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LONDON'S

MOST INFLUENTIAL

of

2023

Find out who are our most influential South Asian's of 2023

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Pages Suplement

FILMS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2024

Read the full story on pages 6 - 10

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LONDON

TRENDING NEWS STORIES

Archaeologists discover 3000-year-old hidden city in Amazon forest

Happy 2024 to all! I trust the year has commenced on a positive note for many of you. As we embark on the journey ahead, our collective hopes and prayers extend towards a year of peace, particularly in the troubled region of Gaza. It is essential for us to persistently call upon our leaders, urging them to end the ongoing conflicts and implement an immediate ceasefire.

In the spirit of the new year, Asian Standard proudly presents its first annual Most Influential list of London. It's been a tough call to select just 25 most influential as there are so many more individuals who are a testament to the incredible contributions from our community making a positive change across the region. The nominations for this year's list were nothing short of thunderous, showcasing the remarkable impact of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

Our selection criteria remain steadfast, and the list is presented in no particular order. The focus is primarily on those who wielded influence in 2023. We invite you to join us in celebrating these 25 influential figures who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields.

It's important to note that our list isn't exhaustive. We encourage you to contribute to the conversation by using the hashtag #AsianStandardInfluential and adding the names of individuals you believe deserve recognition. Your contributions will only enhance the positivity and impact that our list aims to create.

I want to finish by thank you all those who have been reaching out to my office, with your incredibly uplifting comments about London's newest Asian newspaper. We are proud to serve and hope we can continue becoming the newspaper you want us to be. You can help us by staying in touch via our social media, liking, sharing and commenting on our stories, will help support and sustain our work. Your involvement is crucial in amplifying the voices of those making a difference in our diverse and dynamic region.

Until next week, let us remain united in our pursuit of positive change and a brighter, more harmonious future.

Fatim

l e t a aP

Amazon hidden city

Hidden within the lush greenery of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador, a vast city has been unearthed, as reported by the BBC. Situated in the Upano valley, the ancient city features interconnected houses and plazas linked by a sophisticated network of roads and canals. The discovery made possible through LiDAR technology—a remote sensing method utilizing light to measure distances—revealed more than 6,000 raised earthen platforms within a 300-square-kilometer area, indicating the presence of wooden structures that once stood there.

The city, estimated to be between 3,000 and 1,500 years old, challenges Eurocentric views of civilization, highlighting the existence of complex urban societies in the heart of the

Amazon.

According to Professor Stephen Rostain, director of investigation at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France, who led the research, this finding alters our perception of Amazonian cultures, showcasing that ancient people lived in intricate urban settings rather than the commonly depicted small, primitive groups.

Co-author Antoine Dorison emphasized that the city's longevity, with inhabitants residing there for up to 1,000 years, signifies a remarkable chapter in Amazonian history. The detailed LiDAR survey, conducted in 2015, underscores the significance of this ancient city and its role in reshaping our understanding of pre-Columbian civilizations in the Amazon rainforest.

Is Aloo Bengan the worse Indian dish?

Aloo bengan, a popular dish in the subcontinent made with potatoes and eggplants/ aubergines, has unexpectedly found itself on Taste Atlas's list of the world's 100 worst-rated foods, ranking 60th.

This has sparked debate among food enthusiasts, questioning the inclusion of this beloved dish.

TasteAtlas compiles its list based on user ratings and reviews, and aloo baingan received a 2.7 out of 5-star rating.

Many argue that personal preferences play a significant role in food choices, and aloo bengan has been served for centuries as a warming and comfort food across mainly northern parts of India and across Pakistan.

TasteAtlas is considered an encyclopedia of traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants worldwide.

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Apple V Smart Phone, who has triumphed in 2023?

Apple enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that in the war of smartphones, Apple has surpassed Samsung as the bestselling phone of 2023.

Apple's iPhone shipments accounted for a fifth of the global market with nearly 235 million units, while Samsung came in second with shipments dropping to 226.6 million.

Despite a slowdown in

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iPhone demand in some countries due to cheaper alternatives, Apple's overall sales were strong throughout the year. This shift in leadership suggests that Apple is handling the industrywide slump better than its competitors, including Samsung and Chinese device makers like Xiaomi.

Apple faced challenges in China, its biggest

market, where Huawei gained popularity. However, aggressive offers and rising demand for premium smartphones helped Apple expand its market share.

Research firm IDC noted that Apple's success is due to the growing trend of premium devices, representing over 20% of the market.

Apple's strategy included driving up sales by offering attractive trade-in deals and interest-free financing, especially as it faced increased competition from Huawei in China. Despite global growth of 3.7%, Apple is not immune to the wider decline in demand for smartphones. Apple's ability to outpace Samsung is also attributed to its more controlled pricing strategy for premium smartphones, while Samsung's prices have been on the rise.

Although facing challenges, Apple's resilience in the market continues, marking a significant achievement in the smartphone industry.

Girl aged 3 becomes youngest author in the world In a remarkable feat, AlMaha Rashed AlMheiri, a three-year-old prodigy from the United Arab Emirates, has etched her name in the Guinness World Records as the youngest girl globally to author and publish books.

Her literary creations, 'The Flower' and 'Honeybee,' resonated so profoundly that she effortlessly sold over 1,000 copies of each in just a single day!

This pint-sized dynamo has an innate passion for Image: Youtube storytelling and adorning AlMaha Rashed AlMheiri pages with vibrant illustrations, all selfpower of reading and urges parents to identify taught. AlMaha's narrative extends beyond and nurture their children's talents. mere creativity; her books carry an essential Intriguingly, AlMaha isn't the only luminary message about environmental stewardship. in her family; her siblings also secured their Her mother shares, "AlMaha's intention is to places in the records by authoring books at a enlighten fellow youngsters on the significance remarkably young age. The family's philosophy of preserving nature." revolves around healthy competition as a The genesis of AlMaha's writing journey catalyst for personal growth, fostering a spirit traces back to a conference on environmental of continuous improvement in pursuing their conservation, where she found inspiration passions. to pen her compelling tales. Remarkably, Through the extraordinary journey of while most children are just embarking on the AlMaha and her family, a resounding message journey of literacy at the age of 6 or 7, AlMaha emerges: parents play a pivotal role in accomplished this milestone at a tender age helping their children discover their talents, of 3. building confidence, and instilling a sense of What truly captivates those around her is not responsibility towards society. In essence, they just her ability to create enchanting stories but are a beacon of inspiration for nurturing young her capacity for articulate conversations that minds and shaping the visionaries of tomorrow. defy her age. AlMaha's mother underscores the

World’s first Hydrogen Powered VTOL aircraft could hit skies in 2025 Swiss aviation startup Sirius Aviation has introduced the world's first Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by hydrogen, named the Sirius Jet. In collaboration with BMW's Designworks and Sauber Group, The Sirius Millennium Jet is designed to carry up to five this hydrogen-electric passengers VTOL aircraft combines more energy per unit of mass than the aerodynamics of a jet with the conventional jet fuel, and more than versatility of a helicopter. a hundred times that of lithium-ion The Sirius Aviation project includes batteries. It is worthwhile pointing two models: the Sirius Business out that there are several companies Jet, offering a flight range of 1,150 already testing hydrogen on planes, miles, and the Sirius Millennium Jet, but none have gotten the fuel certified designed for commercial aviation or greenlit for commercial use. with a range of 650 miles. Both This groundbreaking initiative aircraft are scheduled to launch in involves key partnerships with BMW 2025.

Group's DesignWorks, Sauber Group, It is reported that the Sirius jet Alfleth Engineering AG, and ALD will be the first hybrid VTOL to run Group, with the goal of pioneering on hydrogen rather than jet fuel or sustainable and high-performance a battery. Hydrogen has three times solutions in aviation.

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Met catches duo who stole from gyms to fund their lavish lifestyles Painstaking work by Met detectives has led to a couple being convicted for stealing bank and SIM cards from gymgoers’ lockers.

Ashley Singh and Sophie Bruyea would visit gyms and, while victims were exercising, Singh would rifle through their lockers.

The pair would then max out their victims’ credit cards on expensive tech and designer gear, before selling them on and using the cash to buy bags, shoes, holidays, and a pedigree puppy.

Meanwhile their victims had money drained from their accounts, couldn’t use their phones, and suffered huge stress and financial loss.

They have now been sentenced at court after Met officers linked them to the thefts.

DC Luis Da Silva, from the Met’s economic crime team that investigated this case, said: “We know Londoners are worried about theft. It’s a horrible crime, and it causes a lot of stress, pain, and financial loss. That’s why we take this crime seriously and a whole team of us were committed to catching Singh and Bruyea.

“You couldn’t fail to be moved by the devastating impact their callous behaviour had on people, and we hope that by catching them this offers victims a little bit of solace. I would urge anyone

who has had something stolen to get in touch, because we do want to drive down this crime and go after those who target the public.

“We will now look to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes to try and help compensate those who went through this.”

The pair’s spree was noticed by a local officer, who realised there was a pattern and flagged it to detectives who are experts in economic crime.

A team, who are based in Lewisham, painstakingly traced the pair’s phones, cars, and faces on CCTV and linked them all together. Met officers arrested them at Gatwick Airport on 27 January, 2023 as they returned from Paris with 2,000 Euros worth of designer goods.

All in all 18 people were targeted in what the sentencing judge branded a “wicked conspiracy”. The judge described the impact the pair’s “wideranging spree” had had on people, including instances where people no longer felt safe around strangers, or had suffered professionally due to the stress.

There were 18 fraud reports in total, with 14 in the Met area, one from Sussex, one from Hertfordshire and two reports from Cambridgeshire.

The pair, of Widmore Road, Bromley, were sentenced at Croydon Crown Court

Ashley Singh on Wednesday, 10 January to conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation between January 2022 and January 2023 with a total value of £250k.

Ashley Singh, 39, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment while Sophie Bruyea, 20, was sentenced to 20 months at a young offenders’ institute, suspended for two years, a rehabilitation programme and 120 hours unpaid work.

Officer dismissed after Man charged after 'alleged drink spiking' dishonestly attempting in Mayfair club to avoid driving penalty

A man has been charged under Section 61 of the Sexual Offences Act for administrating a substance with intent.

Met officers were called to a private members’ club in Mayfair in the early hours of Tuesday, 15 January by concerned venue staff after a report of attempted spiking of a female a guest.

Vikas Nath, of Knightsbridge Road was arrested in the club and later charged under Section 61 of the Sexual Offences Act. The 61-year-old appeared in custody at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 17 January and was remanded in custody to next appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 14 February.

Detective Inspector Kieron Vaughan, leading the investigation, said: "Anyone who suspects they might have been

spiked is urged to report it to police as soon as possible so that we can obtain any time sensitive evidence needed to assist in the investigation. If you are in a bar or club you can report it to a member of staff who will assist you. If you see anything suspicious, report it to bar staff or police. If you witness a crime in progress please call 999.

"It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving) so do not let this be a barrier to reporting to police.

This information however, is vital in terms of obtaining the correct medical support and treatment.

"If you have any information regarding those involved in Violence Against Women and Girls please contact you local police on 101. Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

An officer who attempted to avoid a fine for driving a police car down a prohibited road in Barking has been dismissed from the Met. PC Zain Anwar, previously attached to the local policing team in east London which covers Barking, was found to have altered the car's logbook after the incident on 2 January 2022.

He appeared before a misconduct hearing which concluded on Tuesday, 16 January.

He was found to have breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity to the level of gross misconduct.

An investigation was carried out after the Met received a penalty charge when an unmarked police car was driven down Longbridge Road, which was a prohibited zone for cars.

While attempting to identify the officer who was driving the car, it was found the car's logbook had been amended to make it appear as if another officer had been driving the car at the time.

When questioned about the incident, PC Anwar failed to make a prompt admission that he was the driver of the unmarked police vehicle at the time.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, from the

Image: Shutterstock

local policing team in east London, said: "PC Anwar's actions fell well below of the standards we expect Image: Met Police of our officers. He had plenty of opportunities to be honest about the incident, however he instead tried to cover his tracks by accusing another colleague.

"The honesty and integrity of our officers if key to the public being able to trust the police and we will not tolerate dishonest behaviour in the Met." Anwar will be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

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LONDON’S MOST INFLUENTIAL 2023

It’s been 10 weeks since we launched the first Asian Standard newspaper into London. As is customary with our other sister publications, each year we compile a list to bring out our most influential of the year gone.

So in the vibrant tapestry of London, we embark on our annual journey fuelled by the invaluable support of our readers – a journey that unveils the trailblazers shaping the very essence of our community. This year, our quest was singularly focused on those exceptional influencers who, against all odds, have not just weathered storms but emerged as beacons of change. We sought the champions of diversity, the advocates for justice amidst austerity, and those who fearlessly stood up for noble causes.

In a world where the pursuit of wealth and success demands relentless dedication, the ability to wield influence is a rare and extraordinary gift possessed by only a select few. These influencers, more than mere trendsetters, hold the power to shape decisions, moulding the future while actively contributing to the betterment of their industries and communities.

Our lens was firmly set on London’s South Asian community, where this year’s nominations poured in abundantly – a testament to the spirit of appreciation and recognition within our diverse and dynamic society. To every individual who took a moment to nominate, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Beyond the nominations, we engaged in thoughtful conversations with community members and leaders, endeavouring to identify those who epitomise our criteria for influence in 2023.

The journey was challenging, yet the result is a testament to the resilience and impact of these remarkable individuals.

Without further ado, in no particular order, we proudly present our first most influential men and women of London for the year 2023.

TONY LIT MBE Tony Lit, the esteemed Managing Director of one of the UK’s premier Asian radio stations, stands as a beacon of excellence in his service to the British-Asian community. Recognised for his outstanding contributions, he was bestowed with the prestigious MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours, a testament to his unwavering commitment.

In a notable moment, Lit, alongside the then British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, graced the Milton Keynes Gurdwara with their presence, fostering unity and celebration on the occasion of Diwali and honoring the auspicious 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Further solidifying his status as a luminary within the community, Tony Lit was honoured with the 'Outstanding Sikh Award' at the illustrious British Sikh Awards 2023, underscoring his exceptional leadership and impactful presence. Lit’s journey reflects not only personal success but a dedication to uplifting and empowering the British-Asian community, making him a truly remarkable figure in both national and cultural spheres.

ASMA KHAN Asma Khan, the culinary genius behind Darjeeling Express, brings a rich tapestry of experiences to the vibrant world of South Asian cuisine. Originally hailing from Calcutta, she made her mark in the culinary scene after moving to Cambridge in 1991. Currently based in London with her husband and two boys, Asma's background is as diverse as her flavours – with a royal lineage that intertwines Rajput and Bengali heritage.

Beyond her early pursuits in law and a Ph.D. in British Constitutional Law from King's College London, Asma Khan has carved out a unique niche as a trailblazing chef and entrepreneur. Her impact extends beyond the kitchen, as she has utilized her influence to champion women in the culinary world. Notably, Asma established one of the UK's pioneering all-female restaurant kitchens, breaking barriers and setting a powerful precedent for equality in the hospitality industry.

A vocal advocate for South Asian cuisine in the UK, Asma's accolades and recognition have soared. Her appearance on Netflix's Chef's Table, where she was the first British chef featured, garnered an Emmy nomination and a James Beard Award nomination in 2020. This spotlight has further solidified her status as a driving force behind the culinary revolution.

As Bloomberg aptly coined it, Asma Khan's Biryani Supper Club stands as the hottest ticket in London. The demand for this culinary experience is so high that tickets sell out in a flash, drawing esteemed figures from across the globe to savor her delectable creations. Asma's journey is not merely a gastronomic adventure; it is a testament to her commitment to excellence, equality, and the transformative power of food.

RAJ BADDHAN Raj Baddhan, a seasoned CEO at Lyca Media and an accomplished radio broadcaster, boasts an impressive track record in the realms of radio and journalism.

With a remarkable 14year tenure at Sabras Radio in Leicester, his expertise is truly unmatched.

In addition to his illustrious radio career, Baddhan is the visionary founder behind the renowned UK Asian media powerhouse, BizAsiaLive.com. Launched in 2005, this platform has evolved into a venerable publication, featuring a dedicated team of international writers. Today, BizAsiaLive.com stands as the go-to source for authoritative and comprehensive coverage of Asian media industry news, boasting a nationwide readership.

