Asian Standard Leeds Issue 1 - 7 Mar 2021

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TOP TEN FEMINIST FLICKS TO CELEBRATE

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Our resident chef Shaeem shows us how to cook Taar Korma CHECK HIS RECIPE ON PAGE 28

TOP TEN FEMINIST FLICKS TO CELEBRATE

INTERNATIONAL

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

WOMEN’S DAY

YO YO HONEY SINGH PRODUCES THE FIRST SINGLE FOR UPCOMING JOHN ABRAHAM BLOCKBUSTER ‘MUMBAI SAGA’

YAMI GAUTUM REVEALS HER CHARACTER FROM UPCOMING FILM DASVI

'DHAAKAD' OFFICIALLY COMES TO A CLOSE AS ACTOR ARJUN RAMPAL THANKS CREW FOR THEIR DEDICATION

LEEDS / 1 - 7 MARCH 2021 / FREE

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#CHOOSETOCHALLENGE

CELEBRATING THE REAL SHEROES

Kulwant Kaur Bhupal

Akhtar Rashid

Razia Bibi

Pritpal Kaur

WISHING ALL OUR AMAZING FEMALE READERS A HAPPY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

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NEWS IN BRIEF Covid Rapid Tests for Families with children as Schools re-open planned

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MASKS MAY STILL BE NEEDED AFTER JUNE 21, COUNCIL CHIEF CLAIMS

BY RICHARD BEECHAM | LDRS Reporter

Families with children will be offered two Covid rapid tests a week under plans for schools to safely reopen in England from March 8. Up to 32 million lateral flow tests will be given to parents to administer every week in a new government ‘surge’ testing initiative that has been launched.

Free tests will be provided to pupils’ households, as well as those in their childcare or support bubbles, regardless of whether anyone has symptoms, the government said on Sunday.

Secondary and college pupils will be tested with lateral flow tests twice a week, receiving three initial tests at school before they start taking them at home.

Fancy getting your name to Mars for Free?

NASA has announced that they are now accepting applications from people who want their monikers taken to space. To sign up for their next interplanetary journey, all you have to do is head over to NASA’s webpage and fill out their ‘Send Your Name to Mars’ section.

It will ask for your name, surname, country, postal code and email address. Once you fill those in, you can click through and get to your official boarding pass detailing the scheduled departure and launch site of the 2026 Mars Mission. All submitted names will be reviewed, approved and then etched onto a microchip. Unfortunately, NASA doesn’t publish the final list of names they select to be engraved.

Those who get approved will see their names travel 34 million miles to the red planet’s Jezero Crater.

So far, over 8 million people have made a reservation. It is not known how many names will be selected.

‘Send Your Name to Mars’ applications are completely free of charge. Anyone who wants to apply can do so without having to pay. Once you apply, you also get a free NASA boarding pass with your details on it, which you can print or share on your social media accounts.

People in Leeds may still have to wear masks after the Government’s final lifting of Covid-19 restrictions this summer, the city’s most senior civil servant has said.

Speaking at a press conference, Leeds City Council chief executive Tom Riordan added that while many aspects of day to day life may go back to normal after this summer, social distancing and the extra ventilation of buildings may still be needed to reduce the spread of further infection.

The council’s head of public health also warned against opening back up to regular life too quickly, instead suggesting a “slow and steady” lifting of restrictions.

It follows a recent announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that a target date of June 21 at the

earliest had been set to remove final Covid-related restrictions on freedoms.

When asked about what life would be like for the people of Leeds after the summer, Mr Riordan said: “It will be a mixture – and will be not exactly the same as before. The fundamentals of the city, economy and how people get around are still very strong.

“In many ways, there will be a lot of things that will be the same, but it will be a different summer, the more people can be outdoors doing what they enjoy, the better.

“The more we can take the good things that have come out about how we can be more kind to each other and be more neighbourly will be important – people’s mental health coming out of this pandemic will be a major issue.

“There will be a lot of job losses – there have been already. There may still be mask wearing, there will be keeping a physical distance, particularly indoors and we need to think about ventilation of indoor spaces.

“The Government strategy is to live with the virus – it’s not to eliminate it. Washing your hands, keeping your distance and getting vaccinated.”

Officials also warned the rates of infection had not yet gone down as much as they had last summer, when lockdown restrictions were last eased by Government.

Victoria Eaton, the council’s director of public health, said: “The next few months is about how we lift some of those first restrictions, but still with levels of infection that are still pretty high – the rate at the moment is down to 165 per 100,000 – that is still 1,300

BRAZILIAN CORONAVIRUS VARIANT FOUND IN UK CAUSES CONCERN Six cases of a worrying strain of coronavirus first identified in north Brazil have been found in the UK. The variant may spread more quickly and respond less well to existing vaccines.

