Asian Standard News (Bradford) Issue 16 - 22 JAN 2021

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Inside

CAST OF TANDAV REVEAL MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH

SAIF ALI KHAN

This week, our Editor gives her favourite recipe – Ravayya CHECK HER RECIPE ON PAGE 28

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

BRADFORD / 16 - 22 JANUARY 2021 / FREE

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AFTER INCITING RAMPAGE IN CAPITOL TRUMP IS FIRST US PRESIDENT TO BE IMPEACHED TWICE

“THE PANDEMIC IS OUR CHANCE TO RESET OUR ECONOMY TO CREATE A HEALTHIER, MORE EQUITABLE AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL” — University Of Bradford’s Deputy Vice Chancellor

BY RAHEEMA KHAN

Read Inside from page 6

Find out what this means on pages 26 & 27

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NEWS IN BRIEF

‘Most dangerous time’ of Covid yet to come in UK: CMO

The “most dangerous time” of the coronavirus pandemic in Britain has yet to come before vaccine rollout has an impact, Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty warned.

The next few weeks will be “the worst” of the pandemic for the National Health Service (NHS), he told the BBC, urging the public to minimize all unnecessary contact with others.

“There’s a very high chance that if you meet someone unnecessarily they will have Covid,” he said on 11 January, noting that any unnecessary contact could be a potential link in a chain of transmission that will lead to a vulnerable person.

Figures show there were more than 30,000 people in hospitals in England alone with Covid-19, compared to about 18,000 at the peak last April.

“Anybody who is not shocked” by the number of people in hospital “has not understood this at all,” he said.

“This is an appalling situation,” he added.

BMW bring out the new X2 M Mesh Edition

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CAR PARK CAFE REFUSED

BY CHRIS YOUNG

A retrospective application to open a Chai cafe on a Leeds Road car park has been refused, despite Bradford Council being inundated with letters praising the business’ service and products.

Work on the Chaii Walay cafe, at the back of the Orange Street, car park, was completed in May, but planning permission for the business was not submitted until late last year.

The retrospective application, for a tea shop in a converted metal container, has now been refused by planning officers due to its poor design and the strain it would put on the public car park.

The plans, submitted by Shahid Khan, said the business created one full time and two part time jobs.

The cafe is based at the back of the car park but doesn’t have any dedicated parking spaces – meaning many customers park in the car park spaces.

Two people had objected to the plans, arguing that the car park should be used as parking for the street’s many businesses – not as the base of a new food business.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS VOUCHERS, TO BE HANDED OUT INSTEAD OF ‘MEAGRE’ HAMPERS Parents will be able to receive vouchers instead of food parcels from this week, the education secretary has said. Gavin Williamson told the education committee in the House of Commons the £15 voucher scheme will return in the coming weeks. It comes after the Government was heavily criticised after ‘woefully inadequate’ free school meal hampers were given to impoverished families while children are staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. The U-turn will give parents £15 vouchers which will be used in supermarkets to buy a week’s worth of food for their child. Mr Williamson told parliament’s education select committee: ‘As a dad myself, I thought, “How could a family in receipt of that really be expected to deliver five nutritious meals as is required?” It’s just not acceptable.’

He said it had been made clear to Chartwells, the company that provided

the pictured parcel, as well as the entire education food sector that such behaviour ‘will not be tolerated’. ‘We will not live with that,’ he added. ‘There are clear standards that are set there that they need to deliver against and if they do not deliver against them,

action will have to be taken.’

He said the Government would ‘name and shame’ companies not delivering high standards. Schools will also have the option to continue using local services. But the voucher scheme, run by company Edenred, has previously

FANCY A LUXURIOUS COVID VACCINATION HOLIDAY TO INDIA OR UAE? Since the BMW X2 launched in Spring 2018 it has successfully carved out a distinctive place for itself in the BMW model family.

Now, BMW UK is introducing the M Mesh Edition which features exclusive content and new colour combinations.

The new M Mesh Edition builds on the style already offered by the M Sport X model and gives the BMW X2 an even more exclusive and distinctive appearance. Check it out at www.bmwgroup.com

Super rich Britons are paying a concierge service to be flown overseas to get private coronavirus vaccines. Knightsbridge Circle, a £25,000-a-year private members club, is flying its clients to India and UAE, often on private jets, for luxurious vaccination holidays. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already offering private appointments for the Pfizer jab, and 20 per cent of the service’s membership have chosen to fly out and get it. More recently, the circle has been able to get the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine in India, which is being sold to the government at about 250 rupees (£2.50) per dose and at 1,000 rupees (£10) on the

private market. The club’s founder Stuart McNeil says he is in talks with doctors in Marrakesh to fly the jab over from the South Asian country as it can be difficult to get a visa from the UK. He told the Telegraph: ‘It’s like we’re the pioneers of this new luxury travel vaccine programme.

You go for a few weeks to a villa in the sunshine, get your jabs and your certificate and you’re ready to go.

‘They land, have their first jab and wait for the second one. We’ve got some people that are going to India for the whole time and others are talking about flying in, having the first jab, flying out to Madagascar, and then coming back for the second

jab later.’ Mr McNeil estimates that a month-long trip to Dubai, flying first class with Emirates, could cost up to £40,000, but many clients are more than willing to pay. The cost of the vaccine is included in the £25,000 annual membership fee along with access to a 24-hour medical

seen schools struggle to distribute the vouchers. It comes as footballer Marcus Rashford, who successfully lobbied the Government to continue providing free school meals during the holidays, tweeted that he’d had a ‘good conversation with the Prime Minister’ about the situation.

‘He has assured me that he is committed to correcting the issue with the food hampers and that a full review of the supply chain is taking place,’ he said. Children’s minister Vicky Ford also said she would ‘urgently’ investigate the matter. Chartwells, which provided some of the food parcels, in a statement apologised that the ‘quantity has fallen short in this instance’ and added any costs will be refunded of parcels which have ‘not met usual high standards’. The company said from Monday the extra £3.50 of funding will be included in any food parcels.

concierge. Knightsbridge Circle has not vaccinated anyone under the age 65 and the club says it has a ‘moral responsibility’ to prioritise people who ‘really need it’.

Mr McNeil says members parents and grandparents are also benefiting from their service, and that some of them have family in countries like Pakistan, which doesn’t have a national health service. He added: ‘If you’re a 35-year-old young chap who goes to the gym twice a day, you’ve got no chance of getting the vaccine through us. That’s for sure.’ It comes after a London based luxury property firm was found to be offering GP surgeries £5,000 per dose of the jab in order for its staff to jump the queue. In a leaked email, the Hacking Trust said it could offer the money ‘either as a charitable donation or to the staff member directly’.

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However, there were many more support comments.

Although support comments for planning applications usually highlight the planning merits of a scheme, most of the letters of support for this application seem more like comments that would be found on Tripadvisor.

One supporter wrote: “Quality food, fast service. Been here many times, did not wait more then 2-3 minutes for order.

Another said: “Brilliant concept, efficient service grab and go!”

Many praised the menu, with one writing: “I would like to see this business do well and keep serving us the delicious tea.”

However, planning officers gave a less rosy view of the application.

A planning report said: “The development site has no dedicated parking spaces but the site plan shows half of the public car park subsumed within the site’s boundary.

“This public car park has been provided by the Council for local businesses and residents use and not for direct use for any trading purposes.

“The loss of any public car parking spaces is unacceptable.

“The traffic generated by this proposal would be likely to obstruct vehicular movements to and from the car park and also within the car park and could lead to conditions prejudicial to highway and pedestrian safety.”

Officers also criticised the appearance of the cafe, saying: “Due to the poor design, form and the proposed materials of the container and retaining structure, it is considered that the proposal will result in an alien addition that poorly relates to the style and form of the surrounding properties.

As such the proposal will not maintain the character of the surrounding.”

Now the plans have been refused, the applicants will have to return the site to its previous state, although they could appeal the Council’s decision.

FOLDABLE IS SO LAST YEAR, THIS YEAR IT’S ROLLABLE If last year was all about the foldable phone, then 2021 could be the year we see ‘rollable’ phones take off. The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) took place online this year due to the pandemic and those who have been following the show, will have noticed LG tease audiences with the briefest glimpse of its rollable phone – literally, a screen that rolls down to make the device more portable. Gadget fans weren’t given any details about the phone, just a ten-second clip of someone using it at the end of the company’s CES 2021 virtual press conference.

Several tech sites have been reporting rumours around LG’s rollable phone for a while. An LG spokesperson has confirmed to Nikkei that it will be released in 2021.

‘Our management wanted to show that it is a real product, as there were many rumours around the rollable phone,’ LG’s Ken Hong told the site.

‘As it is released at CES 2021, I can tell that it will be launched this year.’

If we go by LG’s experience of rolling screens when in January last year, they unveiled a ‘rollable’ TV that unfurled itself from the ceiling.

At any rate, when the phone does arrive it won’t be cheap.

Unconfirmed rumours are suggesting it may be released with a price tag of around $2,359 (roughly £1,775). Of course, LG isn’t the only company working on a rollable phone. Chinese manufacturer Oppo is tipped to be creating something similar, but we haven’t seen any concrete evidence yet.

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TIKTOK CHANGES PRIVACY RULES FOR UNDER 16S

TikTok has tightened its privacy policy for all registered accounts under the age of 16, in an effort to combat online grooming. The updated privacy policy has now come into effect and makes all accounts registered under the age of 16 private by default.

Previously, all newly created accounts were open by default, meaning that anyone could view a user’s videos.

With a private TikTok account, an approved follower can view a user’s videos. Rules have also been tightened for comments, with under 16

users having the option to choose between ‘friends’ or ‘no one’. The previous setting of ‘everyone’ for comments will no longer be available for younger users. Other privacy features changed for under 16s include removing the ability for the Duet and Stitch features, removing the ability to download videos and turning off suggested account recommendations to others by default.

The social networking video app has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, especially among the under

16 age group. This has led to pressure from child protection groups to improve its security processes around young people. TikTok had previously banned private messaging for under 16s to prevent grooming, which had been a problem on the platform.

A TikTok spokesperson said: ‘We want our younger users to be able to make informed choices about their privacy, and by engaging them early in their privacy journey we hope to help them make such decisions. ‘As young people start their digital journey, we believe it’s important to provide them with ageappropriate privacy settings and controls to manage their online presence.’ Last year, the Internet Watch Foundation warned of the potential for increased grooming during the pandemic. Millions of people self-isolating at home and schools being forced to shut led to an increased risk of children being groomed and coerced online.

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PUBLIC URGED TO HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MODERN SLAVERY Members of a specialist team dedicated to rescuing slavery victims and bringing those responsible for the trade in human misery to justice are urging members of the public to be their “eyes and ears” and know how to spot potential signs of the crime.

Through Programme Precision (which sees the Force work with partners to tackle serious and organised crime) West Yorkshire Police’s Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Team is doing all it can to make an impact.