Armed with a bachelor's degree in Media, Business, and Communication from the University of Central England, Baddhan has become an influential figure in the media landscape. Since assuming the role of CEO at Lyca, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the radio station's audience and establishing a significant presence in Manchester. His influence is now felt both in the north and south of England, marking him as a dynamic force shaping the future of the industry.

MISHAL HUSSAIN Undoubtedly, Mishal stands as one of the most influential Muslim women shaping the landscape of mainstream British media today. As a prominent presenter on BBC Radio 4's Today, she has etched a remarkable trajectory through the media sphere with a series of significant and noteworthy interviews.

Among her many memorable encounters, one cannot overlook the impactful interview with the Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi. In this controversial conversation, Mishal's incisive questioning led to a rare display of vulnerability from Kyi, who found herself on the defensive as Mishal fearlessly cross-examined her.

Not limited to global figures, Mishal has also engaged in insightful conversations with notable personalities such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Her interviews, marked by a calm and composed demeanor, have earned her the reputation of being the interviewer politicians dread. Mishal's ability to navigate through discussions with finesse and precision has solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of media, making her an influential figure whose impact resonates far beyond the airwaves.

FRANK KHALID OBE Frank Khalid's journey is a testament to resilience and determination, shaped by the challenging backdrop of a high-crime London neighborhood.

Witnessing the stark impact of crime from a young age, Khalid defied the odds and redirected his focus towards entrepreneurship at just 16.

His entrepreneurial odyssey began with the establishment of his own wholesale unit, a venture that took root while assisting his father in their family shop. What started as a modest enterprise blossomed into the thriving Elbrook Cash and Carry, and later, the acclaimed restaurant Chak89. Khalid's business acumen transcended borders, leading to the successful launch of multiple ventures abroad.

In a remarkable turn of events, Khalid now stands as the proud proprietor of Elbrook Studios, a facility that caters to global film production houses. His commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recognition as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him for his outstanding contributions to business, charity, and community service in North London.

Further enhancing his legacy, Khalid received the Freedom of the City of London in January 2023, a rare honor that reflects his exceptional dedication and positive impact on the community. Frank Khalid's story is not just one of personal triumph but a compelling narrative of transformation and service, showcasing the power of resilience and vision.

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DR HALIMA BEGUM

DR NIGHAT ARIF

Begum, a distinguished former senior British diplomat and former CEO of the esteemed Runnymede Trust, currently serves as the dynamic CEO of ActionAid UK. Her commitment to combating inequalities and championing racial justice during her tenure at the Runnymede Trust, the United Kingdom’s premier race equality think tank, played a pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and fostering a broader public awareness of the issues at hand.

A passionate lifelong advocate for equality and civil rights, Begum stands as an inspiring role model for others to emulate. Her impending transition to Oxfam GB later this year reflects her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on a global scale. Notably, her contributions have been recognised with an honorary degree from Queen Mary University of London, underscoring her significant influence and commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.

MEERA SYAL AND SANJEEV BHASKAR Meera and Sanjeev emerge as formidable forces individually, not only through their remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry but also through their impactful philanthropy and activism.

Yet, when united, their influence becomes even more compelling.

In the past year, Meera achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship award, a testament to her three decades of dedication to entertaining the nation as a versatile comedian, actor, and writer.

Meanwhile, Sanjeev, with his own impressive body of work, complements Meera's prowess, forming a dynamic duo that leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment landscape. Their collective impact was further acknowledged with The Sophiya Haque Services to Television, Film, and Theatre Asian Media Award, solidifying their standing as influential figures in the industry. Together, Meera and Sanjeev exemplify not only excellence in entertainment but also a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

SHAHID KHAN (NAUGHTY BOY) Shahid Khan, renowned by his stage name Naughty Boy, is a multifaceted force in the English music scene, excelling as a musician, DJ, songwriter, and record producer.

In 2012, he solidified his commitment to musical excellence by inking a three-year publishing deal with Sony ATV and securing a recording contract with Virgin EMI Records, poised to unveil a groundbreaking album.

Stepping into the limelight as the visionary record producer "Naughty Boy," Khan has left an indelible mark on the industry. His prowess extends beyond the studio, as he orchestrates his musical empire through the aptly named Naughty Boy Recordings.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of chart-topping collaborations and numerous accolades, Shahid Khan's narrative took a poignant turn when he openly shared the emotional journey of his mother's dementia diagnosis. This vulnerable moment not only showcased his humanity but also ignited a passion within him to leverage his celebrity for a greater purpose.

Harnessing his status and influence, Khan has become a formidable advocate for dementia awareness. His advocacy extends specifically to South Asian communities, shedding light on a condition that often goes unnoticed in these cultural spheres. In doing so, Naughty Boy has seamlessly woven philanthropy into his artistic tapestry, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends the boundaries of music.

RIZ AHMED Rizwan Ahmed, a renowned British actor and rapper, stands as a multifaceted artist with a distinguished list of accolades, including an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Garnering nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and two British Academy Film Awards, Ahmed's talent has earned him widespread recognition. In 2017, Time magazine acknowledged his global impact by featuring him in the prestigious Time 100 list of the most influential people.

Last year, at the 76th Locarno Film Festival, Ahmed was honored with the Excellence Award Davide Campari, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the film industry. Beyond his artistic achievements, Ahmed actively lends his voice to crucial issues of representation and equality. Recently, he has been a vocal advocate against the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza's civilians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, showcasing his commitment to using his platform for meaningful change.

Nitin Sawhney has contributed significantly to the music industry. He is a well known name and is currently the Chair of Trustees for PRS Foundation, the UK’s leading charitable funder of new music and talent development.

SANGITA MYSKA Sangita Myska, a distinguished British television and radio presenter, and journalist, currently captivates audiences with her dynamic hosting of an early afternoon weekend phone-in show on LBC Radio.

Her stellar achievements include clinching the prestigious Asian Media Award for Radio Presenter of the Year last year, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication.

Beyond her broadcasting prowess, Sangita stands out as a proactive campaigner. Notably, she fearlessly addresses pressing global issues, such as the Israel– Hamas conflict, shedding light on concerns related to aid to Gaza and civilian safety. Her unwavering commitment extends to holding the Prime Minister accountable on these crucial matters.

Even in the face of adversity, including receiving death threats, Sangita remains resolute. Her courage and resilience shine through as she continues to be a leading voice on her popular radio show, undeterred by challenges. In an era where influential voices are pivotal, Sangita Myska stands tall, using her platform to make a meaningful impact and spark important conversations.

Dr. Nighat Arif stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of medicine, a beacon of expertise, and a passionate advocate for women's health.

Renowned for her role as the resident doctor on esteemed television programs like BBC Breakfast and ITV’s This Morning, she effortlessly imparts her profound insights to a diverse audience, earning widespread respect.

In her capacity as a radio presenter at BBC Three Counties, Dr. Arif continues to extend her influence, further solidifying her presence as a trusted voice in the medical community. As an Ambassador for the Well-being of Women and a proud member of the UN-backed Team Halo initiative, she is on a mission to advance women’s health and foster scientific literacy.

Dr. Arif's commitment to excellence is underscored by the recognition she has garnered, including the prestigious Point of Light Prime Minister’s and 2023 Honorary SHE awards. These accolades serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication and exceptional service in the field of women's health.

The authorship of the acclaimed book, 'The Knowledge: Your Guide to Female Health from Menstruation to Menopause,' further showcases Dr. Arif's commitment to empowering women through knowledge. Her illustrious medical career, specializing in women’s health, family planning, and menopause, positions her as a trusted medical educator.

With an impressive 11-year tenure within the NHS, Dr. Arif has accumulated extensive experience across various medical domains. Her roles as a Lead Clinician for a residential Dementia center and contributions to general adult psychiatry with the Oxford Mental Health NHS Trust underscore her versatility and depth of expertise. Dr. Nighat Arif has not only made significant contributions to the medical field but has also become a symbol of inspiration for those seeking comprehensive, compassionate, and expert-driven healthcare.

DR SHANI DHANDA Meet Shani Dhanda, a remarkable entrepreneur and activist on a relentless mission to transform the world into a more inclusive space for disabled individuals. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease, Shani faces the daily challenges of navigating life at just 3 feet 10 inches in height. Yet, her stature is no match for the heights she has reached.

In the face of adversity, Shani Dhanda defies limitations.

Recently recognised in the prestigious Disability Power 100 list as one of Britain’s most influential disabled individuals, she stands as a beacon of empowerment and resilience. Despite the prevailing taboos within the South Asian community, Shani fearlessly advocates for inclusivity, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes.

Beyond her personal journey, Shani Dhanda champions a cause that extends far beyond herself. Her commitment to open dialogue about disability and her tireless campaigns are paving the way for a society where individuals like her are not only acknowledged but treated with equality in every sphere. Shani’s story is not just one of overcoming physical obstacles; it’s a testament to the transformative power of advocacy, breaking down barriers for a more inclusive and compassionate world.

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TEJ LALVANI Tej Lalvani, a distinguished British entrepreneur, currently holds the prestigious position of CEO at Vitabiotics, the United Kingdom's leading vitamin company, which was originally founded by his father, Kartar Lalvani. Widely recognized for his dynamic role as one of the esteemed "dragons" on the acclaimed BBC television series Dragons' Den from 2017 to 2021, Tej Lalvani has left an indelible mark on the business landscape.

In 2019, Tej's financial prowess was underscored when the Sunday Times Rich List revealed his net worth to be an impressive £390 million. However, the trajectory of his success is poised for a remarkable ascent, given the recent developments surrounding Vitabiotics. The company is currently engaged in discussions for a monumental £1 billion sale, a potential game-changer that could catapult Tej Lalvani into the echelons of the most influential and successful British Asian entrepreneurs. This impending business deal not only holds the promise of reshaping Tej's financial landscape but also solidifies his standing as a visionary and impactful force in the entrepreneurial realm.

KAUSHAL MODHA Kaushal Modha, is a prominent social media icon, amassing millions of followers on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Her global fame is a testament to her creativity and dedication, particularly in the realm of beauty content. Kaushal has not only been a key figure in various notable brand campaigns in the UK but has also played a pivotal role in breaking barriers for people of color within the beauty industry worldwide.

Yet, as the saying goes, "the grass is always greener on the other side." Kaushal's journey to success has not been without its challenges. Despite the glitz and glamour of her flourishing YouTube career, she has faced turbulent moments that compelled her to pause, reflect, and reevaluate her life path. The overwhelming noise of it all prompted her to delve into the deeper aspects of her own well-being.

Even as Kaushal persists in creating captivating beauty content on social media, she has turned her attention inward, grappling with the downsides of the social media landscape.

This introspection has led her on a transformative journey toward mindfulness, and she now shares her well-being practices online, inspiring others to find balance in their lives.

In a remarkable twist, Kaushal has ventured into the world of literature, co-authoring a journal titled "The Greatest SelfHelp Book (Is the One Written By You)." This collaborative effort features her insights alongside those of her husband, Vex King, who boasts a substantial social media following of his own. Together, they offer a unique perspective on selfhelp and personal growth, bringing a new dimension to Kaushal's multifaceted career.

VEX KING Vex King's journey is nothing short of a modern-day triumph. At 35, he stands as a living testament to the transformative power of positive thinking, having risen from poverty and the profound loss of his father. In an era dominated by hashtags and tweets, he has sculpted an empire out of uplifting thoughts, emerging as a beacon of inspiration and a leading figure in the realm of self-help.

With an unwavering commitment to spreading positivity, Vex King has not only amassed over a million followers on Instagram and Twitter but has also forged a multimillion-pound fortune. His success story takes the form of a bestselling book, "Good Vibes, Good Life," a literary masterpiece that held the number-one spot on the charts for an astonishing 123 weeks. Boasting an impressive one million copies sold, the book has captivated the hearts of fans worldwide, including renowned figures like radio presenter Chris Evans and the talented Millie Bobby Brown from "Stranger Things."

In a world where challenges are abundant, Vex King's narrative serves as a powerful reminder that the right mindset can be a catalyst for unparalleled success. His story isn't just about personal triumph; it's an invitation for others to embrace the transformative potential of positivity and to chart their course toward a fulfilling and prosperous life.

KRISHNAN GURU MURTHY Krishnan Guru Murthy, a prominent British journalist and lead presenter of Channel 4 News, extends his influence beyond the realm of news reporting. Not only does he command attention as the face of Channel 4 News, but he also captivates audiences as the presenter of Unreported World, a riveting foreign-affairs documentary series.

Beyond the boundaries of journalism, Krishnan garnered widespread admiration for his unexpected foray into the glitzy world of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Here, he transformed the dance floor into a stage for a more profound narrative — his own health challenges. A recipient of accolades for his journalistic prowess, he showcased a different kind of courage by using his newfound spotlight to address personal struggles.

In a remarkable display of determination, Mr. Guru-Murthy embarked on a transformative weight loss journey, shedding two stone in preparation for the high-energy dance competition. Initially tipping the scales at nearly 15 stone, he felt a compelling need to seize control of his health before waltzing into the glamorous world of ballroom dancing.

The weight loss journey wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a conscious effort to confront the shadows of a genetic heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, that had claimed the lives of his two cousins. This personal medical history became the anchor that motivated Krishnan to prioritize his well-being. He candidly admitted that his weight had reached a critical point where no amount of tailoring could conceal the looming health implications.

In the face of both personal and genetic challenges, Krishnan Guru Murthy not only showcased his resilience on the dance floor but also became a symbol of empowerment, using his platform to shed light on the importance of health and well-being.

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GURINDER CHADHA OBE Gurinder, an accomplished IndoBritish film director, stands as a celebrated creator of awardwinning cinematic masterpieces. Her debut feature, "Bhaji on the Beach" (1994), not only garnered numerous international accolades but also earned a prestigious BAFTA Nomination for 'Best British Film of 1994.' The film further clinched the Evening Standard British Film Award for 'Best Newcomer to British Cinema,' marking a groundbreaking moment as the first full-length feature film crafted by a British Asian woman.

Since her remarkable entry into the cinematic realm in 1993, Gurinder has consistently captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying her status as one of the most sought-after British Asian female directors.

Recent buzz reveals that she's been approached for Disney's highly anticipated new Princess movie and, excitingly, a potential sequel to the iconic "Bend It Like Beckham."

Beyond her extraordinary contributions to filmmaking, Gurinder remains a dedicated advocate for empowering South Asian women in the industry. Her ongoing commitment to championing diversity and encouraging more South Asian women to pursue directorial roles exemplifies her influence as not just a filmmaker, but a trailblazer shaping the future of cinema.

NAGA MUNCHETTY Meet the dynamic and accomplished Subha Nagalakshmi MunchettyChendriah, better known as Naga Munchetty—a prominent English television presenter, newsreader, and journalist, celebrated for her regular appearances on BBC Breakfast. Beyond her current role, Naga has left an indelible mark on the journalistic landscape, having previously presented for BBC World News and helmed BBC Two's weekday financial affairs program, Working Lunch.

However, Naga isn't just a face on the screen; she's a resilient force who made headlines last year for courageously sharing her personal battle with adenomyosis. In a compelling revelation before the women and equalities committee, she disclosed how, despite experiencing debilitatingly heavy periods, repeated vomiting, and excruciating pain that led to loss of consciousness, she spent decades being overlooked, gaslit, and not taken seriously by medical professionals. It was only after consulting a private GP that Naga received the diagnosis for adenomyosis—an ailment where the womb's lining grows into the muscle of its walls.

Undeterred by her challenging health journey, Naga Munchetty stands as a testament to resilience and determination. Her openness about her struggles has not only shed light on a lesser-known medical condition but has also positioned her as a powerful advocate for women's health. In November of the previous year, she finally received the long-awaited diagnosis, yet she continues to excel in her journalistic career, remaining a beacon of inspiration and a role model for many in her field. Naga Munchetty exemplifies not just professional success, but the strength to overcome personal battles and emerge as a symbol of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity.

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LONDON

DR SWAIT DHINGRA Dr. Swati Dhingra, an influential figure in economics, currently serves as Associate Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics.