Cases of another Brazilian variant had already been found in the UK, however this strain, first found in Manaus, is of more concern. Public Health England (PHE) said that three of the cases were found in England and three in Scotland.

to Brazil but the third is not linked.

The Scottish government said that the three Scottish residents who contracted the virus had returned to Scotland from Brazil via Paris and London. Other passengers who were on the flight from London to Aberdeen are being contacted to get tested.

Dr Susan Hopkins, PHE’s strategic response director for Covid-19, said: ‘We have identified these cases thanks to the UK’s advanced sequencing capabilities which means we are finding more variants and mutations than many other countries and are therefore able to take action quickly.

‘The important thing to remember is that Covid-19, no matter what variant it is, spreads in the same way.

In England, the first two cases of the P.1 strain are from one household in South Gloucestershire with a history of travel

The whereabouts of that individual is unknown, as PHE says the person did not complete their test registration card so follow-up details are unavailable.

Officials are asking anyone who took a test on February 12 or 13 and who has not received a result or has an uncompleted test registration card to come forward immediately.

That means the measures to stop it spreading do not change.’

it shares key mutations with the variant detected in South Africa.

The World Health Organisation has been informed of the cases, which have been designated “of concern” as

Surge testing will take place in South Gloucestershire after cases of the Manaus variant were discovered.

Huge iceberg broken off in Antarctica A huge iceberg nearly as large as Greater London has broken off the Antarctic ice shelf near a British research station. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said that the 1,270 square km (490 square m) block had broken off from the 150-metre-thick Brunt Ice Shelf. It came almost a decade after scientists first saw massive cracks had formed in the shelf. But on Friday 26 February, a crack in the ice widened by several hundred metre before breaking off completely, in a process called ‘calving’. Scientists say the first indication of the incident came in

location. Bedfordshire is just over 1,200 square km, while Greater London is less than 1,600. The base’s 12-person team left earlier this month, as they leave the base uninhabited in winter due to the unpredictable conditions.

November, before the rift move forward at up to 1km per day in January, cutting through the 150-m thick floating ice shelf. Icebergs are breaking away from Antarctica increasingly frequently, with the issue often being linked to climate change and global warming. Britain’s Halley VI Research Station, which monitors the state of the vast floating ice shelf daily,

relocated in 2016/17 because of fears around cracks in the ice cutting them off.

Director of BAS Jane Francis said: ‘Our teams at BAS have been prepared for the calving of an iceberg from Brunt Ice Shelf for years.’ Experts said the latest event, which saw an iceberg the size of Bedfordshire break away, is unlikely to affect the station’s current

While they are away, data from the site goes to a centre in Cambridge for analysis. The BAS said in this case, there is ‘no evidence that climate change has played a significant role’. Ms Francis added: ‘Over coming weeks or months, the iceberg may move away; or it could run aground and remain close to Brunt Ice Shelf’. The BAS is a world leader in environmental research in the region. Mr Garrod added: ‘We continuously review our contingency plans to ensure the safety of our staff, protect our research station, and maintain the delivery of the science we undertake at Halley.’

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TWITTER NEW FEATURE MAY LET USERS CHARGE FOLLOWERS FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

new cases a week in Leeds.

“This is a really different situation than it was going into the lifting of restrictions last summer – our infection rate went down as low as four per 100,000.

“Despite all the optimism, we are going into this with higher rates and with nearly all of our

cases being the new UK variant which is more contagious.

“There is a general message that we need to go slow and steady. We are not out of the woods yet, and there will be bumps along the road with this.

“It’s going to be more tricky to open things up if the rates don’t decrease.”

POLICE SEIZE 80 ALLIGATOR HEADS FROM A HOUSE IN BIRMINGHAM Police officers have seized 80 alligator heads from a house in Birmingham. They were tipped off that the haul was there, and the items being sold on eBay. Officers from the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) of West Midlands Police swooped on a house in the Perry Barr area of the city last week.

Birmingham Police tweeted that it was ‘not your normal find for us when conducting a warrant but it’s all in a day’s work for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) and our wildlife crime officer volunteers’.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: ‘We received information that the heads were being imported from abroad

illegally and sold on through eBay to buyers all around the world at a large profit to the seller.

‘We carried out a joint investigation with the NWCU culminating in today’s warrant.

‘We believe that the suspect

has been illegally importing the heads for some time, with regular sales being seen on eBay. ‘The warrant was conducted under the Control of Trade of Endangered Species Act and a 44-year-old man has been voluntarily interviewed.’