And the team has had some notable successes – with the number of arrests for suspected trafficking crimes increasing and the number of potential victims referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) also increasing (the NRM is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support).

Various operations have been carried out across the Force area by the team.

A recent operation saw cocaine and heroin and cash recovered and three males charged with drugs offences.

Human trafficking and modern slavery offences are usually linked to other forms of serious and organised crime and the Force will use all legislation to target offenders.

In 2019 there were 72 arrests for modern slavery offences – a figure that increased to 78 in 2020.

And it was in the area of safeguarding victims that the Force really helped make a difference with a 35% increase from 2019 to 2020 in the number of referrals to the NRM (110 in 2019, 149 in 2020).

Detective Chief Inspector Fiona Gaffney is in charge of the Force’s Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Team.

“Through Programme Precision we are doing all we can to bring offenders to justice and to safeguard victims – but there is always more we can do “We know this awful crime is one that is under-reported even as people’s understanding of it increases – it is one of the few crimes where an increase in the number of victims we find is in many ways a positive – we know there are more victims out there – but we need people to help by passing us the information which we can then act on.

“I would urge everyone to stop and think for a second – slavery is still happening today and it could be happening on your street or in your workplace. Victims continue to be vulnerable to exploitation during this pandemic and urge you to continue to keep looking for victims in the communities around you.

“So I want to appeal directly to everyone to help my team continue to make a difference by knowing some of basic signs of modern slavery and human trafficking. If you see something suspicious or that simply doesn’t feel right then please let us know – it might be nothing – but it might also be the final piece of the jigsaw that helps us to rescue a victim from a life of sexual and / or domestic servitude.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson, who is also the national lead for tackling Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery said: “Human trafficking and modern day slavery remains a threat both nationally and locally, which is why it is crucially important that we continue to highlight awareness of its existence.

“The ongoing international pandemic has not removed this horrendous activity and may even be used by criminals as a smoke screen to divert attention.

“Not only can it have a traumatic and life-long impact upon its victims, but those involved in human trafficking often have links to other serious organised crime and have no regard for human life.

Mark Burns Williamson

“West Yorkshire has already led the way regionally and nationally for a number of years in tackling human trafficking and modern day slavery. I worked closely with West Yorkshire Police to establish and invest in a dedicated team back in

DCI Fiona Gaffney 2014 and it’s great to see them go from strength to strength.

“More recently, I have personally worked with partners to set up a ground-breaking seven Force commitment with the respective PCCs in Yorkshire and North East to help prevent exploitation within supply chains and business activities.

“I will continue to push for further measures to be put in place to ensure victims are fully supported and provided with appropriate accommodation once safeguarded.

“They are among the most vulnerable and it’s right that they are properly protected and supported to help recover from the cruel trauma of their exploitation and abuse.”

Signs include (but are not limited to) On your street • People in a house appearing isolated or secretive?

• Do more people appear to be living in the house than would normally be expected?

• Are the house windows covered from the inside?

• Do the people that live in a house get collected / taken to work early in the morning and returned late at night • If you have spoken to someone from the house – do they know who they work for? Have they had their passports and other documentation taken from them?

• Do people living in the house appear to be malnourished? Do

they wear the same clothes all of the time?

In your workplace • Requirement to pay for tools and food • Seem under control, told not to speak to others • Picked up in a van, same time same place every day • Excessive work hours/few breaks • Exploitation in this case can occur in various industries including construction, manufacturing, car washes, laying driveways, hospitality, food packaging, agriculture, maritime and beauty (nail bars).

• Work conditions for victims are usually poor i.e. not provided with protective clothing and the area of work being unsafe.

• Control mechanisms are used to keep workers from leaving for example, withholding important documents • Withholding of wages or excessive wage reductions • Pay that is less than minimum wage If you have reason to suspect trafficking or human exploitation, please report information and intelligence to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

If it is an emergency call police on 999.

DCI Gaffney added: “We will not tolerate this behaviour in our communities – it is not acceptable to treat people as commodities and the more people can help us to help victims and bring those responsible to justice, the more of an impact we can have.”

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“THE PANDEMIC IS OUR CHANCE TO RESET OUR ECONOMY TO CREATE A HEALTHIER, MORE EQUITABLE AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR ALL” — University Of Bradford’s Deputy Vice Chancellor One of Bradford’s most senior Asian academic has made a significant contribution in steering the economic recovery of Bradford District On Monday 4 January Deputy ViceChancellor of the University of Bradford, Professor Zahir Irani presented an economic recovery plan to the districts Councillors, which he believes will leave the district in better shape than it was before the Covid pandemic.

Irani who is also the Chair of the District’s Economic Recovery Board told Councillors during Bradford Council’s Executive meeting: “We don’t want to go back to normal, because normal wasn’t good enough.”

It contains numerous suggestions on how Bradford can bounce back from the national crisis, from helping re-train workers for industries likely to grow in the coming years, such as green technology, to boosting the local health sector and providing support for entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.

Other proposals include making the District

more prosperous include creating a more sustainable food supply system, creating a city centre park – possibly at the former Royal Mail site at Forster Square, and turning Little Germany into a “heritage action zone” – helping make better use of the historic area of the city.

unemployment in the District, with the future job prospects of Bradford’s young people looking particularly bleak.

The plan also embraces opportunities arising from Brexit, the growth of the digital economy and the emergence of the green economy.

The pandemic has already led to a big rise in

Prof Irani has enjoyed a long and successful career in academia, combining wide-ranging research interests, consulting work for industry and overseas governments and senior management roles including head of an award-winning business school.

He was seconded to the Cabinet Office and served as a senior policy advisor in the heart of the coalition UK Government.

We don’t want to go back to normal, because normal wasn’t good enough.

Professor Zahir Irani

Prof Irani joined the University of Bradford in 2016 and was founding dean at the faculty of management, law and social sciences before being appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for academic, innovation and quality, last year.

Susan Hinchcliffe

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Professor Zahir Irani

In Bradford we have a very low skills base, we have to look at how we enable people to enter the labour market.

Professor Zahir Irani

Prof Irani has been recognised by the West Yorkshire Lord Lieutenancy and Age UK (Bradford and District) for his recent regional work during the Covid-19 crisis.

It’s a, therefore, welcomed to see Prof Irani spearheading the district’s efforts to bounce forward from the downturn and help businesses respond to the ongoing challenges and opportunities presented by the Covid-19 crisis.

Prof Irani and the Bradford Economic Recovery Board have been working on the plan for several months and involved numerous businesses and local organisations.

He said: “In Bradford, we have a very low skills base, we have to look at how we enable people to enter the labour market.”

Professor Irani stressed that the district also needs to improve its image. “We have to project the image that Bradford is a great place to live, work and visit, and a great place to set up a business,” he said.

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “We all know that lockdown will be hugely damaging to the life chances of people in our district unless we get on top of this.”

“As a country, we need to think ahead about what comes next. If an economic recovery does not come, then that will also damage lives.

“We cannot go back we have to go forward.

The future is green, and in Bradford, we need to make sure we are on top of that.”

Members heard that much of the recovery plan was reliant on Government support. West Yorkshire Combined Authority, made up of five West Yorkshire Councils, has lobbied the government for £1.4 billion to help the region’s recovery.

Cllr Hinchcliffe said: “We need this coming through. We can’t deliver on this recovery plan unless the Government properly funds areas of the North like ours.”

Councillor Rebecca Poulsen, leader of the Conservative Party on Bradford Council, said: “This is an excellent piece of work. As has been mentioned, we have to move forward, we don’t want to go back to how it was before.

“I’ve had lots of businesses who have come to me and say they want to get involved in this.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, the portfolio holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “As an example of the deliverable objectives of the Economic Recovery Plan the Towns Fund represents a fantastic opportunity for Keighley and Shipley.

“It constitutes a transformational programme of activity and investment in the town and high street regeneration; promoting the distinctive offer of each place, improving the resilience and sustainability of our places and communities and contributing to economic growth.

“It also provides an opportunity to complement and build upon the success of recent schemes in the towns, including the £10.3m Hard Ings Road improvement programme in Keighley, the £1m Streets for People investment in Shipley town centre, and the creation of Business Development Zones in Bradford, Keighley and Shipley, creating around 3,000 new jobs.”

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TRAVELLERS TO UK WILL NEED TO SHOW NEGATIVE TEST RESULT From Monday 18 January, the UK is to close all travel corridors to "protect against the risk of as yet unidentified new strains" of Covid.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that anyone flying into the country from overseas will have to show proof of a negative Covid test before setting off.

It comes as a ban on travellers from South America and Portugal came into force on Friday 15 January, over concerns about a new variant identified in Brazil.

Boris Johnson said the new rules would be in place until at least 15 February.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, the prime minister said it was "vital" to take extra measures now "when day by day we are making such strides in protecting the population".

"It's precisely because we have the hope of that vaccine and the risk of new strains coming from overseas that we must

take additional steps now to stop those strains from entering the country."

All travel corridors will close from 04:00 GMT on Monday.

After that, arrivals to the UK will need to quarantine for up to 10 days, unless they test negative after five days.

Mr Johnson, who said the rules would apply across the UK after talks with the devolved administrations, added that the government would be stepping up enforcement at the border and in the country.

Travel corridors were introduced in the summer to allow people travelling from some countries with low

numbers of Covid cases to come to the UK without having to quarantine on arrival.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said it was the "right step" but called the timing of the decision "slow again", adding that the public would be thinking "why on earth didn't this happen before".

BRADFORD FOUNDED MORRISONS BECOMES FIRST UK SUPERMARKET TO PAY STAFF £10 AN HOUR Morrisons has announced that it will become the first major UK supermarket to guarantee its staff at least £10 per hour. It comes as supermarkets face mounting pressure to pay all staff a living wage, as they continue to make billions amid the coronavirus crisis.

Morrisons says it will break the hourly £10 barrier from April 2021, giving 96,000 staff a ‘significant pay increase’ of roughly 9 per cent for the majority of those workers. Its current minimum stands at £9.20 an hour, but it unclear if the move will be extended to outsourced workers like cleaners and trolley collectors.

Laura Gardiner, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, told Metro.co.uk that she ‘really welcomed’ Morrisons’ move, but encouraged the company to get accredited

with her foundation ‘to ensure that all staff earn a wage that covers the true cost of living, including outsourced cleaners, security guards and trolley collectors.’ Supermarkets are also accused of ‘raking in huge sums’ while thousands of their workers ‘are struggling to keep their heads above water’. A report published by the Foundation on Wednesday suggests the average hourly pay in the supermarket sector is £9.72 an hour – just above the £9.50 it says is the ‘real’ living wage in the UK outside of London but well beneath the average of £13.68 paid across all other sectors. The report also estimates that ‘close to half of employee jobs in the supermarket sector (45 per cent, or 410,000 employee jobs) [were] paid below the real Living Wage in April 2020.’

The government’s ‘national

living wage’ is £8.72 an hour for over 25s and 50p less for under 25s.