Holding pivotal roles, she is a Director of The Royal Mint Museum, a member of the Steering Group for the UK’s Economy 2030 Inquiry, and Director of the Review of Economic Studies since January 1, 2023.

With a stellar academic background, Swati graduated from the University of Delhi and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her post-doctoral fellowship at Princeton University further enriched her expertise. Actively contributing to shaping economic policies, she recently participated in the UK’s Trade Modelling Review Expert Panel and the LSE’s Economic Diplomacy Commission.

Swati's noteworthy research, funded by prestigious institutions like ESRC, ERC, IGC, and UKRI, earned her the ONS‘s Research Excellence People’s Choice Award in 2019. Recognized for her contributions, she was elected to the Council of the Royal Economic Society in 2021 and serves on the editorial boards of esteemed journals, including the Journal of International Economics and the Review of Economic Studies.

BINA MEHTA Bina Mehta, the formidable Chair of KPMG UK, stands at the apex of influence in her role, a position she has held since February 2021. Recently reaffirmed in November 2023, Bina's leadership has been pivotal in navigating the firm through a transformative governance shift that separated the roles of Chair and Chief Executive. Having been elected to extend her tenure until February 2024, Bina's continued success is now resoundingly endorsed as both the Board and partnership have voted in favor of her serving an additional two years, culminating on March 31, 2026.

With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years at KPMG, Bina is a seasoned expert in M&A and Restructuring, providing counsel to premier private and listed international clients. Beyond her corporate prowess, Bina is a dedicated advocate for fast-growth businesses, earning her an MBE in 2022 for her impactful contributions to supporting female entrepreneurs and advancing trade investment.

As an Honorary Fellow in Entrepreneurship at Cambridge Judge Business School, Bina's influence extends beyond the boardroom, shaping the next generation of business leaders.

Notably, under Bina's stewardship, KPMG UK's Board boasts a commendable diversity profile, with 44% women, 22% ethnic minority, and 22% from low socio-economic backgrounds, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality within the organization.

AMOL RAJAN Amol Rajan, a distinguished journalist, broadcaster, and writer, began his notable career as an adviser to Evgeny Lebedev, Lord Lebedev of Siberia. In 2013, he assumed the role of editor at The Independent, a renowned newspaper, during a pivotal moment when the publication transitioned from print to an exclusive online presence in February 2016.

Rajan's expertise was acknowledged as he retained the title of "editor-at-large" during this transformative period.

From December 2016 to January 2023, Rajan served as the media editor of BBC News, showcasing his versatility in the field. His eloquence and insight have also graced the airwaves as a presenter on BBC Radio 4's Today programme since 2021. Rajan's impressive journey continued when he took over the helm of University Challenge on July 17, 2023, succeeding Jeremy Paxman.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rajan has been a vocal advocate for diversity in media, candidly addressing the challenges he faced as a non-white individual without a public school education. His journey reflects not only his journalistic prowess but also his resilience in navigating the complexities of the media landscape.

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LONDON

ROMESH RANGANATHAN Jonathan Romesh Ranganathan, a multifaceted talent in the realm of entertainment, seamlessly blends wit, charm, and self-deprecating humor.

As an English actor, radio host, and standup comedian, he has become a household name, celebrated for his distinctive deadpan delivery that leaves audiences in stitches.

Ranganathan's comedic prowess has elevated him to the summit of British television, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved personalities in the industry.

Recently thrust into the limelight, Ranganathan made waves with the announcement of his new role as the host of Saturday morning Radio 2, succeeding the esteemed Claudia Winkleman.

His magnetic presence and quick-witted banter promise to inject a fresh and invigorating energy into the show. With a career marked by laughter and an ever-growing fan base, Ranganathan's ascent to the coveted position underscores his enduring appeal and ability to captivate audiences across diverse mediums. Get ready to embark on a comedic journey with Ranganathan, where each quip and jest is a testament to his unrivaled talent and infectious charisma.

SUNNY SURI Sunny Suri, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Ethnic Reach, is a visionary leader and award-winning PR guru with a rich background as the former Publisher and Global Brand Director at MOVIE MAG INTERNATIONAL. Leading a dedicated team of professionals, Suri has spearheaded groundbreaking campaigns that transcend traditional boundaries.

His remarkable track record boasts the successful launch of numerous brands, solidifying his reputation as an industry luminary. Suri's innovative approach to public relations has left an indelible mark, earning accolades for his exceptional work. Noteworthy clients, including industry giants like RIA Money Transfer, Coke Zero, ZEE TV, Chopflix, Vatika Naturals, Daawat, and Elephant Atta, attest to the caliber of Suri's expertise.

In particular, the Vatika Naturals campaign stands out as a pinnacle achievement, marking a paradigm shift in impactful marketing strategies. Under Suri's guidance, this campaign not only achieved unprecedented success but also set a new standard for excellence in the industry. Sunny Suri's relentless pursuit of excellence continues to redefine the landscape of brand management and PR, making him a true trailblazer in the field.

RISHI SUNAK

SADIQ KHAN

Rishi Sunak, the first British Asian Prime Minister, assumed office in 2022, also leading the Conservative Party. Prior to his premiership, he held prominent cabinet positions, notably serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson from 2020 to 2022. Sunak, an MP for Richmond (Yorks) since 2015, has navigated challenging times marked by the Rwanda bill, the Israel–Hamas conflict, and a pressing Cost of Living crisis during his tenure.

As Prime Minister, Sunak has faced the intricacies of international relations and global conflicts, grappling with the complex Rwanda bill and navigating the tensions surrounding the Israel–Hamas conflict. Domestically, he has been at the forefront of addressing the pressing Cost of Living crisis, demonstrating a commitment to economic stability and public welfare.

Sunak's leadership is characterized by his financial acumen and a focus on navigating the intricate balance between global challenges and domestic priorities.

Sadiq Aman Khan Hon FRIBA is a prominent British politician who has held the position of Mayor of London since 2016, representing the Labour Party with a leaning towards the party's soft left.

Before his mayoral tenure, he served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tooting from 2005 to 2016.

Khan, known for his social democrat ideology, earned the honorary title Hon FRIBA, showcasing his connection to the Royal Institute of British Architects.

In 2023, Khan made headlines for implementing the contentious Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge in London, a move aimed at curbing air pollution and promoting environmental sustainability. This decision sparked debates and discussions, placing him at the center of public attention. As a seasoned politician and advocate for urban issues, Khan continues to shape the political landscape of London, balancing his social democratic values with practical policy measures.

In conclusion, our journey through this inspiring list has been nothing short of remarkable. The individuals mentioned have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also left an indelible mark on their communities. From trailblazers like Nitin Sawhney whose contribution to the music industry is unparallelled, Jasvir Singh CBE, who has given prominence to our heritage by establishing the South Asian heritage month, and our PR gurus Tony Gill and Arika Murtza who have made waves in introducing Bollywood to the world – these individuals have truly shaped their domains.

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LONDON

OPINION

From rotis to bagels: Navigating the generation gap

He is forthright, upfront, can be rude and he most certainly doesn’t hold back.

We welcome our brand NEW resident columnist – THE ‘SASTA’ SHEIKH.Every week The ‘sasta’ Sheikh will share his views on issues surrounding the South Asian community living in the UK.You might not like what he has to say, but it’s HIS view and he couldn’t give a monkey’s……so read with care.

BY SASTA SHEIKH

The generational gap, a delightful abyss, evokes a chuckle, stretching from fashion choices to modes of communication. My parents, adorned in resplendent kurta pyjama exuding regality, stand in stark contrast to our generation, where ripped jeans and streetwear assume the mantle of royal attire.

Amid the vibrant mosaic of the South Asian diaspora in England, a captivating dance unfolds between generations, each weaving its own tapestry of tales and perspectives. Imagine this: my parents, pioneers from the homeland, stepped onto foreign soil with suitcases brimming with nostalgia, spices, and an implicit dedication to upholding our traditions. Now, envision my contemporaries—the secondgeneration ensemble—skillfully juggling rotis and bagels, scripting a narrative uniquely ours.

The generational gap, a delightful abyss, evokes a chuckle, stretching from fashion choices to modes of communication. My parents, adorned in resplendent kurta pyjama exuding regality, stand in stark contrast to our generation, where ripped jeans and streetwear assume the mantle of royal attire.

The language, oh, the language! My parents seamlessly intermingle Urdu with English, a blend both charming and confounding. Meanwhile, my peers and I master the delicate dance between regional accents and the ever-elusive 'slang of the day.' It's a linguistic tango that unfolds at family gatherings, leaving both sides mildly bewildered yet thoroughly entertained.

And then, the cuisine—the great unifier and divider. The kitchen of my youth was an aromatic sanctuary of spices, housing recipes passed down through generations like closely

guarded secrets. Today, my culinary escapades involve a perplexing encounter with quinoa, kale, and the eternal debate over whether to call it 'paneer' or 'tofu.'

The kitchen, it appears, stands as the frontline of our generational skirmish—a battleground where tradition and innovation collide.

Weddings, those grand spectacles uniting families, have undergone a metamorphosis.

My parents reveled in a treasure of colours, cultural rituals, and silent competitions for the best dance moves. In contrast, my generation's weddings feature choreographed flash mobs, hashtags, and an Instagram feed rivaling a Bollywood blockbuster.

The dance floor may have evolved,

but the infectious spirit of celebration endures.

Then there are the expectations—the unspoken elephant in the room. My parents, harbouring dreams of engineers and doctors, found themselves flabbergasted when I chose the less conventional path, majoring in liberal arts and pursuing a career in stand-up comedy. It's a clash of aspirations, a tug-of-war between tradition and the brave new world.

Yet, amidst the laughter and clash of cultures, an undeniable bond persists—a bridge spanning two worlds, each generation learning from the other. My parents, with their

resilience and determination, laid the foundation. My generation, armed with humour and a penchant for innovation, is building upon it, creating a tapestry as rich and diverse as the spices in a well-stocked kitchen.

So, here's to the masala mix of generations, to the clashes that render family gatherings entertaining, and the unspoken understanding that binds two worlds. In this delectable blend of tradition and modernity, South Asians living in England, like me, aren't merely navigating the generational gap; we're waltzing through it with a playlist spanning two continents and a dance floor that welcomes all.

Image: Freepik

8-Page pull out supplement

16 - 21 JANUARY 2024

HRITHIK IS SO FLUID AS A DANCER YOU DO BUILD IT IN WHEN COMPOSING MUSIC –

VISHAL DADLANI

TWO KIT HARINGTON opens up

about his mental health struggles Speaking on the wellness podcast Hidden 20%, Harington said that he entered rehab in 2019 for alcoholism and was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while there.

“I realised that my life was hinging on this,” he told host Ben Branson.

“Luckily, it was the right place at the right time. I managed to forge a new life from there.”

Harington claimed that he “entered rehab drunk, sobered up in there, and went, ‘F— this, not you guys in a circle. No, thank you.’”

Harington then went to a second rehab facility, where he was made aware of his ADHD, reports deadline.com.

“And I left that pretty quick and said, ‘I’ll try to deal with this by myself,’ which didn’t work after about four years,” he said.

Harington now says he’s “sober "and “present,” and is focused on his son, 2 years old, and daughter, 6 months. He shares his kids with Game of Thrones co-star and wife, Rose Leslie.

“My head wants to go to every other thing in the room at once,” he said, adding that he is sometimes “restless” when he plays with his young children.

'Game of Thrones', where he played Jon Snow from 2011 until 2019, saw instant fame, which was hard on him.

Harington “tried to project this image of utter sophistication and coolness about what I was doing, but genuinely being sort of terrified about everything.”

That led to a downward spiral when it was coming to an end.

“That is a dangerous rabbit hole to fall down, because you find all of the bad stuff that people are saying as well as the nice stuff,” he said.

When I used to come on set, my behaviour would change: SHILPA SHETTY on her upcoming web series 'Indian Police Force' Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra is all set to come up with the highlyanticipated series 'Indian Police Force.'

Speaking to ANI, Shilpa shared details about her role and said, "I am playing the character of a cop in Rohit Shetty's films. What could be bigger than this? This role is very different from all the characters I have played."

She added, "This is the work that has to be done selflessly and uncond itionally and it means a lot to come into such a field without caring for one's life. You have to be made up of a different kind of metal. When I used to come on the set, my behaviour would change and my way of speaking would become cloudy because there was also a responsibility on my shoulders to play this character well because it was odd to all the women in the police force."

"The work that they do, all our uniform wearers, be they in the Navy, Army, or Police Force, deserves my biggest salute because what they are doing is amazing . A woman who is responsible in the field fulfills her responsibility and also works at home.

So, it is double the work for her."

She also shared how her son, Viaan convinced her to do this series.

She said, "My son told me, 'Leave everything else and do this character. I want to thank Vikram, my producer, who made the entire unit sit in Chandigarh for four to five days. He allowed me to come back and shoot for the first schedule for Rohit. But this happened only because of Viaan."

She concluded, "Because I wanted to do this less as an artist. But I wanted to impress my son more by becoming a mother. And when he saw the trailer, for the first time, he said with so much excitement, 'That's my mom,' and I felt so proud; that was a different feeling." 'Indian Police Force' is directed by Rohit Shetty and Sushwanth Prakash.

The cop action-drama series stars Sidharth Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty Kundra, Vivek Oberoi, Shweta Tiwari, Nikitin Dheer, Rituraj Singh, Mukesh Rishi, and Lalit Parimoo in key roles.

It pays tribute to the selfless devotion, commitment, and fiery patriotism of Indian police officers who are ready to give their lives for the safety of this nation.

Despite their strong motivation, the trio of Kabir, Anjali Shetty (Shilpa Shetty Kundra), and Vikram Bakshi (Vivek Oberoi) struggle to identify the perpetrators, adding to the Delhi Police's difficulties. Meanwhile, disagreements among team members exacerbate the problem. But don't worry; the resolute cops refuse to back down and are ready to face the obstacles straight on.

'Indian Police Force' will be out on Prime Video on 19 January.

Vidhu Vinod Chopra's '12th Fail' is benchmark for filmmakers like me: Anurag Kashyap Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has showered praise on actor Vikrant Massey's recently released film '12th Fail'.

Taking to Instagram, Anurag shared a poster of '12th Fail' and penned a long note.

He wrote, "Probably the best mainstream film I've seen in 2023 @ vidhuvinodchoprafilms at the age of 71, has crafted a masterpiece out of a simple story of an adamant man wanting to be more than what life gives him. He goes and takes what he wants and how."

He added, "What amazed me about the film is how he breaks all conventions of mainstream and has scenes done in simple long shots--the crowd scenes of Mukherji Nagar, which feel like the camera just happened to watch the story unfold without disturbing the atmosphere."

"It just felt like we were fly on the wall witnessing the film unfold. The sparse background score is something that mainstream cinema always shies from. The faith the filmmaker has in himself, his actors and his storytelling is that he doesn't use the BGM to manipulate the audience or the emotions. A filmmaker at the peak of his storytelling and at this age. It means I have hope too."

"A new benchmark has been set by VVC for filmmakers like me who have been feeling a bit lost. Kudos to the whole team, who I don't know, and all the actors. Especially @vikrantmassey @medhashankr @anshumaan_pushkar @anantvjoshi and the cinematographer Ranga, the production designer, and the music directors and writers. I have met Manoj and I've read the book, but I never could have seen it how VVC saw it."

He concluded, "It's on Hotstar and a must-watch. I was unlucky to find time to see it in cinemas but saw it on my screen but do give this film a shot. I love you, VVC for inspiring me.

May you never really grow up and always be the troublesome brat that you are even at 71. Just big hug and love to you. And I am ready to #restart."

'12th Fail' revolves around UPSC aspirants and is based on real-life experiences. It draws

from the gritty struggles of millions of students who attempt the UPSC entrance exam.

On working on the film, Vikrant told ANI, "The movie is very typical Vidhu Vinod Chopra movie which is based on hard reality and is a very hard-hitting film. The role was very challenging. I had to lose weight and darken my skin."

The film has received appreciation from Kamal Haasan, Rishabh Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Farhan Akhtar, and Anil Kapoor, among others.

'12th Fail,' helmed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, was released in theatres on 27 October and faced a clash with Kangana Ranaut's 'Tejas'.