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Twitter is exploring a feature that will allow users to charge followers for exclusive perks.

Super Follows is designed to provide creators and publishers with paid support from fans who want a bit more than the usual tweets accessible to everyone. This includes bonus tweets only viewable to paying members, which would form part of a monthly subscription. In exchange, users could receive a support badge on their profile, subscriberonly newsletters, deals or discounts, special community access and other exclusive content, according to a mock screen published by the social network.

The move comes as creators look to generate an income from content they share online, which the likes of Patreon and OnlyFans have offered in recent years. Should Twitter take a cut, the development would also supply the company with

a new revenue source. But it is not clear when the company intends to make the feature available on the platform.

Revealed during Twitter’s analyst day event for investors on Thursday 25 February, Super Follows was displayed on its ‘What’s next’ slide with no release date. ‘We’re rethinking incentives and exploring solutions to provide monetary incentive models for creators and publishers to be directly supported by their audience,’

the presentation explained.

Elsewhere, the social network showed another potential addition called Communities, where people can join grouplike spaces with others on specific interests. Describing the idea, Twitter said: ‘We’re working to create a product experience that makes it easier for people to form, discover, and participate in conversations that are more targeted to the relevant communities or geographies they’re invested in.’

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MULTIPLE ARRESTS MADE AND AMMUNITION RECOVERED IN LARGE SCALE POLICE OPERATION, LEEDS West Yorkshire Police are continuing enquiries after officers made multiple arrests and significant seizures as part of a large-scale operation to recover 330,000 rounds of ammunition stolen from the West Midlands on February 17.

Six men from the Leeds and Kirklees area were arrested overnight between Thursday and Friday February 26, and significant quantities of ammunition were recovered following the police operation in Farnley and Birstall.

The men detained overnight remain in police

custody under arrest for offences of conspiracy to steal and handling stolen goods, and enquiries are ongoing.

West Yorkshire Police has been working in partnership with colleagues from the West Midlands Police, Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to conduct the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “A significant and highly complex policing operation

has been ongoing into the theft of ammunition from West Midlands with law enforcement colleagues.

“As a result of those enquiries West Yorkshire officers were able to make six arrests on Thursday evening and locate stolen ammunition in a vehicle in the Leeds area.

“Although our searches remain ongoing and will take some time, I would like to reassure the public we believe the vast majority, if not all, of the ammunition has now been recovered.

“Clearly this is a very welcome development, and we are continuing to spare no effort and dedicate every necessary resource to this investigation.”

DETECTIVES APPEAL AFTER MAN STABBED IN INCIDENT ON EASTERLY ROAD, LEEDS Detectives are appealing for information after a man was stabbed in an incident in Leeds.

At 1.33pm on 26 February police were contacted by the family of a 37-year-old man who were taking him to hospital after he attended their address in Gipton Wood Avenue with stab wounds.

Officers spoke to the

victim who reported being assaulted by a black male who approached him in Easterly Road, near the junction with Amberton Road.

His injuries were considered serious but not life threatening and he is continuing to receive treatment.

A scene was put in place

to undergo forensic examination and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13210099155 or online via www.westyorkshire.police. uk/101livechat

APPEAL: SERIOUS ASSAULT, MANSTON PARK, CROSSGATES Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a man was seriously assaulted in Manston Gardens, Crossgates Leeds.

Officers were called at around 6.45pm yesterday evening (27 February) to reports a man had been attacked by a group of youths.

It’s believed there were about 10 male suspects all aged around 14 years old.

Acting Detective Inspector Mick Herbert of Leeds CID said: ‘We are investigating this very serious and unprovoked assault on this man.

The man was walking with his wife and dog at the time.

‘This vicious attack has left the victim in hospital with serious injuries.

The victim a 49 year old man was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, where he remains in a serious condition.

‘A scene is currently in place at Manston Gardens and the entrance to Manston Park whilst police carry out forensic enquiries.

‘House to house and CCTV enquiries are also being carried out.

‘I am appealing for anyone who was in the park yesterday evening who may have seen the assault or the group of youths to come forward.’

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the live chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police. uk/livechat quoting crime reference 13210101252 Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

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POOR VACCINE TAKE-UP IN BAME COMMUNITIES IS NOT JUST DOWN TO HESITANCY

BY WINSTON MORGAN Winston Morgan is a Reader in Toxicology and Clinical Biochemistry, he is a Director of Impact and Innovation for the University of East London, he has written in The Conversation, he shares his views on the BAME community and vaccine hesitancy. His research makes interesting reading. Here’s what he has to say.