CEO David Potts said: ‘It’s great to be able to say that in the UK from April this year, if you work at Morrisons supermarkets, you will earn at least £10 an hour.’ Branding it a ‘symbolic and important milestone’, he continued: ’Over the last year we have seen renewed and widespread appreciation in the UK for our colleagues who have had an incredibly tough 2020, working tirelessly so Britain could eat well and shop safely throughout the pandemic.

‘Morrisons colleagues have earned their status as key workers, and this pay increase, many times over.’

The increase is subject to a ballot later this month.

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DAUGHTER SHARES FATHER’S REMARKABLE STORY IN NEW BOOK, HIGHLIGHTING SACRIFICES MADE WHILE FORGING NEW LIVES IN INDUSTRIAL ENGLAND BRADFORD Research Fellow Aamnah Rahman has published a remarkable biography of her Dad, which also documents some of the most famous events of the twentieth century.

In ‘A Voyage from Kashmir’, she explores her father Abdul Rehman Khan’s journey from Pakistan-administered Kashmir to Bradford, via service with the British Indian Army around the world during WWII, life as a prisoner-of-war, and the Indian sub-continent’s partition.

Aamnah, who is based at Bradford Institute for Health Research at Bradford Royal Infirmary, where she helps deliver the Born in Bradford

programme, wrote the book to pay tribute to Abdul – but also to highlight the sacrifices previous generations made while forging new lives in industrial England.

She said: “Dad passed away in 2011 aged 86, but I’d previously sat down with him to talk about his life. I started writing the book about 18 months ago and managed to complete it in January and February 2020.

“It starts with his later years and then goes back in time to the village of Panjeri, where he was born in 1925, and his early years before moving on to his experiences with the British Army during WWII and then partition.”

The violence which erupted following the Indian partition saw Abdul’s family move temporarily into the newlyformed Pakistan, and prompted Abdul to move to the then capital, Karachi, before later coming to England, and Bradford, in 1962.

“Some of the book is about how his life changed so much over the years, but I’ve tried to write a reflection on how life has changed for Asian communities in the UK and Kashmir too,” Aamnah added.

“I also wanted to highlight the 425,000 men from the Indian sub-continent who served in the British Army during World War II and the equal number who served in World War I and shed more light on their story. I don’t think many people are aware of the contribution they made, and people from my Dad’s generation were modest about speaking about themselves.”

Abdul served around the world during WWII. “Dad really was a global citizen. His first posting after completing military training with the British Indian Army was Basra in Iraq. But his unit then moved around the Middle and Far East, serving in Palestine, Egypt, Pakistan, Libya, Turkey, India, Burma, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Abdul Rehman Khan

“I think it’s important that young people from our communities know about the contribution

they made and know that their forefathers served during the wars, too. But the book is actually just as much a reminiscence resource for the older generation, who struggled to make ends meet when they first came over.

“We were very poor as children but, because older generations sent money back to family members and made those sacrifices, their lives improved quite a lot.”

Family members, friends and colleagues have already read the book and passed on great feedback.

“Some people have said that some parts of the book have made them cry, and others have said parts have made them laugh. There is a lot about hardship and struggle in the book, but also a lot of courage, determination and humour too.

“Dad first came to the UK with my mother’s younger brother.

They got the train from King’s Cross to Bradford and it was heated. They had not been on a heated train before and at first thought the train was on fire!”

Aamnah also reflects on the huge contrasts her Dad and others faced when first arriving in a cold and wet West Yorkshire.

“Bradford was very industrial at the time and there was soot everywhere. It was a huge

contrast and life was difficult for them.

no mobile phones or computers back then!”

“The racism and the prejudice they faced at the time was significant too, but they also received help and support from people. It was a mixture.

Although publishing a book in the middle of a pandemic has not been easy, it has been received well, and Aamnah is keen to publicise ‘A Voyage from Kashmir’ further.

“And although we can get everything we need now, they had to do everything from scratch. They had to make their own clothes and cook their own food, and they couldn’t afford to go back and forth. A lot of things we take for granted, they didn’t have.

“In 1968 my Dad bought a house off White Abbey Road and it was the only house in the neighbourhood with a bathroom inside, which proved popular!

“Hopefully when things get back to normal, I’d like to speak about it. I hope by reading the book, other people will benefit.

In Asian culture we keep a lot of family things hidden, which I can understand, but sometimes good can come from speaking out.”

‘A Voyage from Kashmir’ (‘Meri Zindagi Ka Safar Nama’) is available from Amazon UK here: https://amzn.to/3sj95Xa TIMELINE

“I wanted to write to show my appreciation for what that generation did. They made a lot of sacrifices, and it all needs to be documented and preserved.”

Although the book follows the journey made by her father, Aamnah also pays tribute to her Mum, Saeeda, and other strong women.

“I am very proud of what my Dad did, but my Mum, too. Behind the men were all these strong women who have not been acknowledged as much as they should have been either. Being stuck inside in the UK without friends and family was difficult.

For a lot of them it was quite isolating and lonely – there were

• 1925 – Abdul Rehman Khan born in Panjeri, India (now part of Pakistan) • 1941 – Abdul joins the British Indian Army, and sees action across the Middle and Far East during WWII • 1944 – Abdul is taken prisoner while fighting in Italy, and becomes a POW briefly before later being released • 1947 – Abdul’s family flee to the newly-formed Pakistan to escape violence and unrest following the Indian partition but return to Kashmir some months later • 1954 – Abdul marries Aamnah’s Mum, Saeeda • 1962 – Abdul moves to Bradford

12

ASIAN STANDARD / BRADFORD

@ASIANSTANDARD

METFORMIN MAY REDUCE DEATH RISK IN COVID PATIENTS WITH DIABETES? Use of the diabetes drug metformin, before a diagnosis of Covid-19 is associated with a threefold decrease in mortality in Covid-19 patients with Type2 diabetes, a new study suggests.

"Since similar results have now been obtained in different populations from around the world -- including China, France and a UnitedHealthcare analysis -- this suggests that the observed reduction in mortality risk associated with metformin use in subjects with Type-2 diabetes and Covid-19 might be generalizable," said researcher Anath Shalev from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

According to the researchers, how metformin improves prognosis in the context of Covid-19 is not known.

The findings suggest that the mechanisms may go beyond any expected improvement in glycemic control or obesity, since neither body mass index, blood glucose nor

hemoglobin A1C were lower in the metformin users who survived as compared to those who died.

For the study, published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, the team included 25,326 patients tested for Covid-19.

The primary outcome in the study was mortality in Covid19-positive subjects, and the potential association with subject characteristics or comorbidities was analyzed.

Overall mortality for Covid19-positive patients was 11 per cent.

The study found that 93 per cent of deaths occurred in subjects over the age of 50, and being male or having high blood pressure was associated with a significantly elevated risk of death.

Diabetes was associated with a dramatic increase in mortality, with an odds ratio of 3.62. Overall, 67 per cent of deaths in the study

occurred in subjects with diabetes.

The researchers looked at the effects of diabetes treatment on adverse Covid-19 outcomes, focusing on insulin and metformin as the two most common medications

for Type-2 diabetes. They found that prior insulin use did not affect mortality risk.

However, prior metformin use was a different matter.

Metformin use significantly reduced the odds of dying, and the 11 per cent mortality

for metformin users was not only comparable to that of the general Covid-19positive population, it was dramatically lower than the 23 per cent mortality for diabetes patients not on metformin.

Whatever the results, we strongly advise our readers to keep following Covid guidelines. Stay at home, unless going out for essentials. Wear a mask, keep sanitising and ensure you keep social distancing.

Stay safe.

16 -22 january 2021 WWW.ASIANSTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

CAST OF TANDAV REVEAL MEMORABLE MOMENTS WITH

SAIF ALI KHAN

TWO

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

WHEN IMRAN KHAN CALLED BOLLYWOOD ‘SUFFOCATING ’, SAID SHOWZBIZ PARTIES INCLUDE DRUNKEN HOOKUPS & FIGHTS

RANDEEP HOODA OPENS UP ABOUT EXPLORING A CAREER IN HOLLY WOOD

BY ADITYA RANGROO

ood ambition Actor Randeep Hooda opened up on his Hollyw West and stay the in s storie great of part be saying he wants to away from typecasting Indian roles. entry in Hollywood as Last year, Randeep made an action-packed Hemsworth and Chris g starrin Saju in the web film “Extraction”, ur.

Harbo David the West, Randeep Asked how he wants to explore his career in have explored it I way told IANS “I want to explore it the same here.”

hopefully great He said, “I want to be a part of great stories, roles only, like in Indian ast typec not are that roles get and series and I would that, of more do to g lookin 'Extraction' it wasn' t. I am more over there, and more work to want I . action more do to like there's no doubt about that.”

‘Ladakh Warriors At the moment, the actor has lent his voice for ts the training that depic show The Hindi. in Soil’ The The Sons Of st regimental highe the of one at the ‘Snow Warriors’ go through, the Soil’ is of Sons The rs: Warrio kh ‘Lada . world the centres in streaming on discovery+ in India. ted film ‘Radhe’, In Bollywood, he will be seen in the much-awai ’ .

Lovely N r ‘Unfai and starring Salman Khan,

SHILPA SHETTY: DON'T BLINDLY BELIEVE OR GET INFLUENCED BY ALL THAT YOU SEE ON SOCIAL MEDIA Actress Shilpa Shetty feels we rarely share stories of struggles openly with the world and says one should not blindly believe things on social media.

She said, “We rarely share our struggles openly with the world. So, don't blindly believe or be influenced by all that you see on social media or hear otherwise”.

“Your journey, your achievements, your successes, or your setbacks will never be identical to another person's life. YOU are your ONLY competition. Work on being a better version of yourself every day, instead of drawing comparisons with another person. Your physical and

mental health will thank you,” she wrote on Instagram.

The actress also posted a picture of note, which read “NOTE TO SELF Dear me, don't be so hard on yourself. You're doing okay.”

On the work front, Shilpa is all set to return to the screen after 13 years with two releases, ‘Hungama 2’ and ‘Nikamma’.

Directed by Sabbir Khan, the action-packed romantic comedy film ‘Nikamma’ also features Abhimanyu Dasani and Shirley Setia. ‘Hungama 2’ also stars Paresh Rawal, Pranitha Subhash and Meezan.

The film is a follow-up of Priyadarshan's 2003 slapstick hit, ‘Hungama’.

NOW, A FILM ON DRUGS, DEBAUCHERY, NEPOTISM IN BOLLYWOOD

Indian-born Hollywood producer, actor and entrepreneur Tel K. Ganesan says his next film, ‘The Fireflies: Drugs, Debauchery And Dil’, will explore the dark truths of Bollywood, from casting couch and nepotism to bias, connections and drug culture.

The film is in sync with the events that happened this year, from Sushant Singh Rajput's death to Rhea Chakraborty getting arrested to several stars being named for having alleged drug nexus.

“The film is seen through the eyes of a Bollywood aspirant who leaves home and hearth in Detroit to

come back and gets stuck during a scandal. Following her is a young cop from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) investigating the case,” said Ganesan.