THREE

SELENA GOMEZ-starrer Linda Ronstadt biopic to be directed by David O. Russell Filmmaker David O. Russell is set to helm the upcoming Linda Ronstadt biopic, starring Selena Gomez.

The music biopic is currently in preproduction, with producers including James Keach, who produced the 2019 documentary ‘Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice’, and Ronstadt’s manager, John Boylan.

Gomez cryptically shared her involvement in the biopic earlier this week by posting a picture of Ronstadt’s 2013 memoir 'Simple Dreams' on her Instagram story. No other casting has been announced, reports variety.com.

Ronstadt is a country, rock ‘n’ roll and Latin music legend known for her 1970s albums 'Heart Like a Wheel' and 'Simple Dreams'. Throughout her career she has released 29 studio albums, won 11 Grammys, and was honoured by both the Recording Academy and the Latin Recording Academy with Lifetime Achievement Awards. In 2014, Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and

Roll Hall of Fame.

Russell is an Oscar-nominated director and writer known for critically acclaimed films such as 'Three Kings' (1999), 'The Fighter' (2010), 'Silver Linings Playbook' (2011) and 'American Hustle' (2013). His most recent feature, the 2022 mystery comedy 'Amsterdam', starred Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington.

In addition to the Ronstadt biopic, Russell is working on 'Super Toys', with Keke Palmer and Sacha Baron Cohen attached to star.

From Ambanis, Sachin & Shinde to the whole of Bollywood, Ira's nuptials see an A-List crush The reception of the Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan's daughter Ira Khan and her husband Nupur Shikhare was a starry affair.

The event organised at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in the BKC area of Mumbai, saw not just the entire Bollywood reuniting but also witnessed celebrities from different walks of life.

The whole of Bollywood, including Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, actress Katrina Kaif, Oscar-winning music composer A.R. Rahman, veteran actress Rekha.

SRK exuded elegance in a refined ensemble featuring white shirt, black waistcoat, matching jacket, and trousers.

He was accompanied by his wife, Gauri, who looked stunning in a maroon and golden suit.

Other members of the fraternity like Jaya Bachchan, Shweta Bachchan, Sushmita Sen, Naga Chaitanya, Farhan Akhtar, Anil Kapoor, Jaaved Jaffrey, Dilip Joshi, Hema Malini, Rekha, Saira Banu, Sonali Bendre, Dharmendra, and Esha Deol, Kangana Ranaut, Sushmita Sen attended the event.

Actor Tiger Shroff was seen wearing a black suit as he walked in style into the venue. His contemporary Kartik Aaryan too suited up for Ira Khan’s wedding party.

Riteish Deshmukh and his wife Genelia joined Aamir Khan’s family to celebrate Ira and Nupur’s wedding.

Director Rajkumar Hirani, who directed Aamir in ‘3 Idiots’ and ‘PK’ attended the event in a black ensemble.

Industrialist Mukesh Ambani too was seen attending the event with his wife Nita Ambani.

The God of cricket Sachin Tendulkar also joined the celebrations and gave blessings to the newlywed couple.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde too attended the event and posed with the couple.

Professor of Taylor Swift class at Harvard reveals why singer's work is worthy of study A class being offered at Harvard on Taylor Swift next semester is officially titled "English 183ts. Taylor Swift and Her World.” A critic who will teach the course has revealed why it is worthy of study.

But when her class was announced last month, many began to wonder out loud if a "millennial pop star deserves this kind of treatment at a world-class university."

Stephanie Burt, a literary critic who will teach the course at Harvard, penned a convincing argument in The Atlantic and deftly argued that students "benefit from studying art that they love, art new and old, art in many genres," reports etonline.com.

It's not the first time a Swift class is available at an institution of higher learning. Stanford, NYU and the University of Texas at Austin are just some of the universities offering similar courses.

The hour-long class at Harvard will aim to explore Swift's many genres and the economic impact she's had in cities across the world when she arrives to perform her Eras Tour. The class will also examine her catalogue (Taylor's Version).

"We will learn how to think about illicit affairs, and hoaxes, champagne problems and incomplete closure. We will look at her precursors, from Dolly Parton to the Border Ballads, and at work about her (such as the

documentary Miss Americana)," the class synopsis continues.

"And we will read literary works important to her and works about song and performance, with novels, memoirs and poems by (among others) Willa Cather, James Weldon Johnson, Tracey Thorn, and William Wordsworth."

Burt says her students "will analyse Swift's work, think in detail about it, maybe create footnotes to it, in order to see how the verbal skills and musical elements that move us are not just all in our head, they are choices Swift makes to communicate a particular message or feeling."

Touting the Midnights singer's writing as "witty" and "insightful," Burt says it's incumbent upon her to also help her students better understand Swift and her "oeuvre" with the help of novels

by Willa Cather and James Weldon Johnson. The class will also dive into three centuries of "pagebased poetry ... on other topics central to Swift."

In doing so, Burt hopes to "take advantage ... of a room full of Swifties to introduce hundreds of students to these poems."

If all goes well, "you might notice how many students will come for the Taylor and stay for the other writers involved," Burt argues.

Famed author James Patterson also weighed in on the Harvard course, and he says the class is a no-brainer.

FOUR ZAYN COLLABORATES WITH EMERGING SOUTH ASIAN STARS AUR ON NEW SINGLE “TU HAI KAHAN” South Asia has quickly become one of the most exciting musical landscapes in the world, with new stars in the making thanks to a massive, passionate audience in the market and throughout diaspora communities. As a result, the region has become a hotbed for new global hits. The runaway success of Pakistani trio AUR and their hit single 'Tu Hai Kahan' is testament to the huge potential for new talent emerging from the region.

The track marries the band’s

poetic lyricism with ZAYN’s vocals as he effortlessly delivers the song’s chorus in Hindi. The record marks ZAYN’s deeply personal and first entrance into the world of South Asian music and its release. AUR's original version of "Tu hai kahan" is a big hit in South Asia, amassing hundreds of millions of streams and reaching #1 on the Spotify India, Pakistan and Global Viral charts. The song is out now in the UK in conjunction with a new music video that takes fans into the

parallel worlds of both artists and gives rare insights into ZAYN’s process at his home studio as well as an intimate view of AUR’s life in the heart of Karachi, Pakistan.

AUR - consisting of Ahad, Usama, and Raffey - shared their excitement about the release: "We are super excited for this collaboration as it shows that music has no boundaries. ‘Tu hai kahan’ is such a special song to us and it’s hard to describe how amazed we were when we first heard ZAYN’s voice on the track. We’re taking Pakistani music global, and we can’t wait for the world to vibe to our music."

This record is the first ever collaboration for ZAYN with a South Asian artist. ZAYN adds, "I was incredibly humbled when AUR reached out and asked me to collaborate on their song Tu Hai Kahan. I love the song and have brought some of myself to it, I hope people love what we’ve done" Listen to "Tu hai kahan (feat. ZAYN)” now on all major streaming platforms.

Vidyut's 'Junglee', 'Sanak' co-stars Pooja, Rukmini to feature in 'Crakk' song Vidyut Jammwal will be seen shaking-a-leg with Pooja Sawant and Rukmini Maitra, who worked with the action star in films such as ‘Junglee’ and ‘Sanak’ respectively, in a song for the upcoming film ‘Crakk’.

A picture of Vidyut and Pooja from the sets are doing the rounds. In the picture they are seen sitting on a scooter. The actor is seen dressed in a colourful shirt paired with a white ganji and denims. He completed his look with sunglasses. Pooja is seen sitting as a pillion rider.

The details about the song are kept under wraps.

However, it is a part of the upcoming film ‘Crakk’, which is touted as an adrenaline rushing sports film.

The first track from the film titled ‘Dil Jhoom’ has been dropped and it features Nora Fatehi and Vidyut. The track is currently trending on Instagram.

‘Dil Jhoom’ is a rendition of the popular track titled ‘Jhoom’ by Pakistani singer Ali Zafar. The remix features a collaboration between renowned singers Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Mishra and Tanishk Bagchi.

Crakk, produced by Vidyut Jammwal and Action Hero Films, and directed by Aditya Datt is set to hit theatres on 23 February

Nicole Kidman was told she won't have a career in acting due to her height Actress Nicole Kidman, who stands at 5ft 11, confessed she lied that she was just half an inch shorter, 5ft10 and a half, after she was bullied as a child for her height and called names such as "Stalky".

“I was told, ‘You won’t have a career. You’re too tall,'" she told Radio Times magazine, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Even now she is a Hollywood star, Kidman has to think twice about her choice of heel.

She continued: “People would say, ‘How’s the air up there?’"

“Now, I get, ‘You’re so much taller than I thought’, or men grappling with how high my heels should be. Whenever I go on the red carpet, I get sent shoes that are always so high. I’m like, ‘Do they have a kitten heel? I’m going to be the tallest person — a giraffe!’”

The 56-year-old star was rejected for a part in the musical 'Annie' when she was young due to her height because she was two inches above the 5ft2 maximum height required.

The star had even persuaded the production team to allow her to at least audition.

She recalled: “I didn’t get the part. I didn’t even get a call back — but at least I got to sing four lines of a chorus.”

The 'Expats' star tries not to see her stature as a setback and instead views it as a "superpower".

She added: “What matters is how you allow other people to either say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to you, and whether you accept that."

“Inner resilience as a human being, that’s the superpower really.”

FIVE

PANEER PITA PIZZA In the hustle and bustle of daily life, Supreme Ingredients Paneer Pitta Pizza emerges as the hero – a quick, wholesome, and utterly delectable solution for families on the go. Say goodbye to compromise and hello to a dining experience that effortlessly fits your busy lifestyle.

Unravel the secrets behind this culinary marvel, with this delicious recipe. Get ready to embark on a flavour-packed adventure that harmonises the best of Indian and Arabic cuisines. The Supreme spice delight awaits you!

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

¼ cup oil

Heat the oil over medium heat, add paneer and fry until

¾ cup mix coloured pepper chopped into

the edges turn golden. Add ginger garlic paste, tomato

small pieces ¾ cup red onion, chopped into small pieces

paste, tandoori powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, garam masala and salt to taste. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes, then add onions and peppers. Turn the heat

250g paneer cut into small chunks 1 tsp Supreme Garlic Ginger Paste 2 tbsp Supreme Tandoori Masala 1 tbsp Supreme Kashmiri Chilli Powder 1 tsp Supreme Garam Masala 2 tbsp tomato paste ¹/₃ cup ketchup

down to low and cook until onions and peppers soften slightly. Lastly stir in ketchup, cook for 3-4 minutes then remove from heat and set a cool slightly. Preheat the oven at 180°c.

Place the pitta bread on a baking tray and top with a handful of grated mozzarella. Then spoon over some of

Salt to taste

the paneer mixture on top of the cheese. Sprinkle over

4 pitta bread

a little more mozzarella and lastly a pinch of oregano.

Grated mozzarella cheese

Bake in a preheated oven for 20-22 minutes or until the

Pinch of oregano

pita is slightly crisp and the cheese has melted.

Recipe in partnership with Supreme ingredients.

For more recipes visit www.supreme-ingredients.com

SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

Hrithik is so fluid as a dancer you do build it in when composing music

Vishal Dadlani

In the enchanting realm where melody meets emotion, Vishal Dadlani reigns supreme as a multifaceted maestro. An illustrious figure in the Indian music industry, he transcends the boundaries of singer, songwriter, and reality TV judge, carving a niche as a musical luminary and one half of the dynamic duo Vishal–Shekhar.

With an impressive repertoire of blockbuster hits that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions, Vishal Dadlani's artistry extends beyond mere composition—it's a symphony that resonates with the pulse of the nation. In an exclusive conversation, the virtuoso unveils the creative alchemy behind the chart-topping music destined for Hrithik Roshan's upcoming film, Fighter.

Venturing into the creative crucible, Vishal candidly shares insights into the harmonious fusion of notes that breathe life into cinematic spectacles. Beyond the glitz and glamour, he delves into the nuanced intricacies of composing music, shedding light on the delicate dance of creative differences that adds depth to every composition.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Sunday & Style, join us on an exhilarating journey as Vishal Dadlani unravels the secrets behind the magic that transforms mere sounds into timeless melodies. Get ready to be captivated by the rhythmic tales spun by a virtuoso whose music transcends boundaries, leaving an indelible imprint on the soul of the industry.

What was the brief for you to compose the music for Fighter?

It’s a simple question and a complicated question. Basically, the songs came from the story of the film. Sidharth was narrating the script, he normally just asks us to read it, but this time he was narrating it. By the time we got to the end of it we had tears in our eyes. It is a truly incredible script. The energy of the script was just so strong that that very day we started working on the songs – that very moment itself. And I think by the end of the week we had most of the tunes in place.

So that says a lot when a project has the energy that it just wants to go in a certain direction. It wants to be a certain way – everything comes from that.

The other side to this question, I think is Fighter has two very distinct types of music. One is the music camaraderie, the group of pilots. In the academy, in the air and initially while training.

The other is the songs related to the story, that have greater depth. That have elements of patriotism, of heartbreak of loss and beauty and courage. And the truth of a fighter pilots’ life.

So, what you have seen so far, Sher Khul Gaye – a party track

of a group of RAF pilots have gone and achieved a milestone or something, so they’ve gone celebrating. So, they feel that the world has opened, so they say Sher Khul Gaye about themselves. The other song, Ish Jaisa Koi, is a little bit of connection between Hrithik and Deepika. The first sort of flush of romance, a romance that is almost like a pop romance.

But what happens in love it deepens. It sort of grows. It becomes alive it becomes a character in itself. Sometimes it comes with heartbreak, sometimes it comes – I am not telling you anything about the story.

I thought I was going to get an exclusive here (laughs) No no, I can’t tell you anything about the film, because Sidharth (Director) will come to my home. It’s not about NDA’s you have to

Vishal with Shekhar

Vishal at a concer

t

Image: Facebook

SEVEN

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

Song

composed by Ishq Jaisa Kuch

Vishal Shehkhar

understand. NDA’s are for professionals.

Sidharth is my friend, he will come to my home and kick my butt, so I can’t do that.

It’s a really incredible film, it’s got a lot of energy, some great action and visuals like you’ve never seen before. All the conversations around it being like a Top Gun are completely invalid. This is an Indian story. We have our own stories to tell and we are proud to be telling this one. It’s written by an RAF pilot as well.

Do you ever get influenced while creating music, when you know you’re composing for a star like Hrithik who is an exceptional dancer?

I want to say no that’s not how it works, but the truth of the matter is you do think about how fluid he is and you try to build that into the music, there is no question. He really does justify it every time. When Hrithik is on screen he makes it flow. It’s amazing what he does.

Catch the full interview on the Asian Sunday & Style channel

You compose music alongside Shekhar and you have a great bond, but during the process of creating blockbuster music for Fighter do you ever have creative differences and if so, who gets the upper hand?

I just want to know why everyone interviewing us, is insisting we have differences? (laughs) We absolutely do. Like any two or four people working in a room on the same thing, everyone is going to have their own opinion, that’s the point, otherwise why are you there. Everyone’s got their own ideas. There is no upper hand. The song gets the upper hand. It sounds like a cliché to say, but that’s the truth.

So, we try every idea and we see how it works. And then whatever sounds the best to all of us. You have to understand the purpose of the music, the purpose of the film is to reach 1.5 billion people and more across the world. So the least you can do is please the six people that are in the room. That’s a good start.

khar

ed by Vishal Sheh

m Fighter compos

er Khul Gaye fro Super hit song Sh

hter

from the film Fig

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

EIGHT

FILMS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2024

Bollywood made an incredible come back in 2024, with people flocking to watch movie, helping stars Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan enjoy 100’s of crore’s worth of business.

Well, 2024 promises to be another exciting year for B-Town film fans and cinegoers. We list films we believe will be the most highly anticipated movies, promising to achieve success both commercially and artistically.

EMERGENCY Emergency is actor Kangana Ranaut's first directorial project, a political drama where she plays former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. As reported

by India Today, Ranaut views the film not as a biopic, but a showcase of a controversial period in India's democracy. Originally scheduled for a November 2023 release, Emergency has faced delays with the premiere now moved to an unspecified 2024 date. Tracing the imposition of 1975's Emergency order, the movie promises a dramatized look at a tumultuous time. With Ranaut at the helm both in front of and behind the camera, Emergency has already generated hype as one of this year's most unique Bollywood offerings.