Stories about vaccine hesitancy in various communities described as Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) have led public figures to appeal to this supposedly reluctant group through video campaigns.

Yet, in campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy, the relevance of the legacy of discrimination that many of these communities face is being ignored. This is in spite of glaring issues such as historical concerns about inadequate and unethical medical treatment towards members of some of these communities. What is driving some in these groups to ask legitimate questions about the vaccine before agreeing to take it isn’t necessarily due to vaccine hesitancy. In many cases, it could be more complex.

There is also no doubt that the reach of COVID-19 misinformation has widened in BAME communities because of their specific sensitivities and concerns. The lived experience of far too many under the BAME umbrella is one of fragile trust in the government and NHS. This lack of confidence in the state

creates space for less reputable players – such as anti-vaxxers, who spread misinformation to discourage people from taking the COVID-19 vaccine – to target these groups.

But vaccine hesitancy is not unique to Black or Asian communities, all you have to do is look at France to see the power of anti-vaxxer sentiments across the population. Surveys have shown that only 54% of people in France were willing to be immunised before vaccine rollouts. Though scepticism eased slightly after vaccines arrived, 37% of French people still said they would “definitely not” or “probably not” get vaccinated.

Vaccine agency is not hesitancy In the UK, the focus on hesitancy is distracting people from other key issues around the delivery of the vaccine, especially to groups who have suffered most. To understand how problematic this is, we should look at the two distinct sets of data that are currently being used as evidence of vaccine hesitancy: surveys about who’s likely to take the vaccine and figures for how many vulnerable groups from black and Asian communities have already been vaccinated.

For surveys where people are asked if they will take the vaccine, black people are less likely to give a straight “yes” when asked. Although this is alarming and progress is slow, it does not necessarily mean they

won’t take it. Just as not every white person who says they will take the vaccine will end up having the vaccine. However, vaccine agency is only effective if black communities also challenge anti-vaxxers and their sources as vigorously as they challenge the government and its scientists.

For many in black communities, having the choice to either take or reject medical care is often empowering in itself. This is because black people in the UK also look to the experiences of black people across the African diaspora to inform decisions and to ensure the same issues don’t happen again.

The 40-year-long US Public Health Service Tuskeegee

syphilis experiment, is one glaring example of why trust is low. The study, which aimed to seem how untreated syphilis behaved misled Black male participants into participating by suggesting they’d receiving free healthcare and treatment for “bad blood”. It also observed those infected with syphilis without giving them treatment and without their informed consent, even after a cure was found. Many of these men died, while others unknowingly passed the disease to their wives and children.

Ignoring structural problems The issue of getting more Black and Asian communities vaccinated is even more alarming when looking at how

many of them in vulnerable groups (particularly in big cities) have now been vaccinated. The data shows that proportionately twice as many white people as Black people in the eligible categories have been vaccinated. Just as issues such as structural racism can explain why Black people are disproportionately more likely to be infected and then die from the virus, sadly, the same issues are playing a leading role in preventing many Black people from getting vaccinated.

Unfortunately, this isn’t being discussed.

Ironically, many NHS Trusts report that except for doctors, BAME staff have some of the lowest vaccine uptake numbers. This too has its roots in structural issues. More BAME staff are in roles where they are more exposed to the virus but with less access to PPE. As such, BAME NHS staff were some of most affected by COVID-19 early in the pandemic.

These problems linked to structural racism aren’t new, we know they’re widespread in terms of access to healthcare and poorer medical outcomes in areas such as death during pregnancy, diabetes and heart disease for many Black people.

We have also seen the same pattern of poor delivery of the flu vaccine over many years to some BAME groups, yet these problems are either being missed or ignored.

Historically, concerns have

been raised about shortfalls in NHS and public health messaging to these groups. It seems convenient today that those in power have focused on hesitancy, which blames victims rather than identifying an inadequate system based on bias. A similar approach was taken at the start of the pandemic, when issues linked to race and genes rather than racism were suggested as the reason for disproportionate BAME COVID-19 deaths. Again, the evidence supporting this does not exist.

Subtle messages in recent campaigns and some news reports also suggest ignorance leading to self-imposed hesitancy as the reason the vaccine is not being accepted

by BAME communities.

However, the arrival of popup vaccine centres which aim to reach people who aren’t using conventional vaccination centres is a small acknowledgement that the situation is far more complicated. Vaccine hesitancy is the symptom, structural racism is the disease.

Having had easy wins with over70s and the vulnerable, can the government reach and deliver the vaccine to the communities they are now encouraging to take it? Going by past records of vaccine delivery to these groups, we may never reach the level of vaccine uptake the government has been pushing for.