The story revolves around the trials and tribulations of an acting aspirant caught in the web of those with a life packed with fame, fortune and adulation, fraught with hedonism, drugs and debauchery.

Drawing reference to Bollywood films in the past that had a mention of drugs in the plot, Ganeshan said "The same industry that gave hits like 'Udta Punjab', 'Go Goa Gone', 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna', 'Jaanbaaz',

'Shaitaan', 'Charas', 'Dev.D', 'Life In A Metro', and of course, 'Fashion', has admitted to addiction and rehabilitations over decades”.

He further said, “Now, things get murkier with the NCB raids discovering newer users. Actors not involved in the case get dragged into it. Will this be the end, or the beginning of an end is what The Fireflies Drugs, Debauchery And Dil is all about.”

“We will sign on a director who will do justice to the subject once we are ready. Currently, we are researching to match further script requirements,” he added.

Actor Imran Khan was one of the shin ing stars of Bollywood. He had not done too many roles, but still made sure that he made an impact. He has been missing from the big screens for a long time now and fans kept wondering why.

Speculations were answered whe n best friend Akshay Oberoi revealed that the ‘Jaane Tu… Ya Jaan e Na’ actor has quit Bollywood. Much before any of us could imagine that Imran had hinted it in an interview!

The actor’s last film in the showbiz was ‘Katti Batti (2015)’. Too late of a realisation, but a conversa tion of Imran is now going viral where he indirectly hinted to his exit. It was in 2014 when he conducted a ‘Ask Me Anything ’ session on Reddit. The actor spoke in length about Bollywood, nepotism and much more.

A user had asked Imran Khan, “From the interviews I have seen, you seem like one of the few actors who are not completely consumed by Bollywood. You seem to be in touch with the real world. Do you make a conscious effor t to keep in touch with the outside world? Also, do you consider yourself an ‘insider’ in the industry?”

To this, Imran Khan responded, “It’s not really a conscious effort.

I’m genuinely not interested in mos t of the hoopla. I like my quiet, peaceful life, I like my old frien ds, I like my cats and dogs…

Ideally, I’d just make movies and skip the rest of the media circus.”

A user even asked the actor how it feels to occasionally check himself out on the Internet. To this, Imran replied, “I don’t watch TV… I’ve worked hard to avoid living in the ‘Bollywood Bubble’, eating, breathing and living movies.

It can get very suffocating.”

Not just that, Imran Khan had also subtly exposed the Bollywood parties when asked about it. He said, “Exactly the same thing that happens at all parties; people drink , dance, stand in corners and bitch about people they dislik e, there are drunken hookups and fights, and people keep going to the bathroom, even if they don’t have to pee.”

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

AMITABH BACHCHAN’S GRANDDAUGHTER OPENS UP ON HER STRUGGLE WITH MANSPLAINING IN MALE-DOMINATED HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

THREE

Navya Naveli Nanda, the granddaughter of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, comes from an illustrious film family but chose to chart her own path in the healthcare sector.

She is the co-founder of Aara Health, an online platform for women to discuss health issues.

In an Instagram live with the other three founders, she talked about being undermined, as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

“When you are meeting new people for work and talking to them, there is always that...not worry of what they are going to think of you but more internal, where I feel like, 'Oh, we need to prove ourselves.' Especially because in the space that we are in, it is largely dominated by men,” Navya said.

“So whenever we are put in the spotlight, talking to a vendor or a doctor... All of us have been in situations where we are talking to somebody, most likely a man, who is mansplaining and talking to us in a very condescending manner,” she added.

Navya said that being underestimated from the offset has led to a need to prove that she is competent enough.

KAJOL SAYS SO MUCH ESTROGEN WAS ON 'TRIBHANGA' SETS, BEAT THE TESTOSTERONE I know what I am talking about and I don't need you to explain every single thing to me and condescendingly talk to me”.

“It is placement situations where you feel like you need to prove yourself and you don't necessarily do because it is just stupid. But we have all been in those situations and I think that is where the anxiety comes from, which is, 'Why is this person talking to me like I am stupid?”, she said.

She added, “That is where I feel like, 'Okay, I need to prove myself.’ I need to make that impression in the beginning that

Earlier this month, Navya shared the accomplishments of her company and wrote in an Instagram post, “...Building and growing your own business gives you an indescribable sense of independence & joy; one I am fortunate enough to experience. 2021 is going to be an exciting year, and in addition to everything we are already doing, we are also solidifying our focus on preventative care and wellness - we can’t wait to share all the exciting things we have coming up VERY SOON.”

BANGLADESH TO BE COUNTRY IN FOCUS OF 51ST INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OF INDIA Bangladesh will be the Country in Focus for the 51st edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) to be held in Goa on January 16.

In addition, the 51st Edition of IFFI has announced a line-up of programmes that will be showcased on the OTT platform

Kajol said, “There was so much estrogen on 'Tribhanga' sets that we completely beat the testosterone. We had too much fun on the sets and cracked multiple dirty jokes if you saw the BTS (behind the scenes) of this film -- you would be in splits”.

“We were so entertained during the shooting that we rolled on the floor laughing -- it was a blast altogether. There was this one point where Renuka and I had this huge conversation about men and suddenly you could see there was utter silence on the set. We realised that all the men around me had kept quiet and no one was willing to look up and participate in this conversation,” she added.

The film, written and directed by Renuka Shahane, also features Tanvi Azmi and Mithila Palkar. It is a family drama about three distinct women, and their unconventional life choices.

Talking about her experience working with Kajol, Renuka said “Kajol is a livewire, she keeps the atmosphere on the set alive. I was so glad to see her involvement while shooting, she made sure that every person on set felt comfortable and worked with ease.”

“Working with her was really fun, there were multiple occasions where we were shooting for emotional scenes and before we used to cut, we burst out in laughter as if we hadn't just shot a serious scene. The trust she had in me and the way she has justified the role is beautiful and I consider myself lucky to find someone like her,” she added.

‘Tribhanga Tedhi Medhi Crazy’ will be released on Netflix on January 15.

KANGANA RANAUT: I AM BEING TORTURED MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY Actress Kangana Ranaut has alleged that she is being tortured mentally, emotionally and physically.

She further claimed she has been asked not to disclose to anyone about the kind of torture she is being subjected to.

Kangana released a video on her verified Twitter account on Friday where she spoke about the cases filed against her and the torture that she is facing every day.

She added that we are going back to the medieval age where women were burnt at stake.

According to an official release

by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), the Country in Focus is a special segment that recognizes the cinematic excellence and contributions of a particular country.

This section at the 51st IFFI will showcase four films, namely 'Jibondhuli' by Tanvir Mokammel, 'Meghmallar' by Zahidur Rahim Anjan, 'Under Construction'

by Rubaiyat Hossain, and 'Sincerely Yours, Dhaka' by Nuhash Humayun, Syed Ahmed Shawki, Rahat Rahman Joy, MD RobiulAlam, Golam Kibria Farooki, Mir Mukarram Hossain, Tanvir Ahsan, Mahmudul Islam, Abdullah Al Noor, Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, Syed Saleh Ahmed Sobhan.

Actress Kajol enjoyed working on the womendominated set of her upcoming digital film ‘Tribhanga: Tedhi Medhi Crazy’ and recalled how there was a time when men were not willing to participate in gender conversations.

during the festival, informed the Ministry on Sunday.

This edition is being organised in a hybrid mode for the first time and will comprise both online and in-person experience.

The festival will be loaded with a line-up of famous movies with a total of 224 films from across the globe screened. This includes 21 non-feature films and 26 feature films under the Indian Panorama films section.

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI), founded in 1952, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The festival

aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to project the excellence of the film art, contributing to the understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos, and promoting friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

The festival is conducted jointly by the Directorate of Film Festivals (under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and the state Government of Goa.

In the video, Kangana speaks in Hindi “Ever since I have started speaking for the interest of the nation, the way I am being treated and tortured, the entire country can see that. My house was broken into illegally. Every day new cases are being filed against me because I have spoken for the interest of the farmers.”

She said, “One case has been filed against me even for laughing. My sister Rangoli has protested against doctors being tortured during the beginning of the pandemic. A case was filed against her and my name was also dragged into it, whereas I was not even on Twitter at that time. Our honourable Chief Justice ji has rejected it.”

“I have even been ordered to give haajri (attendance) at the police station although I don't know for what reason. I have also been asked not to disclose to anyone or talk about the kind of torture I am facing. I want to ask the honourable Supreme Court, have we

returned to the medieval age where women were burnt alive and their voices were silenced?” she added.

She further added, “People who are having fun and enjoying this situation, I would like to tell them only one thing: the tears of blood that we have shed in our 1,000 years of subordination, that will be repeated once again if nationalist voices are silenced now.”

“Why am I being mentally, emotionally and now physically tortured? I need answers from this nation. I stood for you and it's time you stand for me. Jai Hind,” tweeted Kangana.

FOUR

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

GRAMMY AWARDS DELAYED TO MARCH 14 AMID DETERIORATING COVID-19 SITUATION IN LOS ANGELES

SHILPA SHIRODKAR BECOMES THE FIRST BOLLYWOOD STAR TO GET COVID-19 VACCINE As India is gearing up to introduce the COVID-19 vaccination in the country, Bollywood actress Shilpa Shirodkar who’s in Dubai, has now become the first Indian celebrity to receive the vaccination against the deadly coronavirus.

The 47-year-old actress took to her Instagram handle to share the big news with a picture of herself from Dubai, normal. Here i UAE, and wrote, “Vaccinated and safe!! The new come 2021. Thank you UAE.” Mahesh Babu’s Shilpa, who is the sister of former actress and journey with ood Bollyw her d marke kar, Shirod wife, Namrata and Rekha ‘Bhrashtachar’ co-starring Mithun Chakraborty 90s, who in 1989. She was one of the popular faces in the ‘Kanhaiya’, ‘Yodha’, appeared in several hits, including ‘Aankhen’, ‘Hum’, ‘Gopi Kishan’, ‘Dil Hi Toh Hai’ and more.

‘Guns of On the work front, the actress was last seen in was shot which Suri r Sekha aker filmm by d helme as’ Banar last the marks also film The in 2014 and released in 2020. a who breathed Khann Vinod legend ood Bollyw of rance appea his last in 2017. like ‘Gopi Shilpa is a known Bollywood actress with films to her credit.

‘Hum’ , iya’ Kanha n ‘Kishe ’ , Sanam fa Kishan’, ‘Bewa marriage. her after ry indust Shilpa took a break from the film show ‘Ek ar popul with TV on back come a made s The actres Mutthi Aasmaan’ in 2013.

ANIL KAPOOR: FEW FILMS GIVE YOU THE SAME JOY ON A BIG SCREEN AND ON OTT PLATFORMS Actor Anil Kapoor, who has projects across genres lined up in 2021, hopes the year ahead is good for all, including the film fraternity.