CHANDU CHAMPION Following his 2023 hit Satyaprem Ki Prem Kahani, actor Kartik Aaryan joins producer Sajid Nadiadwala for the 2024 film Chandu Champion.

Based on the true story of Murlikant Petkar, India's first Paralympic gold medalist, the movie spotlights the athletic triumph and resilience of this Indian Army legend. Branded with the tagline "The man who refused to surrender," Chandu Champion promises an uplifting underdog narrative.

Tracing Petkar’s journey from disability to championship victory, the film provides Aaryan a dramatic starring vehicle while continuing Nadiadwala's reputation for delivering inspirational stories. With its combination of human interest and national pride, Chandu Champion shapes up as one of next year's most crowd-pleasing movies.

YODHA Following multiple delays, the action-thriller Yodha is scheduled to release in 2024, marking Sidharth Malhotra’s first big screen outing since 2022’s Thank God. Malhotra stars as a fierce commando on a mission to rescue passengers aboard a hijacked plane. Yodha provides Malhotra with a massively mounted vehicle to showcase his action chops under the direction of debutante duo Pushkar and Omkar. After extended anticipation stemming from the originally planned 2022 and 2023 release dates, Yodha will deliver a robust heroic action and rescue adventure led by Malhotra's star presence that will make the long wait worthwhile.

THE CREW The Crew assembles an acclaimed all-female ensemble for one of 2024’s most enticing releases. Reuniting the duo behind 2018’s Veere Di Wedding, the aviation-set drama stars Sonam Kapoor Ahuja alongside several of Bollywood’s top actresses.

Backdropped against the airline industry, The Crew follows three driven women whose lives intertwine amidst a web of lies and deception that leads to chaos. With Kapoor and Kapoor bringing together both fresh and familiar faces, the movie promises an empowering story centered on complex female relationships and performances. On the heels of Veere Di Wedding's success, the production team and cast have set the stage for The Crew to deliver another celebration of sisterhood.

METRO… IN DINO Director Anurag Basu reteams with Pritam for one of 2024’s most eagerly awaited sequels, Metro... In Dino.

Serving as a follow-up to Basu’s 2007 hit Life In A... Metro, the film features an ensemble cast including Shilpa Shetty, Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Kay Kay Menon and Kangana Ranaut. Taking its name from a song in the original movie, Metro... In Dino marks Basu’s second collaboration with producer Ritesh Sidhwani after their 2020 project Ludo. Billed as an anthology exploring human relationships in a metropolitan setting, the movie promises the director’s trademark blend of warmth and wit.

JIGRA Jigra is an upcoming Hindi thriller and action film that stars and is co-produced

by Alia Bhatt under her Eternal Sunshine Productions banner.

Backed by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions after their successful 2022 collaboration on Darlings, Jigra unites Bhatt with Johar in both acting and producing capacities. The film's announcement video tells the story of courage requiring carelessness towards life, setting up a story centered on two siblings. With Bhatt striking a grim figure in shadowy streets in the video's voiceover, this upcoming Bollywood movie will be a gritty dramatic tale that will showcase a more daring side of the acclaimed actress within a dangerous setting.

SINGHAM AGAIN Hitting theaters on Indian Independence Day, Singham Again serves as the third chapter in Bollywood's popular cop franchise.

With its release coinciding with the arrival of Pushpa 2: The Rise, this sequel faces stiff competition even as it remains one of 2024's most eagerly awaited titles. Given the commercial success of the previous two Singham films in 2011 and 2014, expectations are sky-high for the next installment.

Leading man Ajay Devgn returns as the righteous titular officer along with an ensemble cast for another action-packed confrontation with forces of corruption. As the cornerstone of Bollywood's cop universe, Singham Again will deliver thrilling heroic spectacles befitting India's celebration of independence.

TEN

Looking like a Wow

AT AAMIR KHAN'S DAUGHTER'S WEDDING It was the grand wedding of Amir Khan’s only daughter Ira Khan to fitness instructor Nupur Shikhare The year began with the grand wedding of Aamir Khan and Reena Dutta's daughter Ira Khan who married her fiancé Nupur Shikhare on Wednesday 3 January at a 5 star hotel in Mumbai.

It was the first B-Town wedding of the year and let’s just say the celebrations were rather unusual.

While Aamir’s son-in-law may not have got everyone saying looking like ‘ a wow’ when he jogged in a vest to meet his dressed bride for his marriage ceremony, we can say that B-Town guests certainly didn’t disappoint with their dress sense.

Here is who attend and who was looking ‘like a wow’

The bride and groom Ira Khan and

Nupur

ELEVEN WHAT’S ON

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR JAY SEAN’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED UK & IRELAND TOUR ”ORIGINS” _Tickets On Sale Friday, December 8 at 10 AM Local at livenation.co.uk_ Jay Sean, the South Asian/ British trailblazing artist behind the historic Billboard Hot 100 #1 single "Down," is set to embark on a triumphant UK & Ireland tour “Origins” in March and April 2024.

The tour will showcase Jay Sean's remarkable career, featuring hits spanning 2 decades, that have left an undeniable mark on the global music scene but started right here, in the UK. Born and raised in London, England, Jay Sean made his musical debut at the age of 22 with the Rishi Rich Project's "Dance With You" in 2003.

Breaking barriers and defying conventions, he became the first South Asian artist to perform on Top of The Pops and quickly became a solo sensation with his critically acclaimed 2004 debut album, "Me Against Myself," which will have its 20-year anniversary in 2024.

In 2008, Jay Sean elevated his international status with the game-changing global hit "Ride It,” leading to a groundbreaking deal with Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Records. His collaboration with Lil Wayne on "Down" not only secured him the top spot on

the Billboard Hot 100 but also made him the first Asian artist in history to achieve this feat in the United States. The success continued with 5 consecutive top 40 singles like “2012 ft Nicki Minaj” and “Do You Remember ft Sean Paul” off of his third studio album, the Platinum-selling "All or Nothing," solidifying Jay Sean as a true, "1 of 1" type star.

In 2013, Jay Sean continued his epic run, collaborating with renowned artists like J Balvin, Sean Paul and Maluma. Unafraid to explore diverse genres, he consistently delivered hits such as "Make My Love Go" and "Thinking About You," captivating audiences across the globe, making him the first Asian artist in History to have a Spanish Language Billboard #1.

In 2019, Jay Sean's timeless hit "Ride It" experienced a resurgence when DJ Regard's remix went viral on TikTok, garnering almost 3 billion global streams. The prolific artist continued to make waves in 2022 with DJ Phenom's Imanbek and Martin Jenson, earning top positions on charts and accumulating millions of streams.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Jay Sean announced in 2023 a groundbreaking Album project that celebrates his South Asian roots.

Collaborating with some of the biggest names in the Indian music industry, Jay Sean's upcoming album promises to be a cultural masterpiece, set for release in early 2024.

As Jay Sean prepares for his highly anticipated UK & Ireland tour, fans can catch him live at the following dates and venues: MARCH 2024 Fri 29 March: O2 Institute, Birmingham Sat 30 March: O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London APRIL 2024 Mon 1 April: SWG3, Glasgow Tue 2 April: O2 Ritz, Manchester Wed 3 April: The Academy, Dublin TICKETS: Tickets are now on sale at atlivenation.co.uk

BASSEM YOUSSEF RETURNS TO THE UK IN 2024 FOR THE ‘MIDDLE BEAST’ TOUR AT THE EVENTIM APOLLO LONDON. Following the immense success of his recent UK tour, Bassem Youssef, the globally acclaimed comedian and satirist, is set to make a return to the stage at the Eventim Apollo on Saturday, 6 April 2024. Tickets for this highly anticipated ‘The Middle Beast’ UK headline tour are now on sale.

Known as the 'Jon Stewart of the Arab World,' Bassem Youssef gained fame during the 2011 Egyptian revolution as the host of Al Bernameg, the first political satire news program in the Middle East. What started as 5-minute YouTube episodes evolved into the most-watched show in the region, boasting over 40 million weekly viewers.

Bassem’s live stand-up show seamlessly blends his political opinions, stories and experiences from his time in Egypt and America. His extraordinary ability to balance comedy and commentary, tackling serious issues with humour and wit and addressing topics from immigration to censorship to the current state of global politics. His comedy always promises to prompt the audience to engage in thoughtprovoking reflections. This is a repeat show from last year for those who attended.

In a recent viral moment, Bassem engaged in an exchange

with Piers Morgan, with the interviews becoming the mostwatched segment on the Piers Morgan Uncensored show.

Surpassing 21 million views on YouTube within days of its upload, The conversation not only broke the internet but also sparked a global dialogue about the current dynamics in the Middle East which this tour will address.

Don't miss the chance to experience Bassem Youssef's unparalleled comedy live at the Eventim Apollo in London on 6 April 2024. For tickets visit livenation.co.uk.

UK TOUR DATE: Saturday 6 April | Eventim Apollo, London

PLANNING AN EVENT? HAVE IT FEATURED ON OUR WHAT’S ON! PAGE. SIMPLY EMAIL NEWSDESK@ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK WITH ALL THE DETAILS

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13 PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH HM GOVERNMENT

Your mental wellbeing tool kit Small changes to our everyday routines that can brighten our mental wellbeing Engaging in even a simple positive daily activity can have a profound impact on your mental health.

When Mariam Habib escaped an abusive marriage while pregnant with her second child, she faced barriers that inhibited her.

As a single parent Mariam faced many pressures and she recognised the toll this was taking on her mental wellbeing

Mariam Habib

and the need to take action to help address her anxious feelings.

Mariam has found that creating a daily routine has helped her find her ‘happy place’ and supported her mental wellbeing.

She says: “Each day I make time to do some journaling for positive reinforcement – writing down how I’m feeling, for example, and what my thoughts are.

“I remind myself that I am

beautiful, I am strong, and that I am in control of my life.

During this time, I also listen to religious recitations – I find these incredibly soothing and calming.

“At bedtime I do some breathing exercises to help me relax, clear my mind, and have a peaceful night’s sleep. My children are my biggest inspiration and through building relaxation routines I am able to be the best mum I can.”

Now, not only is Mariam raising her young children as a single parent, but she has also returned

to her BSc (Honours) Health and Social Care degree studies and has been recognised and shortlisted for the prestigious YAYA Awards.

We explore the best practices from the NHS's Every Mind Matters programme for doable actions you can incorporate into your everyday life to improve your mental health.

Find your little big thing with Every Mind Matters. Search nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

Find your ‘little big thing’ with these top tips: Help in a crisis • GET PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Being active is not just good for your physical health, it’s good for your mind too. It can help you burn off nervous energy, and, while it might not make feelings of distress disappear completely, it can make them less intense. You might choose gentle online yoga classes, boogieing around the home or short walks in the fresh air.

• MANAGE YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS Sometimes we develop unhelpful patterns of thought, and these can lead to unhelpful behaviour, so recognising them and thinking about them differently can improve our mental wellbeing.

Try the free, practical selfhelp tips inspired by cognitive behavioural therapy at nhs.uk/ every-mind-matters.

• TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST Talking to someone we trust about how we’re feeling can improve our mental health and wellbeing and help stop us from feeling lonely. Sharing

counter boredom and lethargy and will boost your mood and energise you. It does not have to be anything complex to plan or costly; it could be fixing a time to meet with a friend or neighbour for a cuppa or a visit to a free local attraction.

Image: Freepik

how you are feeling will help them understand what you’re going through and together you can explore solutions.

• GET THE MOST FROM YOUR SLEEP Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how we feel mentally and physically. Every Mind Matters has lots of tips for improving your sleep and an email programme to help you develop good bedtime habits.

• GET CLOSER TO NATURE Spending time in nature – in green spaces like parks or gardens – can lift your mood and help you feel more relaxed. You can also bring nature into your life by tending to plants on a windowsill or balcony.

• PLAN SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO It’s important to have something to look forward to, especially when you’re finding things tough. It will help you

TALKING THERAPIES If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression, NHS Talking Therapies can help. These services offer practical psychological therapies that can assist with various common mental health disorders and they are free and effective.

Talking Therapies are delivered by trained NHS mental health professionals, in one to one sessions, in person or over the phone, and can also be accessed online via interactive websites.

You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies by visiting nhs.uk/talk to locate your local service and complete an online form, or contact them via email or phone. Eligibility only requires registration with a GP.

• If you are having thoughts of suicide, are harming yourself or have thought about self-harm it is important to tell someone.

• These thoughts and feelings can be complex, frightening, and confusing but you do not have to struggle alone.

• If you cannot wait to see a doctor and feel unable to cope or keep yourself safe, contact one of the organisations below to get support right away: • Find your local 24/7 NHS crisis line at nhs.uk/ urgentmentalhealth or visit 111. nhs.uk • If you are under 35 and experiencing thoughts of suicide, or for anyone that is concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide, visit papyrus-uk.org, call 0800 068 4141 (9 am – midnight, 365 days a year), text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org • If your life or someone else’s life is at risk call 999.

14

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LONDON

BARKING AND DAGENHAM

Residents face 4.99% council tax increase

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

Barking and Dagenham residents face a 4.99per cent council tax increase to their bills from April 2024.

The plans are part of a council report that cabinet members have been recommended to approve at a meeting next week on Tuesday 23 January.

According to the report, the council estimates the increase will generate an extra £6.3million in council tax income.

The report noted: “…with the council’s proposal of increasing council tax by 4.99pc as allowed under statute, the total increase with council tax base and rate increase will generate an additional

Cllr Twomey

£6.3m council tax income.”

An estimated £1.40 per week will be added onto the average Band D property council tax bill, according to the council’s public consultation

page.

The council wrote on its consultation page: “Without further backing from the government, we are left with no choice but to raise Council Tax to help ease the pressures on our budget.

“The fact remains that everything costs more than it did a year ago, demand on our services has increased, but the money available to us hasn’t.”

The 4.99pc increase will go towards general spending at the council and adult social care, which is in line with the maximum amount set by the government.

It was reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in December 2023 that the council was bracing for a £23m budget gap for 2024/25, which it said was down to high inflation,

Cllr Darren Rodwell

increased interest rates and higher demand services.

More recently, government data analysed by the BBC earlier this week found Barking and Dagenham

Council was one of the top 10 local authorities for having the largest amount of average debt per resident at £4,735.

On 16 January the leader of the council Darren Rodwell hosted a livestream with Dominic Twomey, deputy council leader and cabinet member for finance, growth and core services, where they discussed the budget plans for 2024/25.

Cllr Twomey said: “We try the very best we can with the resources we’ve got, if we didn’t take the general council tax increase of 2.99pc… that would mean that we would have to make somewhere in the region of £2.5m more cuts on top of the gap that we’re already facing of around £20m.

“Whichever way we go with this, there’s nowhere really to turn.”

BRENT

Demand for new bin scheme to be scrapped as 3,500-signature petition handed to council

By GRANT WILLIAMS Local Democracy Reporter

Residents in a North London borough have urged the council to scrap its new recycling scheme, as they handed in a nearly 3,500-signature strong petition. Brent Council’s new blue recycling bags were slammed for their ‘poor quality’ and for discouraging people from recycling.

Residents living in properties with blue-lidded bins have been required to separate their card and paper from other recycling items, such as glass, metal, and plastic, into the new 90-litre blue sacks since 1 October. Collections have also been reduced from weekly to fortnightly as part of the council’s goal of being ‘carbon neutral by 2030’.

The petition demanding that the scheme be cancelled was eventually signed by 3,422 residents and handed into the council at a recent Cabinet meeting (15 January).

Residents said the flimsy

Cllr Mohammed Butt

nature of the bags has resulted in them ‘littering the streets of Brent’ and want to go back to using the blue bin for recycling.

Addressing the Cabinet, resident Sheila Darr blasted the scheme for ‘not working’ and called on councillors to ‘replace it’. She explained that the petition was initially started by a resident due to the anxiety of their elderly parents.

Sheila said: “[They] were concerned about putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin bags and the consequence of

not having their bin collected. […] Residents will have more paper and cardboard than can be recycled under the scheme, this will encourage fly tipping, people will be unable to store it and it will affect the entire borough.”