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LEGAL

Luke Patel

PARTNER AT BLACKS SOLICITORS LLP Luke Patel is a Partner at Lee ds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commer dispute resolution and hea cial ds up that team.

Luke was the winner of the Best Professional in Busines s award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Des cribed in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts individuals, owner manage for d businesses and SME ’s in a wide range of sectors.

FORCE MAJEURE CLAUSES CLARIFIED

BY THE COURTS In an editorial on Force Majeure Clauses last year it was queried whether they could be relied upon by a party who is unable to fulfil their contractual obligations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case of 2 Entertain Video Limited v Sony DADC Europe Limited has provided clarity on when a Force Majeure Clause will apply.

In that case £40m worth of stock belonging to 2 Entertain stored in a warehouse belonging to Sony was lost during the 2011 London riots when intruders broke into the warehouse and started a fire which destroyed it. 2 Entertain, who had a logistics and distribution agreement with Sony, sued Sony on the basis that it had failed to keep the stock secure in the warehouse and to adequately assess the risk of intruders or fire.

As part of its defence, Sony relied on a Force Majeure Clause within the agreement which stated that: “Neither party shall be liable for its failure or delay in performing any of its obligations hereunder if such failure or delay is caused by circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the party affected including but not limited to industrial action (at either party), fire, flood, wars, armed conflict, terrorist act, riot, civil commotion, malicious damage, explosion, unavailability of fuel, pandemic or governmental or other regulatory action.”

However, the Judge found that the break-in at the warehouse was foreseeable and could have been prevented by Sony by having better security on the building. On that basis, it could not be considered an event of force majeure under the agreement because the failure to prevent the damage by fire was not caused by circumstances which were beyond Sony’s control. Sony could not have prevented the riot from occurring but it was not the riot that directly caused the damage but instead it was the break-in and the subsequent arson and that was something which could have been stopped by Sony. For those reasons, the Judge held that Sony could not rely on the Force Majeure Clause and was responsible for 2 Entertain’s losses albeit it was subject to a contractual cap of £5m under the agreement.

This case is an important reminder that Force Majeure Clauses will not protect businesses which could have reasonably taken action to avoid the type of problem or event set out in the clause but failed to do so. Although the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic would constitute an “unforeseeable” event outside a party’s reasonable control (and pandemic is specifically referred to in the Force Majeure Clause in this case), those affected would still be expected to continue to take reasonable steps to comply with the terms of the agreement which they are able to still perform and to mitigate the effects of any non-performance as far as possible. It is not enough to simply say that the pandemic was beyond the party’s control any more than it was for Sony to say that the riot was beyond its control. A defaulting party cannot simply assume that because the pandemic has resulted in a number of events which has led to the contract not being performed, the failure of performance can be excused and that there is no breach of contract.

If you require any assistance with contractual matters or any COVID-19 related issue then please contact Luke Patel at Blacks Solicitors on 0113 227 9316 or by email at “LPatel@LawBlacks.com”.

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WELCOME TO THIS EXCITING WOMEN’S SPECIAL ISSUE This International Women’s Day we highlight and celebrate five amazing ladies who have the most inspirational stories ever. But here’s the thing we haven’t really heard them before, and they are from a generation who may not be with us for too long.

place for Asian communities. Many of the women who left families in another continent to join their husbands, or to leave difficult situations for a better life, spoke no English and knew nothing about England, except the stories that it was a country that was paved with gold.

This generation of women, for me are the real sheroes, as had it not been for them, perhaps people my generation and the generation after me, would not have had the opportunities and the paths paved for us to reach where we are today.

On arrival they didn’t find the gold, but found opportunity, with struggle and hardship. Despite this the grit and determination got them to where they are today, creating other independent and strong women after them.

South Asian migration to the UK increased through the 1950s, 60s and 70s, with migrants coming from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Kenya and Uganda. While the UK offered work, there was no cultural infrastructure in

There are many more stories to tell than the ones we have shared, but sadly this generation have either faded memories or have too many painful memories to share their truths to an audience. Many unfortunately are not even among us.

And so we can’t present them all.

But those that are, let us celebrate them and shine a light on their phenomenal journey’s and use them as are our starting point to celebrate International Women’s Day. So, with a special thanks to Womenzone let me introduce you to some of my real Sheroes.

Happy International Women’s Day

FatimaPatel EDITOR IN CHIEF ASIAN STANDARD NEWSPAPER

10 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

Kulwant Kaur Bhupal

BY MINREET KAUR

K

ulwant Kaur Bhupal, aged 70 from Leeds was the first female pardhaan (leader of the gurdwara) at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple. This is unheard of and something to celebrate!