Kapoor is currently garnering good responses and reviews for his role in ‘AK Vs AK’, which released digitally and co-stars Anurag Kashyap.

Talking about the response to the Vikramaditya Motwane directorial, Kapoor told IANS “When people like your film and your performance, you feel good. So, I am glad that people liked the film.”

On the industry gradually opening up, he added “There are few films that are made for the big screen only. There are a few films of mine that are going to be released this year, so I hope audiences watch those films in theatres. I am sure

SAIF ALI KHAN SAYS ALLOWING FILM SHOOTS INSIDE ‘PATAUDI PALACE’ STILL MAKES ME NERVOUS, MADE EXCEPTION FOR ‘TANDAV’ Recently, the trailer of Ali Abbas Zafar’s political web-series ‘Tandav’ went viral on social media for its interesting content and stellar star-cast.

He further added, “I think it is the palace that lends

He further said, “Now that vaccine has also been approved by the government, so I pray that theatres will reopen with the same capacity as they used to. I hope this year people watch films in theatres. I have a positive approach to life and, God willing, everything will be fine. I definitely feel 2021 will be a great year for everyone including the film fraternity”.

Kapoor will next be seen in Karan Johar's historical drama ‘Takht’, the comedy-drama ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ and Sandeep Vanga Reddy's crime drama ‘Animal’.

The postponement was earlier repo rted by Rolling Stone magazine and Variety and the Recording Acad emy had told its members in a memo that the new date would be Marc h 21.

Los Angeles is experiencing a spike in coronavirus deaths and hospital admissions. Gyms, hair salon s and restaurants have been shut down and residents urged to stay at home as much as possible.

Beyonce leads nominations for this year ’s Grammys with nine nods in a November announcemen t that was overshadowed by a stunning snub for Canadian musician The Weeknd.

The Recording Academy had not anno unced who would be performing at the show, which is usua lly a three-hour mixture of live performances by top international musicians and speeches by winners.

BOLLYWOOD FASHION DESIGNER SWAPNIL SHINDE COMES OUT AS TRANSWOMAN, CHANGES NAME Popular Indian fashion designer Swapnil Shinde, who has styled several Bollywood beauties right from Deepika Padukone, Sunny Leone, Kareena Kapoor Khan to Mandira Bedi, has come out as a transwoman.

The designer even changed her name from Swapnil to Saisha Shinde on her social media handle. Taking to her Instagram, Saisha shared a picture in her new look and wrote, “Here we go 2021 #saishashinde.”

However, another aspect of the trailer that got people talking was that they saw the interiors of the Pataudi Palace, the ancestral home of Saif Ali Khan.

Talking about it in an interview with Mid-day, Saif said, “I don’t mind giving it a shot sometimes because it remains unused 340 days of the year. These days, film crews have become responsible and look after the venues, but [the idea of a shoot] still makes me nervous. Usually, I am more comfortable if they are filming around the exterior of the palace.

But for Tandav, I made an exception [by shooting inside].”

about that because people are eager to watch films in theatres.

Few films give you the same joy on a big screen and on OTT platforms, and 'AK Vs AK' is one of those films.”

The Grammy Awards ceremony due to take place on January 31 has been rescheduled to March 14 beca use of the coronavirus surge in Los Angeles, organisers said on Tues day.

The Recording Academy and broadcas ter CBS said in a joint statement that the ceremony to pres ent the highest honours in the music industry had been delayed after talks with health experts and musicians.

“After thoughtful conversations with health experts, our host and artists scheduled to appear, we are rescheduling the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards to be broadcast Sunday, March 14, 2021,” the statement said.

“The deteriorating COVID situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local gove rnments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do,” it added.

us the royal look. Anyone standing there would look royal.”

Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the nine-part political series features an ensemble cast headlined

by Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Sunil Grover. Zafar has produced the web show with Himanshu Kishan Mehra.

The show also stars Dino

Morea, Kumud Mishra, Gauahar Khan, Amyra Dastur, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub, Kritika Kamra, Sarah Jane Dias, Sandhya Mridul, Annup Sonii, Hitten Ttejwani, Paresh Pahuja and Shonali Nagrani among others.

Set in Delhi, Tandav will take viewers inside the closed corridors of power and uncover the manipulations.

As she shared her look and accepted herself as a transwoman, many celebs took to the comment section and showered her with love. Sunny Leone commented, sending her best wishes to the designer.

Meanwhile, Designer Ken Ferns also commented on the post, calling Saisha “Holy Awesomeness.” Other celebs including Aditi Rao Hydari, Amruta Khanvilkar, Shilpa Shirodkar and Lopamudra Raut also went on praising the designer for coming out.

Saisha also shared another post where she penned a long note about her struggle and the harassment that she faced

due to her sexuality. In her long note, she revealed that unlike everyone else, her childhood reminds her of the loneliness and the pressure that she felt due to her origin.

Revealing that she used to feel suffocated as she had to live a reality that wasn’t her, she stated that it was only in her 20s that she found the courage to accept her truth.

A part of her long note reads, “I spent the next few years believing that I was attracted to

men because I was gay, but it was only 6 years ago that I finally accepted to myself, and today that I accept to you. I'm not a gay man. I am a Transwoman.”

She also wrote a caption revealing the reason to name herself Saisha, mentioning that Saisha means a meaningful life.

The designer rose to fame when she designed costumes for Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion (2008). She most recently designed Kiara Advani’s look in the Laxxmi song, Burj Khalifa.

FIVE BOLLYWOOD GETS MIGHTY WITH SUPERHERO FILMS FILM FASHION BEAUTY

BY ADITYA RANGROO When the going gets tough, Bollywood thinks big. Reeling under the twin effect of the pandemic and OTT influx, which have dented business, Bollywood is pulling all stops with mega-budget announcements, to woo fans back to the halls.

year, there were unconfirmed reports that Kartik Aaryan would star in the film adaptation of the comicbook character Phantom.

Among films already on the floor is Ayan Mukerji's mega-budget "Brahmastra", which will reportedly have actor Ranbir Kapoor playing a man with special powers. The film also boasts of Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy in the cast.

Among emerging trends is the superhero movie.

The genre is not exactly new -- Hrithik Roshan did star in the ‘Krrish’ films, after all. But at no point in time has India’s Hindi film industry got into making so many superhero flicks at the same time as now. Trade analysts see it as a good trend, especially in these times when theatres are trying to pull the audience back amid the pandemic.

Hollywood is a big influence, as everything else about Bollywood.

Global blockbusters such as "The Dark Knight" series", the "Avengers" films, "Black Panther", "Wonder Woman", "Captain America: Civil War", and "Justice League" among others set the cash registers ringing in India, too. With more films like "Black Widow", "Venom Let There Be Carnage" and the third part of "Spider-Man" lined up for release, the genre is alive and kicking in Hollywood. Bollywood had to take a cue.

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal recently got fans excited when he officially announced a new superhero film with his "Uri The Surgical Strike" director Aditya Dhar, and shared posters of the film, titled "The Immortal Ashwatthama".

"Overwhelmed and ecstatic! On the 2nd anniversary of 'URI-The Surgical Strike', the team gives you a glimpse into the world of

Hrithik masks up again, too, in "Krrish 4". The hit franchise began in 2003 with "Koi... Mil Gaya", followed by "Krrish" (2006) and "Krrish 3" (2013).

According to director Rakesh Roshan, the film was set for a Christmas 2020 release.

"Today is perhaps the best day to make the release day of Krrish 4 official. Christmas 2020 it is. A gift for all of you on Hrithiks birthday," Rakesh Roshan had tweeted in 2018.

However, following the Covid pandemic, the film is yet to hit the screens anytime soon.

#TheImmortalAshwatthama. Cannot wait to get onto this journey with the dream team of @adityadharfilms #RonnieScrewvala @rsvpmovies @soniyeah22," Vicky posted on Instagram along with the posters that have a touch of mythology and modernity.

The director, on the other hand, posted on Instagram "Raising the bar higher for the superhero genre not only in India but across the world, this film is a high-concept visual spectacle in the making. From the team that brought to you URI The Surgical Strike, presenting @vickykaushal09 in

and as #TheImmortalAshwatthama."

This isn't the only Bollywood superhero film in the making right now.

Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, who has helmed blockbusters like "Sultan" and "Tiger Zinda Hai", has planned a superhero universe. While one of his films will star Katrina Kaif, his "Mr. India" will be set in a relevant and contemporary superhero world.

In July 2020, filmmaker Sanjay Gupta tweeted that he had started scripting "Rakshak", his film about a vigilante superhero, while in December last

According to Bollywood trade expert Rajesh Thadani, huge revenue comes from Hollywood superhero films. "I think they (Bollywood filmmakers) are taking to that. These kinds of films cater to everyone, not just kids. They can be turned into franchises. There is a thrill element involved in such films.

Basically, people need a change from routine, and this is a good change," he told IANS, India’s news agency.

Another Bollywood analyst Taran Adarsh agrees with him. "It's a great trend. We should make all kinds of films. When we talk of movies in today's time, we often complain that Hindi films do not have originality.

They repeat themselves. This (superhero genre) is something that

has not been exploited to the hilt. I think it's a step in the right direction," he told IANS. There have been successful and failed attempts made by Indian filmmakers in the genre in the past.

For instance, the audience did not accept Tiger Shroff as a hero with superpowers in "A Flying Jatt" (2016).

Even the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Ra.One" (2011) failed to live up to expectations. The "Krrish" franchise, on the other hand, still has a strong fan following. Akshay Kumar also tried his hand at the genre in the Tamil film "2.0". With Rajinikanth as the protagonist, Akshay played the antagonist Pakshi Rajan.

"Stars are important, but so is the content. You need to be original and give a desi tadka to such films," said Adarsh, who feels adding mythology elements to such films "would be great".

But he feels that it will not be easy to woo the Indian audience with such films as they already have good exposure to Hollywood hits.

"When you make a superhero film, you need to keep in mind that you will be compared with western counterparts because so many superhero films have been released in India, and people have loved them.

So obviously you must be at par or maybe in that league to woo the Indian audience," he said.

Viewers often point out the technology used in Hindi films, especially to make such films, is never up to the mark. But Thadani feels that is not something to worry about now as a lot of experts from abroad work on the special effects. Also, he feels that technology-wise, Indian cinema has improved.

INDIAN CINEMA LEGEND PRITHVIRAJ KAPOOR’S SISTER WANTS TO VISIT THE ‘KAPOOR HAVELI’ IN PAKISTAN, NOW TO BE A MUSEUM Very recently, Indian cinema legend Prithviraj Kapoor's sister, Shanta Kapoor Dhawan, expressed her desire of seeing her father's ‘Kapoor Haveli’ one last time ahead of it being turned into a museum.

Plans of turning Prithviraj Kapoor's Peshawar Haveli into a museum is a part of the elaborate Peshawar restoration plan that has been mapped out and put into place by the relevant authorities.

Prithviraj Kapoor's Peshawar haveli, as per a report in Hindustan Times, had been constructed by his father over a century ago. Some images of the house can be found below.