Concerns were raised about the ease with which the bags could be stolen, how difficult they are to lift for some residents when it’s full, and the contents left soaked through or blown all over the streets in the current weather. Sheila also suggested it is a GDPR issue as the bags are ‘easy pickings for thieves’ to steal personal data and shredding the letters would just further litter the streets.

Council leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said that the council has committed itself to the climate emergency and hitting the net zero by 2030 target, of which recycling plays an important role in. He suggests the changes are designed to increase recycling rates in the borough, which

Image: Brent Council

Nearly 3,500 residents signed the petition urging the council to scrap its new recycling scheme

he claims are up 264 per cent since the scheme started.

Cllr Butt said Brent is not the only London council using the bags and believes a lot more will introduce the system as they look to increase recycling rates and make cost savings.

He added: “One of the things we are looking at is trying to generate income from the recycled card and paper so we can offset some of the £8m worth of cuts [in next year’s financial budget].”

On the poor design and quality of the bags, Cllr Butt assured residents that officers have raised these concerns with the suppliers and any bags that have had issues will be replaced. He said: “When it comes to the bags being full, we’ve now opened up the opportunity for residents to have second bags.”

He added: “Even with the current weather conditions, officers have been working with our contractors and when the

bags have been emptied there has not been an issue with moisture or water in the bags.”

The blue bag scheme is set to be reviewed later in the year, to determine whether it is working or what, if any, changes are needed to be made. However, Sheila called for it to be brought back to the table immediately and for the council to listen to the feedback. She said: “It is absolutely clear that [it] is strongly opposed by the residents.”

Cllr Butt said: “I understand the point made about 3,422 residents having signed the petition. […] When the review takes place later in the year if any changes do need to be made we can look at making those changes.”

He added: “We need to allow this transition to continue for a while so that we have the evidence that allows us to make meaningful change if and when required.”

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15

LONDON

TOWER HAMLETS

Former Councillor announces bid to become next MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney

By RUBY GREGORY Local Democracy Reporter

A former Tower Hamlets councillor has announced her bid to become the next MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney.

Rabina Khan, who represented Shadwell ward for 12 years and was a special advisor in the House of Lords, will be standing as the Lib Dem candidate at the upcoming general election.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Monday 15 January, the mum-ofthree said her campaign will focus on the housing crisis, climate change, the NHS, the cost of living and knife crime.

Ms Khan has lived in the area for over 30 years and said she wants to be a familiar face in her community.

She said: “For me, it’s about

Rabina Khan was a local councillor for 12 years

standing up for people. In Bethnal Green and Stepney, I’ve seen it all, from city wealth to local struggles.

“I want to represent this constituency as my roots are in Stepney.”

During her time as councillor, she spent five years as cabinet member for housing and said a key part of

her housing campaign is about leaseholders and challenging the leaseholder system.

She went on to say that ethnic minorities are often excluded from the climate change debate and that she wants this to change so it’s more inclusive.

As a journalist, Ms Khan has written for the Financial Times about climate change in Bangladesh and the leaseholder scandal for Inside Housing.

Throughout her time as councillor, Ms Khan has represented a number of political parties including the Labour Party and several independent groups relating to Tower Hamlets.

During her last four years as councillor, Ms Khan switched to the Lib Dems and has been a member of the party since 2018. She lost her seat during the local elections in

May 2022.

Ms Khan says the Lib Dems have a history of ‘positive change’ and said her party stands for ‘peace’, after Lib Dem MPs unanimously showed support for an immediate ceasefire in Israel-Gaza in November 2023.

On 12 January, Tower Hamlets Lib Dems posted on X (formerly Twitter): “We’re pleased to announce that @RabinaKhan, a former councillor of twelve years in Shadwell, and former special advisor in the House of Lords, will be our candidate for the new parliamentary constituency of Bethnal Green and Stepney at this year’s general election.”

Ms Khan’s selected constituency, Bethnal Green and Bow, will be re-established for the next general election as Bethnal Green and Stepney, a

former constituency which was abolished in 1997.

The reformed constituency will cover eight wards which are; Bethnal Green East (formerly Bethnal Green), St Dunstan’s, Bethnal Green West (formerly St Peter’s), Shadwell, Spitalfields and Banglatown, Stepney Green, Weavers and Whitechapel.

Bow East and Bow West were part of the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency but will be transferred to form the new Stratford and Bow constituency.

The Bethnal Green and Bow seat is held by Labour’s Rushanara Ali, who was elected in 2010.

A date for the upcoming general election is yet to be announced.

The Lib Dems have been approached for comment.

Disabled grandma, Geeta Patel stranded on 8th floor for more than 2 months due to unfixed lift The 59 – year-old claims to have missed 14 doctors’ appointments and wasn’t able to see her granddaughter at Christmas A grandmother is feeling ‘stressed and anxious’ after being left stranded in her eighth floor flat for more than two months because the lift in her housing association building is broken.

She claims to have missed 14 doctors’ appointments during this time and wasn’t able to see her granddaughter on Christmas Day. The lift at Bigler Court in Wembley has been broken since November. Geeta Patel, 59, who is disabled and has mobility issues, claims she has been complaining to the housing association L&Q about the problem for two months and has been unable to leave her flat during this time.

Geeta originally reported the issue in November because the lift wasn’t working when she returned from a Diwali family dinner, meaning it took her 45 minutes to get up the stairs to her flat. The grandmother to two granddaughters said she has ‘gone past boiling point’ and claims the experience of being confined to her flat has badly affected her mental health.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Geeta said: “I feel like I’m losing the battle now. Being on the eighth floor is not easy for me.

I can’t go and see my family and being stuck inside 24/7 is not good for me mentally.”

She added: “They are taking the piss. Over these two and a half months I’ve had to cancel or reschedule 14 hospital

Cllr Anton Georgiou

appointments that I have been waiting for. Once they rebook you three times, the fourth time they send you back to your GP. It took ages to get these appointments and now it’s going to prolong the help I need for my health.”

During this time, Geeta has also been unable to visit her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and dementia, in a nearby care home.

She usually pays her a visit two or three times a week but has only been able to see her twice since November. Geeta said: “She is deteriorating, which obviously affects me too.”

She added: “The kids couldn’t spend Christmas or New Year with me either. To top it off it’s my 60th birthday (18 January) and I wanted to celebrate it with the family, but I can’t even do that now.”

Geeta explained that the lift was also broken last year and had

taken ages to fix. L&Q told her that they were waiting for a part to be delivered before the work could be completed. The lift has worked periodically throughout the year but not at all since November, according to Geeta.

The local councillor for Geeta’s ward, Cllr Anton Georgiou, called the ongoing and recurring issues ‘frankly ridiculous’ and is ‘appalled’ that vulnerable residents have had to endure weeks without a working lift.

He said: “L&Q have a lot to answer for here. Housing Associations have a duty of care towards their residents. In this instance they have failed to satisfy the bare minimum expected. Ensuring all residents have equal access to come and go from their own home.”

He added: “The failed attempts to resolve this matter, meaning that the lift is still out of order to this day, means L&Q are breaching equalities legislation by not ensuring disabled people and those unable to use stairs, have full access in a building that they manage.”

Geeta was told by the housing association that a part had to be ordered but told the LDRS that they said the same thing last year when a similar issue occurred.

Geeta doesn’t believe that work was ever properly completed and has made the lift even worse.

She added: “I just want to get out of this place, I’ve been waiting for a transfer for five years. I want

Image: Google Maps

A grandmother has been left stranded on the 8th floor for more than 2 months because the broken lift hasn't been repaired

to downsize from a three-bed to a two-bed and be on either the ground or first floor because of my disability. They just tell me they don’t have any available.”

Director of the L&Q Foundation, Matt Corbett, said: “We’re sorry that repairs to the lift at Bigler Court have taken longer than we would like, this was due to the complex nature of the repairs needed and difficulty in sourcing parts. An engineer is scheduled to be on site tomorrow (12 January) to complete the repairs.”

[According to Geeta this did not happen] He added: “Our team has been in regular contact with Ms Patel to offer her support and to help with any issues until the lift is back in operation. We

have written to all residents to apologise for the delay and a further letter with an update is being sent (11 January).

“Our rehousing team is in ongoing discussions with Ms Patel about her request for a move, which is proving difficult due to a lack of suitable properties in Brent, however we will remain in touch to offer advice and practical support.”

Cllr Georgiou called L&Q’s response ‘lacklustre’ and questioned why it takes so long to fix a recurring issue.

He said: “I have tried to apply as much pressure as possible on the organisation, but it is clear to me that this now needs to be dealt with by senior management urgently and thereafter for residents to be fully and fairly compensated for the ordeal they have been through.”

Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters’ Security, Cllr Promise Knight, said: “We weren’t aware of Ms Patel’s situation at Bigler Court and we are very sorry to learn that she has been unable to leave her home because of the lift’s breakdown and delayed repair.”

She added: “We understand that Ms Patel’s housing association, L&Q Foundation, is in contact with her. Ms Patel is also welcome to contact the council for further support with her needs at any time.”

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LONDON CITY HALL

Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall has denied she is pursuing a ‘doughnut strategy’ of the kind used by Boris Johnson in the race for City Hall

By NOAH VICKERS Local Democracy Reporter

Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall has denied she is pursuing a ‘doughnut strategy’ of the kind used by Boris Johnson in the race for City Hall.

The Conservative assembly member said she was attempting to appeal to voters across London, rather than mainly focusing on the ‘doughnut ring’ of suburbs which surround the inner city.

The strategy of appealing to the more Conservativeleaning outer boroughs was successfully adopted by Mr Johnson in his 2008 election win.

In the last four days alone, Ms Hall has been out campaigning in Chingford, Woodford, Hornchurch, Upminster, and Orpington.

But asked whether she was targeting outer London in particular, she said she had been campaigning “absolutely everywhere”.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I don’t mind whether they’ve voted for any other party before. I want to hear what Londoners say, and that means inner London and outer London.

“I was in a ward the other day that had three Labour councillors, so it could be termed as a Labour ward. It doesn’t matter… My strategy is to talk to Londoners and hopefully get their vote.”

Following 2022’s local council elections, the Conservatives were left in control of only one inner London borough – Kensington and Chelsea. The party’s other five boroughs – Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Harrow and Hillingdon – are all

Image: Brent Council

Sadiq Khan says introducing ULEZ has enabled 5 million Londoners to breathe cleaner air

on the capital’s fringe.

In 2021’s mayoral contest, Kensington and Chelsea was the only inner London borough in which Tory candidate Shaun Bailey received the most votes.

However, mayoral elections are conducted using a single London-wide electorate, meaning that the winning candidate is not required to win a certain number of boroughs or ‘seats’ to claim victory.

Ms Hall has pledged to cancel the outer London expansion of the Ultra low emission zone (Ulez) on ‘day one’ of her mayoralty, arguing that it has been “absolutely devastating” for people with non-compliant vehicles “who cannot afford to go to work, get to the hospital or visit their family”.

The zone was expanded to cover the whole of Greater London by Labour mayor Sadiq Khan on 29 August last year.

It was previously contained to the area within the North and South Circular roads.

Mr Khan says the move has enabled five million Londoners

Image: Wikipedia

London City Hall

to breathe cleaner air and that the policy will save lives.

About 19 out of 20 vehicles seen driving on an average day across Greater London are Ulez-compliant, according to the latest data.

Asked how she would cancel the expanded Ulez, she suggested that she would issue the same order to

Transport for London (TfL) as the mayor did for Christmas Day, when he temporarily suspended the charge for 24 hours.

“Quite frankly, Sadiq Khan managed to stop it on Christmas Day. I will manage to stop it – that’s it,” she said.

The candidate added that she was confident she

Image: Noah Vickers - Local Democracy Reporting Service

Tory mayoral candidate Susan Hall

would be able to remove the expanded zone in this way, saying: “I have made it [the policy] absolutely clear, so it’s a massive mandate I will be getting… to be the mayor of London.

“I have made it abundantly clear that if you vote for me, you are voting for the Ulez expansion to be stopped on day one. I couldn’t have made it clearer, and I will continue to make it clear up until [the mayoral election on] 2 May.” She said however that she would not remove the Ulez cameras themselves from outer London and would instead repurpose them.

“They are all equipped with ANPR, which is automatic number-plate recognition, so the police will have that as a massive tool in its box,” she said.

“If there’s any people that they need to keep an eye on, they will be able to track them.”

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Everything you need to know about Rishi Sunak’s

five-point plan on immigration The government has unveiled a new immigration reduction plan in response to last year's net migration of 745,000.

Approximately 300,000 individuals who arrived in the UK in the previous year would be ineligible under the proposed changes. The comprehensive five-point plan addresses health and care visas, skilled worker visas, family visas, the shortage occupation list, and student visas.

MINIMUM SKILLED WORK VISA SALARY TO RISE BY NEARLY 50% People applying for the skilled worker visa must earn a minimum of £38,700.

Currently, the threshold is whatever is highest out of £26,200 per year, £10.75 per hour or the "going rate" for your job.

The increase from £26,200 to £38,700 is a jump of 47.7% The new threshold is above the median salary, which was £34,963 in April 2023 for full-time workers, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Just under 70% of the working population earned less than the new threshold in 2023, ONS data shows.

The government said it was increasing the threshold to "encourage businesses to look to British talent first" and deter them from "over-relying on migration".

Health and care workers will still be able to earn less than £38,700 before applying for the route.

Workers on national pay scales, such as teachers, will also be exempt.

The change will come in next spring but the exact date has not been announced.

MINIMUM INCOME FOR FAMILY VISA TO INCREASE The amount people must be earning to bring over a family member or partner from abroad will also increase to £38,700.

The current threshold is £18,700.

Family visas are only open to British or Irish citizens, people with settled or pre-settled status or refugees with protection status.

About 70,000 people came to the UK on family visas in the year ending June 2023 - up from 61,000 the previous year.

UK border immigration

BAN ON CARE WORKERS BRINGING FAMILY DEPENDENTS TO THE UK

graduate route "to prevent abuse and protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education".

Overseas care workers will no longer be able to bring family dependants with them.

A dependant is defined as a husband or wife, civil partner or unmarried partner, and children under 18.

In the year ending September 2023, 101,000 health and care visas were issued, with an estimated 120,000 visas granted to dependants.

The government said the change was to end the "abuse of the health and care visa".

Care firms that want to sponsor people for visa applications will need to be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Discount on minimum salary for shortage occupation list axed There are currently lower salary requirements for jobs on the shortage occupation list workers can be paid 20% less than the going rate and qualify for a skilled worker visa.

The idea is this attracts skilled

HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE AND VISA APPLICATION FEES RISE

United Kingdom visa

workers to vacancies employers are struggling to fill.

The discount will be scrapped under the government's new plan, to "crackdown on cut-price labour from overseas".

The types of jobs on the list will also be reviewed and reduced.

GRADUATE VISA ROUTE TO BE REVIEWED Graduate visas allow people to stay in the UK for two years after

successfully finishing a course.

The graduate route will be reviewed "to prevent abuse and protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education", the government said.

It follows a clamp-down earlier this year on overseas students bringing family to the UK. Following the tightening of who can bring in family members on student visas earlier this year, the government will ask the Migration Advisory Committee to review the

The annual fee visa holders must pay to use the NHS - known as the immigration health surcharge - will rise by 66%, from £624 to £1,035.

The increase will come in no earlier than 16 January 2024.

This change was announced in July, when the government also said visa application fees would go up.

On 4 October, work and visit visa fees went up by 15%, family visas, settlement and citizenship by 20%, and student visas by 35%.

Are you impacted by these new rule changes?

You can share your story with us by Whatsapp 01274 735 657 or email newsdesk@asianstandard.co.uk

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Lights, Laughter, and Lohri Magic: London's West End ignites with cultural splendour as Punjab Restaurant welcomes the vibrant Punjabi winter festival London's West End came alive on the chilly evening of 13 January as passersby were drawn to the mesmerising bonfire illuminating the festivities of the Punjabi Winter Festival. In a celebration that transcended cultural boundaries, individuals gathered to partake in the ageold tradition of Lohri, a vibrant spectacle where old intentions were symbolically burned away, making room for the sowing of new aspirations.