Born in Khanaura, Hoshiarpur District Punjab. She loved India, life was simple, easy and there was a lot of love. Families are together, they have time for one another.

Her grandfather was in the 23rd Sikh regiment and fought in WWI. Kulwant came to the UK in 1973, aged 21. She got married in Wolverhampton.

After the birth of her first child she moved to Leeds, where her husband was working. She raised four children, went to evening classes to learn English and NVQ level 2 admin at Leeds college of Technology.

She lived a normal life and brought up four kids working part time working for Leeds City Council.

“Selfless service is something anyone can do, and I love to serve others. I don’t look at myself any better than anyone else when I became the pardhaan at the gurdwara. I remain humble at all times.”

Being the youngest sibling and having four older brothers, her parents never made her feel any different as a girl, she said “My parents gave me so much love they treated us all equal, they were humble and had a lot of humility, that’s where I got this from.”

Kulwant was very much involved in doing sewa at the gurdwara and the community. She started learning to read gurbani (prayer) and shabad kirtan (religious hymns).

In 2015, she became a committee member, and in 2017 she was voted by the committee to become pardhaan (leader of the gurdwara). This was only initially for six months but continued for two years as the committee was so impressed with the progress in the gurdwara and the increase in sangat attending.

She faced some challenges in being the first woman leader, but she overcame this. Most Gurdwara’s only

have men in these roles, but Kulwant changed this and she has inspired many other women, especially the younger generation.

Pre-Covid Kulwant had been involved in organising daytrips for her friends who are not confident in travelling or speaking English to tourist spots across Yorkshire.

She loves spending time with her grandkids who live in the West Midlands and Hertfordshire.

She said: “Life is different here compared to India. You have to work, pay bills and it’s not easy but I like it here and I am happy.”

The respected pardhaan is a confident traveller, and has been to Singapore, Dubai, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Mexico, Spain, France and Canada.

Her favourite hobbies in her retirement are cooking and knitting. When she retired, she also learnt how to swim and enjoys going for walks gardening and keeping fit through yoga.

Kulwant’s biggest challenge was coming to the UK and settling in a new city, not knowing the language and being away from her family and the in laws.

When in Leeds, there were less than a handful of south Asian families in a predominantly white area, but all the neighbours were kind and respectful and made her feel welcome.

Kulwant said “the best part of my life was retirement as then I could enjoy life and travel.”

Knowing her children were all successful at university and had their own businesses set up.

Her life experience and advice is, “if you have the willpower to succeed you can achieve anything. Sometimes its best just to listen to everyone’s opinions and not respond. There was lots of jealousy and I proved I could succeed and do a good job in the gurdwara.”

“Gurdwara committees are mainly male dominated that was hard to deal with” she said.

She added: “I used to regularly organise and raise lots of money for the gurdwara through organising and hosting the Tee ah events attracting women and children across Yorkshire.

This is an annual ladies event celebrating, Punjabi culture of dance, dress and food.”

Daughter Pam Bhupal said: “My mum is a trail blazer. When she took up being pardhaan we were super proud. It's not easy when sometimes the views are traditional and insular. It was great seeing the changes she brought to the committee, how she dealt with being in a male dominated field and how she engaged new people in the gurdwara young and old. if she wants something, she is going to get it - in a good way”.

She added: “my mum has achieved lots I’ve got big boots to fill! Working in a regional role everyone says Pam's amazing mum and any promotional work for health know my mum will be up for helping out the Sikh/ Punjabi community, such as the vaccine video.”

With many feeling reluctant to take the vaccine, Kulwant has been encouraging many people to get it, by recording herself when she got the vaccine.

This was to help dispel any of the myths and fake news that has been going around in the South Asian community which is causing a lot of hesitancy around the vaccine.

Her friends describe her as “brave, fair and forward thinking in what she achieved for our community and the gurdwara. She is confident and independent.”

She continues to volunteer her time within the Sikh community by volunteering within the Sikh elder ’s service, Touchstone.

She encourages the younger generation to get involved, come to the Gurdwara, and do some sewa. Selfless service is one of the key principles for Sikhs. She wants the youngsters of today to remember god, give back and earn an honest living. Be kind, humble and always listen to others.

She is inspired by her children and her faith. She wishes all the inspirational women an incredibly happy International Women’s Day, stay safe and blessed.

Kulwant’s message to the younger generation is: “Please get involved in selfless service, come to the Gurdwara and encourage others to come as well. Sewa is so important and we should never forget our roots.”

11 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

Pritpal Kaur

BY MINREET KAUR

P

ritpal Kaur, aged 70, a famous cake baker and face mask professional has been on furlough since the first lockdown. She loves her job at Harrods and was devastated when lockdown happened.

