m backstroke first round heats, said he will fully concentrate on making an Olympic comeback in four years time.

“Next time, I don’t intend to make it through a wildcard.

I will really work for it and would use all my experience to qualify for the next Olympics and give out my best performance.

In fact, I would aim at earning a place at the next Olympics, not just to make it through a wildcard,” an ambitious Unamboowe said.

“Before dreaming of Olympic medals, we must aim at winning more medals at South Asian and Asian level,” he added.

44

Asian City August 2 - August 15, 2012

AsianCity Sport BRITAIN’S BEST ASIAN NEWSPAPER

www.asiancity.co.uk

The ball starts rolling... badly MAHESH Bhupathi and Rohan Bopanna staved off stiff resistance from Max Mirnyi and Alexander Bury before advancing to the men’s doubles pre-quarterfinals while India’s singles challenge ended at the London Olympics with the defeat of Vishnu Vardhan.

The seventh seed Indian pair, who were in news for challenging AITA diktat recorded a hard-earned 7-6 (4) 6-7 (4) 8-6 win over the Belarusian pair in the marathon first round match, which lasted for two hours and 26 minutes.

They will now fight it out with French combination of

Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet.

Earlier, 304-ranked Vardhan fought hard but could not make the most of the lucky opportunity he got to compete in singles as he lost 3-6 2-6 to world number 77 Blaz Kavcic.

Bhupathi and Bopanna, who both had refused to play with Leander Paes, were stretched to their limits and they had to dig deep into their reserves to edge past the gritty Belarusian combination.

After the first two sets were stretched to tie-breakers, the Indian team got the crucial break in the 13th game of the decisive third set and then

served out the match in the next game.

Young Vardhan lost to his Slovakian rival in one hour and 12 minutes. It was the third meeting between the two players and the Slovakian extended his lead to 3-0.

It was a straight-set defeat but Vardhan did push his rival and made him his earn points.

With this defeat, Indian challenge has ended in the men’s singles as Somdev Devvarman had already bowed out after losing to Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.

But at least Vardhan agreed to play with men’s doubles with Leander Paes...

MEDAL POWER INDIA CELEBRATES THE BRONZE AGE

•BAT IT OUT The Indian hockey team

India perform hockey dokey RETURNING to the big stage after a gap of eight years, erstwhile champions India put up a brave fight before going down 2-3 against the formidable Netherlands in their opening Group B match of the men’s hockey competition at the Olympics here today.

Ranked 10th in the world, the Indians meant business as third ranked Netherlands had to sweat it out to start their campaign on a winning note.

The first half, however, did not go according to the script for the Indians as they conceded two goals to go into the breather trailing 0-2.

The Indians, however, came out with vengeance after the change of ends and scored two goals within a span of three minutes to level the scoreline.

Dharanvir Singh (45th minute) scored India’s first goal after capitalising on a rebound and then striker Shivendra Singh tapped home from close quarters three minutes later after receiving a ball from Gurvinder Singh Chandi.

But it was not to be India’s day as Mink van der Weerden converted another penalty corner in the 51st minute to restore Netherlands’ lead.

Thereafter, the Indians pressed hard in search of the equaliser which eluded them inspite of getting numerous chances

Gagan Narang the hero

GAGAN Narang had big shoes to fill going into the 10-metre air rifle final at the London country its first medal at the unprecedented popularity Olympics, but boy did he London Games. after Bindra won the gold in “I guess I have a huge Beijing. It was India’s first score!

At the Beijing Games four years ago, his compatriot Abhinav Bindra became a national hero after winning India’s first individual Olympic gold in the same event.

Going into to the final Monday, Narang aimed for the gold and ended up with the bronze – earning his

stone off my shoulders,” Narang said. “Bronze is a medal, and this is an Olympic bronze medal, so it’s quite exciting.”

The 38-year-old, who runs a shooting academy in Hyderabad called Gun for Glory, has become an instant national hero in India, where shooting reached

gold medal in 28 years.

In London, Bindra missed the final by two shots and finished 16th in the field of 47. He totaled a disappointing 594 out of 600.

Narang has two more shots at gold – he is also is competing in 50-meter Rifle Prone and 50-meter Rifle 3 Positions.