The air was filled with the aromatic essence of popcorn, puffed rice, rewdi, and monkey nuts, all cast into the flames with the collective hopes of the participants. Amidst this lively atmosphere, treats like ladoos and gajak were savoured, marking the ushering in of the Punjabi Spring, as declared by the Punjab Restaurant in a spirited press release.

For the Indian community residing in London, the Lohri festival became a nostalgic bridge to their homeland.

Lohri celebrated in London with food and a bonfire

Amidst joyous renditions of traditional Lohri songs such as "Sundari Mundari," the Punjab Restaurant served as a cultural haven where shared heritage and camaraderie flourished.

Breaking away from tradition, the restaurant not only offered its signature Lohri set menu

throughout the weekend, featuring delectable dishes like "saag and makki di roti," but also expanded into a new space with a charming outdoor area. Amrit Maan OBE, the Managing Director of the Punjab Restaurant, expressed initial apprehension about hosting the event in London's West End on a Saturday night but was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiastic response.

"We had people from all different backgrounds, young and old; it was a heartwarming occasion," he remarked in the press release.

Adding to the vibrancy of the celebration were prominent figures like Punjab Restaurant Chairman Sardar Sital Singh Maan, boxer Inder Bassi, and even representatives from the UK Armed Forces. The gathering included individuals from diverse backgrounds, underscoring the universality of Lohri as a symbol of unity and shared joy.

As the revelry continued,

Chairman Sital Singh Maan and boxer Inder Bassi actively participated in the festivities.

Notably, London Universities planned to extend the Lohri celebrations by hosting an event at the Punjab Restaurant for students on Monday, as Communities celebratin revealed in the g the punjabi festival of London's West End Lohri in restaurant's press release.

The Lohri nationwide festivities in London resonated celebration on January 13. with the larger cultural Reflecting on this cultural context, as the Punjab and tapestry, Lohri is not merely a Northern India joined hands to festival; it is a joyous ode to the celebrate the popular Punjabi conclusion of winter solstice winter folk festival. Beyond its and the heralding of longer roots, Lohri holds significance days, observed with fervor and as a marker of the end of happiness across the nation. winter, coinciding with India's

Get to the help Use 111 you need

If you need urgent medical help but you’re not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.

Call, go online or use the NHS App.

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Post Office scandal: why thousands of victims are yet to see justice

may have started with faulty IT, the failings in this scandal lie with the people who enabled it to happen and subsequently contained and covered it up.

By KAREN NOKES, SALLY DAY AND RICHARD MOORHEAD

Following the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office, which aired on January 1 2024, UK prime minister Rishi Sunak stated he intends to introduce legislation to ensure those convicted as a result of the Post Office scandal are “swiftly exonerated and compensated”.

Meanwhile, a petition calling for former Post Office boss Paula Vennells to be stripped of the CBE awarded in 2019 – for services to the Post Office – reached more than a million signatures in the days after the documentary aired.

Vennells has now handed back her CBE, saying that she “listened” to calls for her to do so. Many have questioned the decision to award the CBE at all, considering that Vennells had long been confronted with complaints and evidenced challenges to the Horizon system.

In what has been classed as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in UK history, the Post Office wrongly accused thousands of innocent people of theft, fraud, and false accounting, based on data from the flawed Horizon IT system. Hundreds were convicted, many more lost their businesses, livelihoods, and homes. The harms caused to those victimised, their families and others impacted, are vast and still ongoing.

The big question is why no one yet has been held to account and why victims are yet to be both vindicated and compensated.

Along with Dr Rebecca Helm, we are conducting a threeyear research study, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, to examine what role lawyers have played in the scandal and to explore the subpostmasters’ experience of legal processes and the criminal justice system.

HOW HAS THE SCANDAL PLAYED OUT SO FAR? Problems emerged soon after the Post Office introduced the Horizon IT system to modernise transactions across the business in 1999. Horizon flagged accounting “shortfalls”, which the Post Office used to take criminal proceedings and civil action against hundreds of people and terminated the contracts of

WHY HAS IT TAKEN A TV DRAMA FOR THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO RAMP UP?

Post Office

thousands, of others. The “shortfalls” were in fact caused by bugs and errors in the IT system, a position which the Post Office vehemently denied for many years.

In 2012, under pressure from the campaign group Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance, Conservative politician Lord Arbuthnot and others, the Post Office retained external investigators Second Sight to explore complaints of Horizon deficiencies. But Second Sight was sacked in 2015, after it began to unearth problematic findings for the Post Office.

That same year, Vennells defended her company’s handling of the concerns raised by subpostmasters. She told the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, that the Post Office “was a business that genuinely cares about the people who work for us” and that there was no evidence of miscarriages of justice.

555 subpostmasters, led by Alan Bates, brought a civil case against the Post Office which exposed the failings in Horizon, and in 2019 the High Court ruled against the Post Office. This contributed to the Court of Appeal quashing the convictions of 39 former subpostmasters in April 2021.

In his judgement for the Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Holroyde found the Post Office’s behaviour in undertaking criminal prosecutions had been “an affront to the conscience of the court.”

More convictions have been overturned since 2021. The number now stands at 93. But many hundreds remain. Some victims have since passed away, several taking their own lives, without seeing their names cleared. And many subpostmasters are yet to come forward: around 100 more people have reportedly contacted lawyers since the drama aired.

WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES PAULA VENNELLS BEAR? Vennells has apologised but has not accepted responsibility.

Indeed in 2020, she sought to shift the blame to her lawyers.

The ongoing public inquiry, which was established in September 2020 and gained statutory powers in June 2021, is likely to now ask what Vennells knew about the faults with the IT system and when. She might also be asked about the advice the Post Office received in 2013 from an external lawyer, Simon Clarke.

This criticised the reliability of a key witness the Post Office used in its prosecutions, though it did not come to light publicly until the Court of Appeal case in November 2020.

The evidence presented in court proceedings and to the inquiry suggests senior people in the Post Office knew of miscarriages of justice well before 2015. While the problems

For years, countless subpostmasters, journalists, MPs and academics have worked tirelessly to raise public awareness. The inquiry is now hearing evidence from Post Office investigators, auditors and lawyers. A further disclosure hearing is set for January 12 2024.

News coverage has included the heroic efforts of journalists Karl Flinders and Rebecca Thompson from Computer Weekly, who first broke the story in 2009.

Since 2010, Nick Wallis has been reporting on the Post Office.

His book, The Great Post Office Scandal and the BBC Radio 4 series, The Great Post Office Trial, have been highly instrumental.

In a December 2023 letter to Lord Chancellor Alex Chalk, the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board called for all convictions to be overturned. It further highlighted the trauma this scandal continues to inflict.

The Post Office’s failures with prompt and proper evidence sharing have been an ongoing issue. It has fought exposure of the truth with such approaches as non-disclosure agreements, threats of litigation against journalists, selective reporting of investigations and litigation methods that have elicited strong criticism from the judges involved.

In what is set to be a general election year, the impact of the ITV drama has now accelerated the government’s activity.

To date, legal and political institutions have failed and been slow to act. But those weaknesses have also been exploited by the Post Office.

Whether this has been due to a state of denial or siege, an organisation plagued by hubris or a lack of integrity, or incompetence and impropriety by the Post Office and its legions of lawyers across 20-plus years, is an issue the inquiry will no doubt turn to.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation, contributed by Karen Nokes a lecturer in Law at UCL, Richard Moorhead a Professor of Law and Professional Ethics at the University of Exeter and Sally Day a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Law at University of Exeter

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Gaza war: how South Africa’s genocide case against Israel is shaping up be a second, a third, a fourth.”

This was offered as proof that, contrary to South Africa’s case, it was Hamas that harboured genocidal intent towards Israelis.

By PROFESSOR CARLO ALDROVANDI

Over the past few days, South Africa has made its case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide with its 100-day assault on Gaza.

With the death toll approaching 24,000 in the Palestinian territory, South Africa’s lawyers laid out the grounds on which they are accusing Israel of breaching the 1948 Genocide Convention, while Israel’s legal team have presented their counter- arguments.

South Africa’s case is essentially that Israel’s assault is “intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group, that being the part of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip”. Israel in turn has denied this, arguing that it has been exercising its fundamental right to self-defence under international law.

The UN’s genocide convention was adopted by the General Assembly on December 9 1948. It was the first human rights treaty to respond to the systematic atrocities committed by the Nazi regime during the second world war.

It was a Polish Jew, Raphael Lemkin, who first coined the term “genocide”. Lemkin was a lawyer who fled to the US in 1939 after Germany invaded his country. He combined two words: the Greek genos (race or tribe) and the Latin cide (from caedere, meaning: to kill).

According to Article 2 of the 1948 Convention, the main feature of the ultimate crime against humanity is twofold.

One, genocide victims are always “passive targets”. They have been singled out for their membership of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group rather than for anything they have done. And, two, the crime also establishes a “specific intent” to destroy, in whole or in part, that group.

The nexus between the two provisions is the Convention’s backbone. It marks legal boundaries that set genocide apart from other crimes against humanity. While high death tolls often rightly bring international condemnation, as a legal category, genocide is not contingent upon the number of civilian casualties that may ensue from a state’s disproportionate use of military force.

GENOCIDE IN GAZA? South Africa’s lawyers have gone to great lengths to prove genocidal intent. They backed this assertion by quoting some of the more incendiary statements by the far-right members of the Israeli government. On November

Image: ICJ

Proceedings have begun between South Africa and Israel for war crimes in the International Court of Justice

2023, Israel’s heritage minister, Amichai Eliyahu, claimed that there was no such thing as noncombatants in Gaza and that dropping a nuclear weapon there was an “option”.

Eliyahu is not a member of Israel’s three-person war cabinet.

But South Africa’s application reported other controversial statements from those senior leaders as well.

Soon after the October 7 attacks, the defence minister, Yoav Gallant, argued that a complete blockade on Gaza City – preventing water, food, gas or medical supplies from reaching civilians – was a legitimate tactic of warfare.

Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, said everyone in Gaza was complicit in Hamas’s terror attack on October 7: “It is an entire nation out there that is responsible.”

Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, dropped heavy hints with repeated references to Bible history when he invoked references to God’s exhortation to Israel to deal harshly with one of its enemies, to “blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven”.

ISRAEL’S DEFENCE The Israeli legal team presented a robust rebuttal.

They maintained that the Israel Defense Forces campaign in Gaza was justified by the inalienable right of self-defence. Because of this, it was within the stringent parameters of international humanitarian law.

It had been Hamas, they suggested, that had maliciously

endangered Palestinian lives by shielding its military wing inside residential areas while launching attacks from schools, mosques, hospitals and UN facilities.

Opening for Israel, Tal Becker, legal adviser of the ministry of

excerpts from a video compiled by the Israeli government describing some of the alleged atrocities committed during Hamas’s October 7 assault into Israel. He also showed an interview with senior Hamas

WHAT THE CASE MEANS Whatever the court’s final determinations might be, the accusation levelled against Israel constitutes a historical watershed with profound symbolic ramifications.

Palestinians have traditionally sought legitimacy and recognition by trying to embed their national aspirations and rights in the lexicon of international law. Now, they may feel some catharsis at the sight of Israeli representatives being compelled, for the first time, to defend their country’s conduct of war before a panel of UN judges.

Within Israel’s collective psyche, the recent ICJ proceedings represent an unsettling reversal of history. The crime of genocide has now been invoked against Israel – a state established in the same year as the UN Convention and with its same rationale: protecting the Jewish people from future persecution and destruction.

Without proven intent, the South African application may be, as the US secretary

Image: ICJ

foreign affairs, argued that South Africa was “asking the UN court to substitute the lens of an armed conflict between a state and a lawless terrorist organisation with the lens of a so-called ‘genocide’ of a state against a civilian population”. In so doing, South Africa was not providing the ICJ with a lens but a “blindfold”.

Becker read descriptive

leader Ghazi Hamad, speaking on Lebanese TV on October 24, in which he appeared to assert that Hamas aimed at the complete annihilation of Israel.

Hamad said: “We must teach Israel a lesson, and we will do it twice and three times. The AlAqsa Deluge [the name Hamas gave its October 7 onslaught] is just the first time, and there will

of state Antony Blinken has insisted, “meritless” from a legal standpoint. But that reversal alone might retain enough symbolic clout to infer a decisive blow to Israel’s international status.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation contributed by Professor Carlo Aldrovandi who is and Assistant Professor in International Peace Studies at Trinity College Dublin

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It all adds up

How to save energy and lower your bills this winter • Reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60°C to save up to £70 per year: If you have a combi boiler, its efficiency can be improved by adjusting its ‘flow temperature’ dial setting to 60°C. Turning down the thermostat entirely is not the same as reducing the boiler flow temperature. Reducing your boiler flow temperature means it will not reduce the temperature of your home per se, but it just takes longer to heat up.

However, if you are over 65, or may have a pre-existing health condition, you may want your home to heat up more quickly. So, set the temperature flow to 65°C instead.

• Bleed your radiators for a warmer home and lower bills: Bleeding radiators helps remove air pockets and reduces pressure in your radiators, so that you don’t need to turn the heating up much. This can make your home warmer and keep the cost of energy bills under control.

Winter is fast approaching, resulting in increases in our energy usage and bills as we go back to heating our homes and using hot water more frequently.

But if you are looking to save money this winter while staying warm and safe, some small changes to your daily habits can help. You can prepare your heating system by taking some efficient no and low-cost actions that can help save on your energy bills this winter.

The Government launched the ‘It all adds up’ campaign featuring some simple suggestions (as outlined below) that households can take to get ready for this winter.

• Get your boiler serviced to keep it running efficiently and avoid repairs: Boilers, if faulty, can be quite dangerous.

So, an annual service is important to keep it running safely. A Gas Safe registered engineer can also check for leaks, to save you money on sudden breakdowns and avoidable costs on emergency repairs.

• Heat the rooms you’re in and turn down the radiators in unused rooms to save up to £50 per year: When you are not using a room, you can turn the radiator valves down to a lower setting, but do not turn them off completely. If you do so, your

boiler will need to work harder to maintain the temperature of a room that you are trying to heat, as the surrounding cold rooms will inadvertently lower its temperature.

Moreover, it can also cause mould and damp issues.

If you have elderly people (over 65) or children under 5 living with you or anyone with pre-existing health conditions, then make sure you have a minimum indoor temperature of 18°C (setting 2 or 3 on your radiator valves), as they are more vulnerable in cold temperatures.

• Install an energy efficient showerhead and save up to £40 per year: Available at any home improvement shop and fixed independently, these shower heads reduce water quantity either by regulating the flow or aerating the water. They are sometimes available free through your water supplier.

However, they are not suitable for electric showers, as you can turn them to eco mode to save money.

• Reduce your washing machine temperature to save up to £20 per year: Modern technology allows washing machines to wash clothes effectively at lower temperatures without the use of hot water. For example, changing wash from 40°C to 30°C means you could get 3 cycles using the same energy spent otherwise for 2 cycles, depending on your machine.

For more energy saving tips, visit

GOV.UK/SaveEnergy

Ensuring safety, warmth and a family’s well-being Ketan Dattani is an entrepreneur and environmental health expert with 25 years of environmental health recruitment experience.

A father of young children who is preparing for winter, ensuring safety and staying warm during the colder months is crucial for him and his family’s well-being. But as a climate change expert, he is also particular about saving energy, not just for the cost factor but environmental reasons as well.

Ketan told us, “The UK Government's tips on saving energy and lowering winter bills can

be valuable and practical, and they align with broader energy efficiency and environmental goals. Implementing these recommendations can lead to cost savings, improved comfort, and a reduced environmental impact.

“The effectiveness of the tips mentioned on the Government website may vary depending on an individual's specific circumstances and the extent to which they can implement them. But it's essential to consider factors like the type of heating system used, the condition of the property, and the budget for home improvements. Some tips may require an initial investment but can lead to long-term savings, while others may involve simple behavioural changes.

“Saving energy is a crucial step in mitigating the negative environmental impact associated with energy production and consumption, and it plays a significant role in addressing climate change and promoting the overall health and sustainability of our planet.”

Sharing some tips that he follows to keep his home energy efficient and bills low as winter approaches, Ketan said: •“Check your heating system: Replace filters and clean ducts if needed and consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient heating system if your current one is outdated.