She then turned to making eggless cakes for the covid heroes and my mum and would surprise people just as a way to say ‘thank you’ for all they were doing for others. Some of the places she dropped these cakes to were the NHS, Fire service, Police, Homeless shelter, post office and many other places.

She has four siblings, one of which died from alcohol abuse.

She comes from a family who were traditionally very chilled and relaxed. She describes her younger days as ‘fun and memorable’.

Pritpal came to the UK in the 1960’s on a ship with her family, she didn’t know the language and it was a very different way of life. Having grown up on a farm and coming to a country where you have to work really hard, life wasn’t easy. Life was different in the UK. She felt it was easier in India because you’re free to do what you like, no worries about paying bills.

Her uncle was one of the first people in Southall called Preetam Singh who had a shop and wouldn’t charge those who couldn’t afford it. He left a legacy behind and is remembered as one of the nicest people.

When she was younger, her father used to teach her to drive and she said: “I remember being told off all the time because my driving wasn’t very good.” She laughs and said: “In India I didn’t have to drive, everything was simple and easier, I do miss it a lot.”

Growing up she remembers living in Southall known as ‘Little India’, on the popular street Western Road and she explains how those days it was safe to go out late, you didn’t feel worried or anxious like parents do today.

She has worked all her life, even after nearly a year on furlough she said: “I can’t wait to go back to work and see my colleagues, I love my job.” Pritpal has faced some challenges in previous

jobs where she has felt she hasn’t fit in and there has been some indirect racism but it never stopped her from working hard.

She said: “I know I have to work twice as hard but that’s ok, I am a Kaur and I will continue to do the best I can in any job.”

it every day and looking up new recipes and is the best in eggless recipes. She said “I can use the iPad but not an iPhone but my daughter is going to buy me one this year, so fingers crossed I understand this complicated technology.”

Her motto in life is ‘serve others’ and always help people if you can. Be kind and love everyone.

Pritpal is one of the most funny and charming people who has charisma and charm. As a woman of her generation she is always looking to try new things.

Her health is everything to her, without this and her faith she would be lost.

She has a lot of faith and belief in her religion as a Sikh she lives by the three principles: meditate, earn an honest living and give back to others through ‘sewa’ which is selfless service.

When she came to the UK she said life was simpler then, no technology and people had the time for one another. She finds the fast-paced life not for her.

She misses the farm life and said: “I wish I could go back to life in India, it was simpler and we were happier.”

Pritpal is always positive, she likes to help others in any way she can. She loves going to the gym, swimming and on walks.

A keen traveller and is always trying her best to stay in ‘chardi kala’.

Pritpal has won competitions in swimming, running and recently learnt to ride a bike at the age of 70. She is on a mission to stay fit and active and encourage other women to do some form of exercise.

She also made face masks for the vulnerable in covid from old material and tote bags. She has been baking a lot in lockdown and has also knitted jumpers and scarfs.

Pritpal is the life and soul of any event, she is always smiling and staying happy despite having the hurt that’s he holds every day.

She said: “My inspiration is my mother, she would cook for everyone, you can turn up at the house and she would always ask what do you want to eat? My mum loved everyone, she never judged anyone” She accepts the hukam (gods will) but said: “It isn’t easy, as sometimes you question why me?”

Her friends describe her as: “Warm, kind, caring and has a lovely personality. She will go out of her way for anyone and everyone. She lives the best life by being happy and content.”

She loves her iPad, and is on

Her advice to everyone: “Be happy, be kind and help others and never judge anyone as you don’t know what they are going through” This International Women’s day she will be celebrating by baking eggless cakes to give back to those in need. She wants to give back and she said: “I really enjoy baking for other people it gives me joy, I love seeing others happy”.

Although she does see that times are really changing and things are very different from her childhood, she doesn’t regret coming to the UK but does miss her life in India sitting around the fire and going out for long walks and the life without technology where people had more time for one another.

“My mum is a strong woman and one funny character, she always makes me laugh, she is my best friend. She brings me masala tea in the morning, will make my favourite food and goes out of her way to see us happy. She never complains and is a very simple, down to earth person who have a lot of love in her heart to give to others. She is my inspiration and I am truly grateful for all that she does. I wish her good health, happiness and prosperity always.”

“Happy international women’s day to all the amazing mothers out there, with you in the world it is a better place” she said with a smile.

Her message to the younger generation today: “Work hard, be true to yourself, life is never easy but you have to keep on going. I didn’t have it easy, and we had to learn a new language, settle into a completely new country but we did it. If you want something in life, you need to keep on going and never give up.”