As one can see in the images, Raj Kapoor's ancestral home in Pakistan has the traditional white-and-green finish throughout the structure.

The famous Kapoor Haveli is a landmark location in Peshawar. The construction of Raj Kapoor's ancestral home in Pakistan could be dated back to the year 1918, nearly three decades before the partition.

At one point in time, before the partition, the Haveli housed the Kapoor family patriarch, Dewan Basheswarnath Singh Kapoor and his children Prithviraj and Shanta (Who is now Shanta Kapoor Dhawan). The famous Kapoor Haveli is visited by many to this day.

Kapoor, though two years younger to him, Shanta says, “My father Dewan Basheswarnath Kapoor would tell us that it took two years to build the mansion which was completed in 1922. In fact my brother Trilok Kapoor and nephew Raj were born here.

However, destiny took us to Kolkata and then Mumbai when Prithviraj Bhapa became a star.

But I remember every nook and corner of the haveli the way it was,” she says.

Background information: It so happened that back in 2014, under the Peshawar Revival Plan, the provincial government at the time had decided that the Kapoor Haveli will be converted into a museum. However, the eminent Peshawar landmark isn't the only well-known residential area that is scheduled to undergo structural changes under the plan.

In addition to Prithviraj and Shanta Kapoor's childhood home, the house of Dilip Kumar, who is known as the ‘Tragedy King of Bollywood’, will also be converted into a museum soon.

Dilip Kumar's house is in the same neighbourhood as that of Prithviraj's.

As per an article on The Daily

Pioneer, the local government has put a price tag of Rupees 1,50,00,000 on Raj Kapoor's Pakistan home. Dilip Kumar's ancestral house, on the other hand, has received a valuation of Rs. 80,56,000.

Two years to build haveli Aunt to the great showman Raj

Dhawan’s adolescent school years were spent in Kolkata and adulthood in the glamour of Mumbai with yesteryear heroines like Nargis, Meena Kumari and Munawar Sultana for friends. After marriage, she moved to Jamshedpur with her engineer husband and brought up her two sons and two daughters there.

Now living with her younger son in Gurgaon, she says: “Of late I still see

the Peshawar home in my dreams with its floral patterns and jharokhas hanging over balconies and the large inner courtyard where I learned to hop, skip and jump. I yearn to go there just once as I am the last living Kapoor for whom it was home.”

When Raj Kapoor’s sons visited Earlier in 1990, actors Randhir and the late Rishi Kapoor, sons of Raj Kapoor, had visited the haveli and requested that it be preserved as a museum. It was after Rishi Kapoor’s death last April that the Pakistan government started finding ways and means to preserve the building as well as thespian Dilip Kumar’s family home close by. The final go-ahead for the museum came at the instance of Pakistan premier Imran Khan.

Shanta recalls, “Both Raj and Dilip Kumar were Peshawar friends and the friendship blossomed in Mumbai when both struggled and then rose to great heights in films. I am a witness to that era from Peshawar to stardom”.

SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

PARESH PAHUJA: ‘Tandav’ is like a vaccine for our mundane life

BY ADITYA RANGROO As the upcoming political drama ‘Tandav’ is set to release on 15 January on Amazon Prime Video, we bring you the two characters from the series. One of them has done a remarkable job in ‘Sacred Games and ‘Lovebytes’ while the other has shown his prowess in ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’.

Both of them are budding Bollywood stars and shall enthrall the audience with their work in the coming times.

In an exclusive conversation with Asian Style Magazine, Paresh Pahuja and Sukhmani Sadana spoke about their role in ‘Tandav’, experience on sets and more.

Aditya: As coronavirus has created tandav across the globe, so what kind of tandav are you going to create in the upcoming ‘Tandav’ web series?

Paresh: The ‘Tandav’ is a vaccine for our mundane life and it’s going to add all the thrill, and the virus of bad content is going to wash away.

You mentioned ‘Tandav’ like a vaccine, how would you like to define it?

Paresh: For me, ‘Tandav’ is going to open a lot of work opportunities as the reach of this series is huge. I am hoping a lot more interesting work will come my way. Apart from this, working in ‘Tandav’ has been a transformational journey for all of us with the kind of people we worked with whether it is Ali Abbas Zafar, Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia, etc.

Aditya: Sukhmani, we have seen your remarkable work in ‘Sacred Games’, ‘Lovebytes’. How was your experience with ‘Tandav’?

Sukhmani: ‘Tandav’ is a very different web series altogether. The experience was exciting as it is a political drama and usually I have done lighter stuff earlier. So, for me, the content was very important. The star cast of the series is grand and all credit should go to its creators. In fact, from the day I heard the script, I have been excited and I am looking forward to the audience’s response. have done lighter stuff earlier. So, for me, the content was very important. The star cast of the series is grand and all credit should go to

You said content is very important for you, would you like to share the kind of content you prefer doing in films/ series?

Sukhmani: I think content is such a relative word and it could apply to anything. What I mean is that if somebody is doing comedy, he should make sure that he is doing it very well. Similarly, if someone is making a horror show, then ensure to make it well, not shoddy work. So, when I say content, it implies the quality of work.

Sometimes you have the best of the actors but the poor content cripples the project.

So, the content has to be very basic. For instance, a movie like ‘Vicky Donor’, which is all about a sperm donation and it really worked well with the people. So, I believe content should be realistic, honest and resonate 100% with the people.

Sukhmani and Paresh, can you tell us a little bit about your role in ‘Tandav’?

Sukhamni: I am playing the character of a doctor and she is a very powerful lady, strong-headed and knows what she wants in life. You can’t influence her and confuse her. This was pretty contrasting to my actual personality of indecisiveness and lost. So, it was great to play this character though my role is pretty small in the series, but it has contributed to the show as other characters did.

Also, the role was different as I never played the doctor ever, so I did a fair amount of research like body language, technical

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

aspect, how to use the instruments and how to deal with patients.

SEVEN

Paresh: I am playing the role of a Raghu Kishor, who is the son of Anuradha Kishor in the series. It was a very eccentric character, and very different from what I am in real life. I had to research for the character in terms of mannerisms and I hope it has really translated well onscreen the way I tried to.

What kind of role would you like to play in films/series?

Sukhmani: I get attracted to more challenging roles. If the character is close to my actual personality in real life then it is sort of a cakewalk but if the role is totally in contrast to my personality then it becomes a challenge as you have to act differently and push yourself to adopt a totally new personality and ensure to pull it very well. For instance, if I have to play the role of a slum girl then it is actually exciting for me, whereas if I have to play the goody girl then I may not find it much challenging.

Paresh: For me, it is very personal selfish stuff.

I want to experience every possible emotion through a character. Generally, we run away from emotions in real life. In fact, I don’t remember when I cried last, so I really want to feel emotions through acting. In addition, I also want to learn something new so I like to play a different role which would make me learn a new skill whether it will be a new language or diction.

For instance, when I worked in ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, I learned new skills such as firing rifles and how the Indian army walks.

What has been your favourite memory while shooting for ‘Tandav’?

Sukhamani: Well, every day was very exciting and every shoot has been memorable. However, I was particularly happy when Saif Ali Khan came up to me and said good job after I finished a scene with him. This is what I wanted to tell him how amazing he is once the director would say cut, but instead, he walked up to me and said you were good. So, that was the moment for me and I was like I had my piece of cake.

This is what happens when you get a chance to work with people of that stature and it boosts your confidence when they compliment your work.

Paresh: The moment was when we played proper cricket at Pataudi Palace. It was like two teams Saif Ali Khan vs Ali Abbas Zafar. The match was intense with proper commentary.

That was a thrilling experience.

Tandav’ will see the debut of veteran actress Dimple Kapadia in the world of web series, how was your experience working with her?

Sukhamani: Well, every day was very exciting and every shoot has been memorable. However, I was particularly happy when Saif Ali Khan came up to me and said good job after I finished a scene with him. This is what I wanted to tell him how amazing he is once the director would say cut, but instead, he walked up to me and

said you were good. So, that was the moment for me and I was like I had my piece of cake.

This is what happens when you get a chance to work with people of that stature and it boosts your confidence when they compliment your work.

Paresh: The moment was when we played proper cricket at Pataudi Palace. It was like two teams Saif Ali Khan vs Ali Abbas Zafar. The match was intense with proper commentary.

That was a thrilling experience.

What difference do you find between a 2-hour film and an 8-hour long web series on the OTT platform?

Paresh: It is massive actually, The film is essentially about the protagonist, his goal and obstacle. So the story revolves around the protagonist mainly. However, on the web series, the story revolves around many characters and this allows every character to be in the limelight.

It is a great platform and I hope it will keep growing.

Sukhmani, ‘Sacred Games’, ‘Lovebytes’ and ‘Tandav’. What next?

Sukhmani: There are a lot of projects in the pipeline this year and I am excited to be a part of them and look forward to it.

Any message to our readers/audiences?

Sukhmani: I want to thank people for their love and want to say stay safe and healthy during this pandemic.

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FINANCE

Shabab Gulfraz

CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER, AND A CHARTERED MCSI ACCREDITED FINANCIAL ADVISER

Our resident For more infofinance columnist shares hi rmation shab s finance view ab@asianstand s this week. ard.co.uk

21

&

PUZZLES Crosswords CROSSWORD Across 1 Miscellany (10) 7 Rider's footrest (7) 8 Long story (4) 10 Depose (4) 11 Age of majority 13 Frail (6) 15 Confer, impart (6) 17 Capable of being touched (8) 18 Speedy (4) 21Volcanic matter (4) 22 Songbird (7) 23 Dramatist (10)

THERE IS SUPPORT OUT THERE FOR BUSINESSES

Down 1 Wrong (5) 2 Villein (4) 3 Mend (6) 4 Naughtiness (8) 5 Fail to care for (7) 6 Colleague (9) 9 Blizzard (9) 12 Common, everyday (8) 14 Type of pigeon (7) 16 Not so fast (6) 19 Apportion (5) 20 Boast (4)

Happy New Year! Now usually at this time of year, the last thing I would be thinking I should write is a column relating to support availability for businesses.

Well first and foremost most businesses need to protect their most prized asset, which is their staff members. There is support available through Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for a maximum of 80% of earnings capped at £2,500. Just remember you still have to pay NI and pension contributions. I have had a client written to by the regulator whose account didn’t tell him he had to pay pension contributions; therefore, please make sure you are up to date.

Spot the

5

differences

My gut instinct tells me that the scheme might be extended in some form on 30th April 2021, when it comes to an end, but please start planning as an employer just in case you have become lax relying on Furlough payments, as it might be the case you might have to pay more towards your employees income going forward.

There are Local restriction Grants Available for business forced to close. These are based on the rateable value of the business, and firms with a rateable value less than £15,000 per annum will get circa £1,334 per month.

On 5 January 2021, Rishi Sunak announced additional funding for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in the form of a one-off top up grant. The grant is provided on a property by property basis to support businesses forced to close. Any small business impacted with a rateable value of £15,000 and under will get £4,000.