You can reduce your boiler flow temperature to 60 degrees Celsius

to save up to £70 per year. Lowering the temperature of your boiler means that it doesn't have to work as hard to heat your home. This reduces energy consumption and can result in lower energy bills.

• “Insulate your home and bleed your radiators: Proper insulation can make a significant difference in keeping your home energy efficient.

Over time, air can accumulate in your radiator system, creating pockets of trapped air. This trapped air prevents hot water from fully circulating and heating the radiator, which leads to cold spots or uneven heating in your home.

• “Install draught stoppers or use draught excluders at the bottom of doors and install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently.”

He further added: •“Get your boiler serviced: Regular servicing can help maintain your boiler's efficiency. When a boiler is not working efficiently, it may require more energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to higher energy bills. An efficient boiler uses fuel more effectively, reducing operating costs.

•“Lower the radiators in unused rooms: Heating the rooms you're in and turning down the radiators in unused rooms is generally good practice and can lead to energy savings. This approach is often referred to as "zone heating" and has several benefits including reduced environmental Impact.

Using less energy for heating helps reduce your carbon footprint, which is beneficial for the environment, especially if your heating source is based on fossil fuels.

• “Use less water by using energy efficient showerheads: Energy-efficient showerheads are designed to reduce water flow while maintaining adequate water pressure. By using less water, you contribute to water conservation efforts and help preserve this precious resource.

• “Lower your washing machine temperature: Lowering washing machine

temperatures not only saves money, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.”

“In addition to the above, preparing for winter for older relatives is particularly important to ensure their safety, health, and well-being during the colder months,” said Ketan. “For my parents who are in their late 70's, I have a daily routine for check-ins or visits to ensure their well-being.”

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24

CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

Spot the

CROSSWORD Across

Down

1. Thailand, formerly (4)

1. Deficit (8)

3. Immaculate (8)

2. Upper room (5)

9. Autumn month (7)

4. Sea rover (6)

10. Edible fish (5)

5. Forbidden (5)

11. Not expressed directly (5)

6. End of the day (7)

12. Cancer or Capricorn (6)

7. Not all (4)

14. Game bird (6)

8. Dies down (6)

16. Bigger (6)

13. First showing of a film (8)

19. Stinging plant (6)

15. Alfresco (4-3)

21. Musical note (5)

17. Nearly (6)

24. Intended (5)

18. Male relative (6)

25. Antagonistic (7)

20. Carried (5)

26. Reject (4,4)

22. Whinny (5)

27. You (archaic) (4)

23. Fail to include (4)

5 differences

CODEWORD

ANSWERS CODEWORD ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

SPORTS

@ASIANSTANDARD

Premier League: Palmer's late penalty gives Chelsea their third league win in a row A late first-half penalty from Cole Palmer helped Chelsea secure a 1-0 victory over Fulham in the Premier League and extended their unbeaten run at Stamford Bridge to eight matches in all competitions.

Palmer converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time, scoring his ninth goal of the season and taking

Chelsea up to eighth in the table, above Manchester United on goal difference.

The 21-year-old’s ninth goal of the season equalled the club record for the most strikes in a Premier League campaign by a player aged 21 or younger, after Christian Pulisic’s tally in 2019/20, Premier league reports.

Fulham’s defeat extends

Image: Twitter

their miserable record at Stamford Bridge, where they are winless in 19 league trips dating back to 1979, losing 12 of those visits.

Chelsea dominated possession in the opening exchanges and threatened the Fulham goal. Conor Gallagher had the first effort before Armando Broja guided a header narrowly wide from a well-delivered Enzo Fernandez cross.

Chelsea continued to struggle to create clear openings until first-half stoppage time. A clever disguised pass by Palmer found Raheem Sterling, who was brought down in the box by Issa Diop, and Palmer buried his penalty into the bottom-right corner.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chelsea struggling to add to their lead and Fulham threatening sporadically at the other end. In the 53rd minute Robinson picked out Raul Jimenez, who was unable to direct his header towards goal.

Then in the 72nd minute

Andreas Pereira drove into the box and cut back the ball to Jimenez, whose low shot towards the bottomleft corner was well saved

by Petrovic.

Chelsea nearly got the breathing room they craved with eight minutes remaining as Gallagher’s excellent effort with the outside of his boot hit the left post. But instead, they had to survive a nervy finish.

A late free-kick from former Chelsea player Willian caused a scramble and the ball fell to Bobby De Cordova-Reid, whose goalbound shot was inadvertently blocked by team-mate Diop. That was followed by a game of head-tennis in Chelsea’s box in the fifth minute of stoppage minute, with the Blues eventually lashing the ball away with the final kick of the match.

Fulham, who are now winless in their last 10 away league matches, sit 13th on 24 points, eight points above the relegation zone.

Cole Palmer

Amir has made the impossible, possible: Sachin Tendulkar becomes fan of differently abled Indian cricketer The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar became a fan of the 34-yearold differently-abled cricketer, Amir Hussain Lone, who hails from Waghama village in Bijbehara.

Master Blaster also expressed his wish to meet the cricketer and get a jersey with his name on it.

The 34-year-old is currently the captain of Jammu & Kashmir's Para cricket team.

The cricketer met with an accident when he was 8 years old. He has a unique playing style, and he is an inspiration for everyone. Amir has been playing cricket professionally since 2013 after a teacher discovered his cricketing talent and introduced him to Para Cricket. Amir lost both his arms in an accident at his father's mill when he was eight years old.

The former India batter

was amazed after watching the video, wished to meet Hussain Lone in the future and congratulated him for inspiring millions.

"And Amir has made the impossible possible. I am so touched watching this! Shows how much love and dedication he has for the game. Hope I get to meet him one day and get a jersey with his name. Well done for inspiring millions who are passionate about playing the sport," Sachin Tendulkar posted on X. Talking to ANI, Hussain Lone talked about his life after he met with an accident and said that the government at that time did not help him.

"After the accident, I didn't lose hope and worked hard. I can do everything by myself, and I am not dependent on anyone. No one helped me after my accident. Not even the government supported me

but my family was always there for me," Amir said to ANI. The 34-yearold further explained how Sachin Tendulkar everyone was shocked to see him play without hands.

"I played nationals in Delhi in 2013 and in 2018, I played an international match against Amir Hussain Lone Bangladesh. After that, I played cricket in Nepal, Sharjah and where he goes to play cricket.

Dubai. Everyone was shocked "I have been applauded for to see me playing with my legs my game everywhere and I (bowling) and batting with think it is because of God that my shoulder and neck. I thank my hard work paid off because God for giving me the strength bowling from the legs is really to play cricket," the Jammu difficult but I have learned all and Kashmir-born cricketer the skills and techniques. I do asserted. every task on my own and I He stated that he gets a am not dependent on anyone lot of praise from everywhere

Image: Twitter

except God," the cricketer asserted.

Amir Hussain Lone said that Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are his and his team's favourite players.

"Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are our favourite players and if God wishes, we will meet them soon," he concluded.

SPORTS

“You need all fingers and a thumb to throw a punch, just like you need all family support to win in life” UFC STAR Khamzat on the importance of unity

By MUSHARAF ASGHAR

Khamzat Chimiev, one of the biggest stars in UFC visited Frangoz in Bradford on Sunday 7 January to meet-and-greet the large UK following he has amassed being a down-to-earth fighter that many Bradfordians resonate with.

For those who are not familiar with UFC or Khamzat, he [Khamzat] is a special type of fighter, amongst the likes of other UFC fighters who are also Chechens and from Dagestan.

Khamzat however is different with not only focussing on his amazing wrestling skills but striking skills that have made him one of the most dangerous fighters to step foot in the octogen.

Khamzat has been on a roll, with an undefeated streak of 13-0 and having recently beat the former Best Welterweight of All Time at UFC 294 Kamaru Usman in October in a 3-round fight which resulted in Khamzat taking the win. Khamzat now has his eyes on the title but fans see him fighting the former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya before taking a shot at the middleweight

gold.

Before talking about a title shot, Khamzat visited Frangoz Bradford branch on Leeds Road. The

crowds gathered hours before his arrival chanting “Khamzat!”, waiting for the fighter to arrive.

A scene that gathered many on-

lookers which resulted in Leeds Road blocked off for the arrival of Khamzat.

In an Asian Standard exclusive we asked Khamzat about not only fighting but the importance of family which made the fighter grin as he pleasantly expressed “You know life is like an opponent. We have to face life like a punch.

If you don’t have family then it’s hard because in a punch you have four fingers and one thumb. Same way you need family. The more family you have then the stronger the punch.”

When asked about the advice to the young and upcoming kids who see Khamzat as a role model he explained “You know my brother and mother they have big importance in my life.

“To kids I say to listen to family and be supportive of each other.

Family is very big and one day when I finish [from the UFC] my family will always be there.”

Offering a detailed explanation

to Asian Standard the UFC champion said he was overwhelmed with the crowd that gathered and loved how so many people had come to see him. Not only Khamzat but we spoke to some of the prestigious guests that came to meet Khamzat, one of them being Abdul Khan, a professional boxer with a 10-0 record who is the cousin of the former 2x champion Amir Khan.

When asked about meeting Khamzat Abdul explained, “It was amazing, I’ve met him before but every time I meet him its inspiring. He’s a very down to earth person and I think that’s why people like him a lot. You know one day I can see myself being like Khamzat”.

One thing we can all learn from Khamzat is realising the importance of family and how they are there to support us. A piece of advice that resonated with everyone who was in attendance.

16 - 21 JANUARY 2024

SPORTS

PREMIER LEAGUE: PALMER'S LATE PENALTY GIVES CHELSEA THEIR THIRD LEAGUE WIN IN A ROW Page 22

UFC STAR VISITS FRANGOZ IN BRADFORD: “YOU NEED ALL FINGERS AND THUMB TO THROW A PUNCH, JUST LIKE YOU NEED ALL FAMILY SUPPORT TO WIN IN LIFE” KHAMZAT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY Page 23

Azeem Rafiq speaks out against return of Colin Graves' to Yorkshire County Cricket Club: “the whole game is telling us loud and clear it doesn’t want people like us” Former Yorkshire player highlights deep-rooted issues and calls for genuine change in the sport

By FATIMA PATEL

In a scathing critique of the Yorkshire Cricket Club's recent decision to reappoint Colin Graves as chairman, former player Azeem Rafiq has unleashed a wave of criticism, highlighting systemic issues within the sport.

The Yorkshire Cricket Club faced severe consequences in 2020, including a £400,000 fine, suspension from hosting international cricket, and the loss of several sponsors, following Rafiq's allegations. However, the recent approval of Colin Graves' return by the Yorkshire Board has triggered deep-seated emotions for Rafiq, who described the situation as "incredibly triggering" and a setback to his efforts to move forward.

Rafiq, a whistleblower who previously exposed direct discrimination and harassment within the club in 2020, expressed profound disappointment at the lack of consideration and care from cricket authorities. He remarked, "These last few days have been triggering from a few different points of view. One, the lack of care from cricket people. The way this has been green-lighted from the ECB and the Professional Cricketers Association. The Yorkshire Board has a lot to answer for."

The Yorkshire Board's approval of Graves' return has reignited painful memories for Rafiq, who described the situation as "incredibly sad" and "triggering." He questioned the lack of alternative options for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and called for tangible support from the ECB, urging them to step in with financial aid to prevent the club from going into receivership.

Rafiq also questioned the timing of the decision, suggesting it was part of a calculated plan. "From

the information I have seen, this has been a plan all along. The fact that it dropped on Christmas Eve, that’s no coincidence to anyone who understands the PR and media landscape." Rafiq told Asian Standard.

In the meantime, while denying any takeover, Colin Graves claims he is looking to invest, to refinance and restructure the club.

The integrity of Graves is under scrutiny, especially given his previous comments equating racism to banter. Despite the controversies surrounding Graves, the Yorkshire Board has approved a loan offer that sets the stage for his return as chairman.

Graves has since put out a statement apologising "personally and unreservedly" to anyone who experienced racism at the club.

He said: "Discrimination or abuse based on race, ethnicity or any other protected characteristic is not and never will be acceptable.

"I profoundly regret some of the language I used when asked about the events that took place when I was chairman, at a time when I was no longer at the club. I understand and sympathise with those who regarded my comments as dismissive or uncaring.

"I am determined to do whatever is required to ensure Yorkshire County Cricket Club continues to reflect the communities it represents. The club cannot and will not succeed unless it is united in its commitment to meet the highest professional standards, on and off the field.

"I want to make it clear that we accept the findings of the report carried out by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) and its recommendations.

If I am confirmed as chairman, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work that has been carried out over the last two years will continue.

"I hope that new and older members, former players, commercial sponsors and broadcasters will work with us to ensure that everyone connected with Yorkshire cricket is proud to be associated with the club."

Rafiq, expressed his disappointment, stating Graves needs to make bigger commitments than just a sorry.

Rafiq’s words have been echoed

by Sporting Equals, a charity advocating for ethnic diversity in UK sport. In an open letter addressed to the sports minister Stuart Andrew, the ECB, professional County Cricket Clubs, and their sponsors the independent body expressed serious concerns. While acknowledging recent efforts to combat racism in cricket, particularly in response to Azeem Rafiq's revelations, the charity sees the potential reinstatement of Colin Graves as chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club as a threat to the progress made.

The letter emphasises that Graves' reinstatement would undermine the strides taken against racism, sending a message that trivialises the issue and disregards the findings of the ICEC Report.

The charity urges the ECB, County Cricket Clubs, and sponsors, with the support of the sports minister, to implement specific measures before the 2024 summer season. These measures include establishing an Independent Fit and Proper Persons Test for club ownership, implementing a robust disqualification process, providing mandatory inclusive behaviour training for club leadership, and ensuring the publication of annual reports on equality, diversity, and inclusion policies.

Expressing his frustration and disillusionment, Rafiq stated, "I don’t feel I have any attachment to

the club anymore - it’s not my club anymore. That cap of mine that I held so much pride with – it’s not something that has any importance in my life anymore." Rafiq highlighted the significant toll the controversies have taken on his family, recounting death threats, attacks on his home, and his decision to leave the country.

In a poignant moment, Rafiq emphasised the harsh reality for South Asians and people of colour in cricket, stating, "This is a clear message straight loud and clear – to me, to other South Asians, to people of colour that cricket is not a safe place for us."

Despite his efforts to bring about change, Rafiq expressed a sense of despair. "If after the ICC report we’re still trying to say listen to us listen to us – I think people are showing us that they don’t want to listen to us.

They don’t want us, apart from when it suits their agendas – then I think we have to decide whether we want them."

Addressing the toll on his mental health, Rafiq revealed, "It took me close to taking my own life – when I spoke about it, no stone has been left unturned to actually take me all the way there. That’s the reality of what cricket has done and continues to do – And it’s triggering."

As the Yorkshire County Cricket Club faces a crucial vote on the

proposed emergency funding offer, the broader cricketing community awaits the outcome. Rafiq remains resolute, stating, "I will continue to do what I feel is right and if that makes people uncomfortable, that’s not my problem. We don’t want the crumbs anymore.

He questions: “Are things changing? It’s all smokes and mirrors.

Not a lot has changed – that’s the reality. What happens is and this is a cycle. We’ve seen this before, we’ve seen it with the Met Police, we keep seeing it. There’s a reason why institutions don’t change, because you have this big outrage. Everyone has suddenly found their moral compass – we must do this. We must do that – action plan and then everyone’s forgotten.

“On the week of my DCMS, ECB all the County’s, everyone, all gathered at the Oval. I remember Tom Harrison did a press conference with Richard Thomson (who’s now the new chair) stood in the background I can’t remember what he said, but it was something like, this is a massive emergency for the game, blah blah blah. We’re going to do a dress room culture review. Where’s the dress room culture review?

“Where’s the report? The report is that bad, that it’s stuck in the ECB office – no one is putting them under pressure to get that out. Yorkshire whistleblowing hotline spent one point whatever million on it – where’s the report? The guy who is running the whistleblowing hotline is going to Diwali events at the club, when he hasn’t released the report yet.

If Eid events was going to sort out institutional racism, we would have sorted it out a long time ago?”

The controversy surrounding Yorkshire Cricket Club underscores the ongoing challenges in making cricket a game that truly welcomes and embraces diversity.