Local authorities can give out this discretionary funding to businesses that aren’t eligible for other grants. The government gives examples of who the funding could be given to: • businesses which supply the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors • businesses in the events sector • business required to close but which do not pay business rates You cannot get funding if your business is in administration, insolvent or has been struck off the Companies House register.

The government is temporarily cancelling business rates for all retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The cancellation of business rates apply to the following: • shops • restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs • cinemas, live music venues

2. Dino Morea's clock.

1. Dino Morea's hair.

Whilst writing this article I am mindful of businesses that have been profiting from the various aid paid for by the tax-payer. Please note. I would strongly encourage businesses that have taken such payments to review how they have gone about taking such funding. Needless to say, the government will be reviewing businesses on a case by case basis, and the guidance has suggested large fines; therefore, my opinion would be to return the funds and ensure as a business you rightfully access funds that you are entitled to without putting yourselves in detriment in the future.

3. Dino Morea's sunglasses.

4. The badge on his sweater.

• hospitality properties, like hotels, guest houses, self-catering accommodation

ANSWERS SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES 5. The color of the the wall in the background.

• assembly or leisure properties, like sports clubs, gyms, spas

CROSSWORD ANSWER

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THE RULES AROUND SUPPORT BUBBLES AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO KEEP TO THEM As of Wednesday, 6 January England went into its third national lockdown. This means there are bans on meeting people from other households, among other restrictions.

network which links two households.

The essential message is to stay at home, just like the first lockdown in March last year, which means working from home where possible and only going out for limited reasons permitted in law

Guidance says bubbles must be "exclusive". Once in one, you can't start another with a different household. If you decide to change your bubble, you should treat your previous bubble as a separate household for 10 days before forming a new one.

The lockdown restrictions mean people will not be allowed to gather or mix with different households in any public place, indoors or outdoors.

This includes private homes, parks, pubs, restaurants and sporting events.

If exercising with one other person, this should be done in a public outdoor place such as a park or beach.

However, this exercise should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area in order to do so.

But for other types of meeting the rules do not permit socialisation with those outside your household. The new guidance says: "You cannot leave your home to meet socially with anyone you do not live with.

However, there are exceptions to the rules, namely with support and childcare bubbles.

So, let’s look at what the rules are around a support bubble.

The first thing to know, is that you have to meet certain eligibility rules to form a support or childcare bubble.

A support bubble is a support

You can form a support bubble with another household of any size only if you meet the eligibility rules.

People in a bubble can stay overnight in each other's homes, visit outdoors places together and do not have to socially distance.

People may form a support bubble during the January lockdown with another household of any size if: • you live by yourself – even if carers visit you to provide support • you are the only adult in your household who does not need continuous care as a result of a disability • your household includes a child who is under the age of one or was under that age on 2 December 2020 • your household includes a child with a disability who requires continuous care and is under the age of 5, or was under that age on 2 December 2020 • you are aged 16 or 17 living with others of the same age and without any adults • you are a single adult living with one or more children who are under the age of 18 or were under that age on 12 June 2020

Based on the 2 December support bubble rules, if you share custody of a child with someone you do not live with, the child can move freely between both parents’ households, but you do not need to form a support bubble in order to do this.

You should not form a support bubble with a household that is part of another support bubble.

However, if you form a support bubble, it is best if this is with a household who live locally.

This will help prevent the virus spreading from an area where more people are infected.

There are different support bubbles for Childcare If you live in a household with anyone aged under 14, you can form a childcare bubble. This allows friends or family from one other household to provide informal childcare.

A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to anyone under 14.

All adults in both households must agree to this arrangement.

‘Informal’ childcare means it is unpaid and unregistered.

Members of either household can provide childcare in a home or public place. This includes overnight care.

You can only have one childcare bubble with one other household. This means no household should be part of more than one childcare bubble.

If you decide to change your childcare bubble, you should treat your previous bubble as a separate household for 10 days before forming a new bubble.

This means following the rules on meeting people from other households. You should not provide childcare as if you are in a bubble during this period.

If your child lives in more than one location, moving between two parents who live separately is not counted as a childcare bubble.

This means both you and the other parent can also form a childcare bubble with one other household.

In addition to childcare bubbles, the following people can provide childcare support (including in private homes and gardens): registered childcare providers providers of other supervised activities for children, including wraparound care and children’s groups paid in-home childcare providers people in your support bubble Early years settings and childminders remain open, and you can continue to use these settings as normal. Nannies are able to work in your home or any other setting.

You can also get informal help with childcare from people who do not live with you and are not part of your support or childcare bubble, so long as you follow the rules on meeting other people which apply in your area.

It has also been announced that if you break the rules, there are penalties. The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines

(fixed penalty notices).

You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.

While vaccination is well under way, the UK government are advising we continue to play our part and keep wearing masks, sanitising and social distancing.

For more information on government guidance on the latest Covid rules visit: https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/makinga-support-bubble-with-anotherhousehold

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LOHRI 2021: WHY IS IT CELEBRATED AND WHY THIS YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS TURNED INTO PROTESTS This year’s Lohri celebrations took place on 13 January, but in many parts of Punjab and Haryana, India were celebrated very differently.

Lohri is a traditional winter folk festival celebrated in India by people specifically in the North zone. It is a festival of joy that commemorates the passing of the Winter Solstice and looks forward to longer days as the sun journeys towards the northern hemisphere.

Lohri is primarily celebrated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent by Sikhs

and Hindus.

There are several tales surrounding the origin of the Lohri festival. A few accounts attribute the origin of the festival to the Himalayan mountain region where the winters are colder than the rest of the country.

After weeks of harvesting the Rabi crop, people would gather around a bonfire and celebrate the passing of the winter solstice and the promise of the coming spring season. The festival is also dedicated to the sun deity, Surya, as on this day the

devotees expect it's returning after the cold winter days and ask it for warmth and sunshine.

Another legend attributes the celebration of Lohri to the tale of ‘Dulla Bhatti’ who was a local hero of the Punjab region and during the reign of Akbar, worked as a saviour of the people. He famously saved a group of young girls from being sold into slavery.

His deeds have been passed down as a legend and are deeply inculcated in the Punjabi folklore. On Lohri, ‘Dulla Bhatti’ is celebrated and

various songs and dances are performed in his honour.

Each year the festival of Lohri is celebrated with the traditional bonfire. Unlike most festivals in India which witness people visiting family and friends and distributing sweets etc., Lohri celebrations are marked by people gathering at a common place and set up a huge bonfire with various kinds of sweet delicacies on display for eating together.

Traditionally in Punjab, the festival is celebrated by eating sheaves of roasted corn from the new harvest. As the January sugarcane harvest also wraps up during this time, many sugarcane products such as gurh and gachak are central to the celebration food.

People gather on this day to dance their hearts out and enjoy the warmth of the fire and friendly spirit. No Lohri festival is complete without the energetic moves of Bhangra and Gidda and some people also decorate, their homes.

However, this year the spirit of Lohri in most parts of northern India were very different and this wasn’t down to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Farmers in many parts of Punjab and Haryana, as well as those protesting against the agriculture laws along the borders of Delhi, burned copies of the legislations on the festival of Lohri, as a mark

of protest.

Farmers also shouted slogans against the BJP-led central government and criticised the administration for not acceding to their demand of repealing the laws. Visuals of farmers registering their protest on the occasion of the harvest festival were widely shared on social media.

Indian farmers are angry because they fear that new Indian laws will help giant corporations and leave them at their mercy.

In late September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government hurriedly passed a set of new farm laws in the Indian Parliament.

The laws lay out the framework for private traders to purchase crops directly from the farmers and bypass government marketing boards meant to ensure fair prices. The protesting farmer unions believe the laws will

lead to the breakdown of the government marketing boards, which purchase much of the surplus food grain.

Initially Mr. Modi and his government responded by trying to discredit the mostly Sikh protesters. Ministers of the government labeled many of the protesters Khalistanis, a reference to a fringe rightwing religious movement that wants an independent country for the Sikhs.

Since then, protests have been ongoing and even the Supreme Court of India has intervened by staying the administration of the new laws and setting up a committee that is to discuss issues with the government and the farmers and submit a report within two months.

The farm unions have made it clear they will not participate in the process because the committee’s four members have already publicly stated their support for the new laws.

Asian Sunday Online a digital platform, where you can watch new content every Sunday only on our YouTube channel Asian Sunday TV. Join the discussion with Let’s Talk or perhaps join in with some cooking with Simmering Sundays.

If you want to be on the show then email letstalk@asiansunday.co.uk

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A SECOND IMPEACHMENT IS JUST THE START OF TRUMP’S LEGAL WOES

BY PROFESSOR THOMAS KLASSEN

With only a week left in his term, Donald Trump became the first US president to be impeached twice. So, what happens to him now? Will he stand trial in the Senate?

Professor Thomas Klassen of the School of Public Policy and Administration, at York University, Canada explains further.

By becoming the first president to be impeached twice, Donald Trump’s

controversial and divisive term as president is reaching a surreal ending.

Although he will likely remain in office and finish his term on Jan. 20, the impeachment is the opening salvo of investigations and allegations of wrongdoing that will define his legacy.

After Joe Biden assumes the presidency, Trump may face criminal and civil charges at both the federal and state

levels for actions before and during his tenure as president. He’s reportedly so nervous about ongoing investigations that his discussions with advisers about pardoning himself and his children have intensified since he incited the raid on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Some of them have warned against it.

Criminal cases are the most serious, involving offences

against the state and prosecuted by government agencies. In contrast, civil cases are disputes between two parties that typically result in monetary payments.

The federal scene As president, Trump was protected from prosecution because of a longstanding Justice Department policy that sitting presidents cannot

be charged with unlawful behaviour that occurs while in office. Rather, Congress, via impeachment, has the power to punish a president for wrongdoing.

But with the end of Trump’s presidency, the U.S. attorney general in the Biden administration could charge him for criminal wrongdoing that occurred while he was in office. The federal government could begin to investigate Trump for income tax evasion while he was in office and prior to his election in 2016.

There is a long tradition in the United States of using tax evasion charges when other means to prosecute fail. Another flamboyant entrepreneur born in New York learned this the hard way: Al Capone.

Before Trump incited the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, it seemed improbable that Biden’s administration would consider seeking criminal charges. Biden stated in August 2020: “I think it is a very, very unusual thing and probably not very … how can I say it? … good for democracy to be talking about prosecuting former presidents.”

AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, leads the final vote of the impeachment of U.S.

Even after Trump’s outrageous behaviour during the last weeks of his presidency and his impeachment, and even if there is evidence of tax

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ASIAN STANDARD / BRADFORD

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US Capitol, West side evasion, it remains unlikely that Biden will authorize the unprecedented step of the federal government taking a former president to court on criminal charges.

An enormous investment in political capital by the new administration would be required, and a ferocious backlash from Republicans would ensue while placing Trump firmly back in the stoplight.

the federal government, the state of New York is conducting criminal investigations into Trump and his businesses. They include probes into potential bank, tax and insurance fraud, as

by Trump and his company.

Although these investigations and potential charges are the responsibility of a Democratic state government, ultimately

decision to charge Trump in New York could be made from the Oval Office given the political ramifications and the precedent-setting nature of charging a former president.

a degree of cover and distance for the Democrats in Washington. Nevertheless, it is doubtful that Biden will see much advantage for his administration in seeing Trump charged in New York.

These are the weakest of the legal cases Trump will face given he’s merely accused of lying rather than having engaged in unlawful behaviour despite 26 women accusing him of sexually assaulting them. At the moment, it’s probable that these cases against Trump will result in a monetary payment or an apology.

At the same time, failing to charge Trump if there’s sufficient evidence uncovered to warrant charges creates a situation in which presidents solidify their immunity.

As Biden himself noted in August: "I don’t think anyone’s above the law.”

Regardless of rhetoric about justice being blind, any decision to charge Trump with a federal criminal offence is at least partly political, and will rest with Biden. At the moment, it continues to be improbable that Trump will face federal charges.

Some might hope Trump’s second impeachment and the legal proceedings that could be about to begin against him will bring a measure of censure and closure to his term in office and redress some of his excesses in the White House.

President Donald Trump

The state of New York State charges, however, are another story.

Distinct and separate from

them liars after they accused him of sexually assaulting them before he was elected.

These civil lawsuits have been slowly proceeding while Trump served his term, since sitting presidents don’t have immunity from civil lawsuits for acts committed before taking office.

well as the falsification of business records.

The state also has a separate civil investigation of tax fraud

Biden could call the shots. Regardless of the constitutional independence of state governments, the

However, the calculus might be different than for federal crimes in that charges laid in New York provide

The civil landscape Two women are suing Trump for defamation for calling

But this isn’t likely to happen as the political cost to prosecute an ex-president is extraordinarily high and also runs the risk of making him a martyr to his base.

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Veganuary

RAVAYYA For the entire month of January, we will be bringing you some super delicious vegan style recipes. This week, our Editor gives her favourite recipe – Ravayya, which is aubergines stuffed with potatoes

VEGAN

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

½ kilo baby aubergines 3 x large sweet potatoes or 5 x large red potatoes grated 1 x bell pepper (any colour you choose) 4 x large ripe fresh tomatoes 1 x large onion 2 tbsp coriander powder ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tsp chilli powder 2 tsp ginger garlic paste 2 tbsp olive oil Salt to taste

For potato filling 1 tbsp fresh ground green chillies 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tbsp coriander powder 1 tsp ginger garlic paste Salt to taste

For garnishing Cherry tomatoes.

Fresh coriander Thin slices of pepper

FROM SAVECO SUPERMARKET BRADFORD COST = UNDER FIVER

Grate potatoes. Add spices and mix well. Dice pepper and leave a small chunk for garnishing. Leave to rest. If using sweet potatoes, lightly roast the potatoes in a frying pan, for better texture. If red potatoes, then you can skip the lightly roasting.

After rested, wash aubergine and cut a split 4 ways. Then stuff the aubergine with the grated potatoes and leave to rest.

Dice onions. Add 2 tablespoon to pan, let oil heat up a little (on a medium flame, be careful oil isn’t piping hot, but just warm) then add in onions and golden brown.

Add ginger garlic paste and stir for 2 minutes.

Add in spices and salt to taste. Stir and leave on low heat for around 5 minutes.

Blend your fresh ripened tomatoes and add in with the spices.

Stir well and leave on low heat for around 10 minutes or until oil comes to surface.

Add in your aubergines and leave to cook on low heat.

After around 10 minutes turn your aubergines, don’t worry if potatoes fall out.

Cook for another 10 minutes, or until you are happy with texture. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, slices of pepper, sprinkle of pomegranate and serve with chappatis or enjoy on it’s own with salad

Have a tantalising recipe? Want to share? We would love to feature your recipes. If you would like to have your recipe featured on this page then email us at: recipes@asianstandard.co.uk

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DREAM IS TO WIN PREMIER LEAGUE, CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WITH MAN UTD: DIALLO Manchester United's Amad Diallo said that his dream is to win Premier League and Champions League with the club.

"I'm a little bit too anxious to say this given it's just the start [of my time here] but my dream is to win the Premier League and the Champions League with Manchester United. That is my aim and goal," the club's official website quoted Diallo as saying.

Earlier this month, Manchester United had announced that Diallo's arrival from Atalanta

has been finalised. The Ivorian winger had signed a contract to the end of June 2025, with the option of an extra year. When an agreement between the clubs was first announced on October 5, 2020 -deadline day at the end of the summer transfer window -- it was subject to a medical, work-permit and personal terms.

Diallo is also keen to learn from his new teammates and said he will do his best to succeed at the club.

"I'm only young, only 18, so there is still a long

way ahead for me.

I want to learn, and progress and I will be listening to the more experienced players here and the coach, and I'll do my best and work hard to succeed," he said.

The youngster also said "To be honest I cannot wait, I'm so excited at the prospect of working with these fantastic people at such a great club. This adventure is about to start and I'm really, really excited and over the moon."

DETERMINED TO PROCEED WITH PREPARATIONS AS PLANNED: TOKYO 2020 CHIEF Tokyo 2020 organising committee chief Yoshiro Mori promised that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held as scheduled this summer.

Mori made the remarks when addressing approximately 3,500 committee staff members in an online event. "We are determined to proceed with preparations as planned for the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer," the former

Japanese Prime Minister said.

He said that even there are "any doubts" in his mind, it will affect everything, Japan's state broadcaster reported according to Xinhua news.

"We will go through this dark tunnel together with you. Spring will eventually come. The morning will come after a long night. Believe that, do your best

to give joy and hope to many people," he said.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Muto Toshiro said that sports are powerful and can impress people. "It is our duty to think about how we can hold the games instead of wondering what is going to happen to them," Muto said.

Mori later said on another occasion that the Olympics

will never be postponed again, according to Kyodo news agency.

He was quoted as saying that it is "absolutely impossible" to put off the games again because many officials who have played a key role in the preparations are loaned from other organizations.

Mori said that Japan will determine

whether to admit overseas fans during the Olympics and Paralympics based on the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming months.

The state of emergency covering Tokyo and other surrounding prefectures is expected to be lifted on Feb. 8. The organizers are in a race against time to put the coronavirus under control.

"I think we will have to make a very difficult decision from February to March," he told Kyodo.

The test events and Olympic qualifying events for the Olympic Games are scheduled to restart on March 4.

SPORTS

DARUVALA TO DRIVE FOR FIRST ALLINDIAN TEAM AT ASIAN F3 C'SHIP Formula 2 driver Jehan Daruvala and British Formula 3 runner-up Kush Maini will be part of the Mumbai Falcons who will compete in the F3 Asian Championship, that starts on January 29 in Dubai.

line-up on the grid. We are confident of going all the way and winning the Championship," he added.

The Asian F3 Championship

is the continent's most competitive racing event, with nine strong teams boasting of multiple F2 and F3 drivers, competing. The

five-round 15-race long season will kick off in Dubai on January 29 and conclude on February 20 in Abu Dhabi.

The Falcons are the first Indian team to compete in the championship.

Former F2 and GT1 racer Armaan Ebrahim is the team principal and eighttime national champion Rayomand Banajee will be their strategy and communications head.

"Our goal is to take Indian Motorsport to new heights. Asian F3 is just the beginning," Navjeet Gadhoke, owner of Mumbai Falcons, which came into existence just last year, said. "With Jehan and Kush, we have the best driver Jehan Daruvala

CONOR MCGREGOR SAYS 'TALKS ARE INTENSIFYING' TO FIGHT MANNY PACQUIAO "I am excited for a Manny Pacquiao bout and it looks like it will happen this year," Conor McGregor told The Mac Life; Ireland's UFC superstar returns to mixed martial arts action later this month but is eyeing a boxing world title Conor McGregor insists he will win a boxing world title and believes a fight against Manny Pacquiao will happen this year.

The UFC superstar returns to mixed martial arts action on January 24 in a rematch with Dustin Poirier, who he knocked out in a breakthrough performance in 2014.

McGregor lost his boxing debut in an extravaganza of a fight against Floyd Mayweather three years later but expects to return to the ring later in 2021.

Kush Maini

16 - 22 JANUARY 2021

SPORTS

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DARUVALA TO DRIVE FOR FIRST ALL-INDIAN TEAM AT ASIAN F3 C'SHIP

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ENGLAND WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM TO TOUR PAKISTAN IN OCTOBER

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have confirmed that England Women will tour Pakistan in October, taking part in two IT20s and three ODIs. Heather Knight’s team will be making their first-ever trip to Pakistan and will be alongside the England Men’s white-ball team, with the two IT20s played as doubleheaders in Karachi on 14 and 15 October.

England Women will then stay in Karachi to compete in three ODIs on 18, 20 and 22 October.

ECB Managing Director of Women’s Cricket, Clare Connor, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be making this historic announcement today. The England Women’s cricket team has never toured Pakistan before so this is another important step in our history and journey.

“Not only will this be a cricket tour that provides valuable competitive opportunity to both teams, it should also

Clare Connor

serve as another powerful and positive message as we drive forward our equality ambitions for more women and girls to derive empowerment through the sport.

“I was in Pakistan last year and I know the impact that a women’s tour such as this can have and how memorable an experience it will be for our players and staff.”

PCB Chief Executive, Wasim Khan, said: “World champions England accompanying their men’s side for their first-ever tour to Karachi is an extremely powerful and strong announcement for Pakistan, our women’s cricketers as well as for the global sport.

“This announcement reflects the confidence, trust and relationship the PCB enjoys with the England and Wales Cricket Board, and is an acknowledgement for the successful delivery of international and domestic cricket in the challenging and difficult 2020.

“Women’s T20Is taking place

before the men’s matches at the iconic National Stadium will mean more eyeballs will follow these matches than ever before. While this presents a great opportunity for the PCB to showcase the image and profile of women’s cricket, it is a chance for the women cricketers to demonstrate their talent and skills, and play their part Womenin attracting, inspiring and motivating the next generation of women cricketers so that they can also fall in love with this great sport.

“The three ODIs against the world champions will assist the Pakistan women’s side to access, gauge and fine-tune their ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 preparations as they aim to produce improved performances than in the past.

“Like the England men’s

side, I am confident the women’s tour will open up opportunities for their future tours that will further contribute in promoting women’s cricket in Pakistan and helping our national side to narrow the gap with the leading nations.”

SERIES SCHEDULE 14 October: 1st IT20, National Stadium, Karachi 15 October: 2nd IT20, National Stadium, Karachi 18 October: 1st ODI, National Stadium, Karachi 20 October: 2nd ODI, National Stadium, Karachi 22 October: 3rd ODI, National Stadium, Karachi

Wasim Khan