12 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

H

anifa Aslam has been living in Bradford since May 1970. The 77-year-old was originally born in Punjab India, but due to the partition she, her mother and two sisters were thrown out of their home and ended up travelling by ship to join their father in Kenya, Nairobi.

Hanifa Aslam

BY FATIMA PATEL

“I strangely remember travelling on the ship and even now I can still taste my very first experience of eating an extremely green banana.”

Hanifa recalled.

Hanifa’s father had left India to join his elder brother to work in the railways, before the partition, with his wife and daughters joining him, as a result of the partition he chose to permanently settle in Kenya.

“Life was good in Kenya, we received a decent education and had a good standard of living. I married in Kenya, into a family who were also originally from Punjab and used to live near us in Kenya.

My husband, Aslam had his own business in construction and as a result we used to travel a lot across Kenya.”

Hanifa had two children with Aslam, a girl and a boy, however despite having everything, Hanifa was unhappy.

“I shouldn’t really speak ill of the dead, as my husband Aslam has now passed away, but he used to have another woman and used to bring her home. I was helpless and couldn’t do anything." Says the great grandma

On arriving back from her holiday, she had come to a worse situation with her husband.

This time, however Hanifa thought enough was enough and decided to pluck up the courage forsaking all customs and cultural expectations of a dutiful South Asian wife, packed two suitcases and headed with her two children to the UK – permanently.

“We landed in the UK on 30 May 1970. My daughter was six years old and my son was five. I was worried for them, but trusted my sister Latifa, who along with her husband, let me stay with them in their small flat off Lumb Lane.

Life was completely different compared to the beautiful weather in Mombasa, to the cold dark weather in Bradford and the small space. " She recalled “Nevertheless, I was grateful I was able to start a new life and wanted to make the best of it, especially for the sake of my children." Said Hanifa Hanifa, managed to get herself a small house not too far from her sister’s place and spent the first year focusing on her children.

“I wanted to make sure they were settled in school. Back in Kenya, they were going to private school and were getting a good education.

Here they were put in classes assuming they didn’t know English, but my children were advanced for their age and knew how to read, write and speak English. Most of my first year was spent picking them up from the school bus and then dropping them off."

as did my brother when he wasn’t working in the army.”

Hanifa seemed determined to be independent and not rely on anyone and so the next step for her was to get a job.

Luck was on her side, as her Scottish neighbour was looking for a babysitter for her

Hanifa’s first journey to the UK was in February 1970 for a short few weeks holiday with her sister. It was a cold foggy morning, she recalls, but I enjoyed my time with my sister.

“Babysitting my neighbours daughter wasn’t about the money, but I was able to pick up English from the little girl and that helped me build

“Until one day, my husband was supposed to go to the UK, but due to work commitments, he told me to visit, especially as my sister Latifa lived here,

daughter.

some confidence."

Shared Hanifa. "It was the girl’s father Michael who then suggested I apply for a job in a factory to sew. " Hanifa got a job working in a factory doing section work sewing three piece suits. She worked there for eight years, till the factory closed down, however was lucky to get a job at the then well established S R Gents.

“The work environment at S R Gents was very strict, they wanted only English speaking staff and had a very tight quality control, but I learned and managed and worked there for twelve years till I was made redundant and later joined Seymour Shirts.”

Hanifa, spent a glorious fourteen years at Seymour Shirts until they too closed their doors. Having always worked, Hanifa couldn't sit still and eventually found herself another job as a dinner lady. Even when not working Hanifa used to keep herself occupied by going to community centre's and doing courses and meeting like minded women.

Her two children went on to graduate at University with degrees and successfully found secure jobs. Daughter Shabina is now also doing a PHD, while son is married with two children and after a long career in Saudia Arabia has returned to the UK and works for the local authority.

Thanks to Hanifa’s grit, determination and bravery to leave behind a toxic marriage, and arrive in a country which was unfamiliar to her, she was able to make a better life for herself in the UK. She started from scratch, worked hard and the results of her sacrifices and efforts, is a better future for her children.

Hanifa’s message to the current generation is simply to learn not to lean on or rely on anyone. Learn to fight alone and victory will be yours. We absolutely solute you Hanifa.

Happy International Women’s Day.

1 - 7 mARCH 2021 WWW.ASIANSTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

TOP TEN FEMINIST FLICKS TO CELEBRATE

INTERNATIONAL

WOMEN’S DAY

YO YO HONEY SINGH PRODUCES THE FIRST SINGLE FOR UPCOMING JOHN ABRAHAM BLOCKBUSTER ‘MUMBAI SAGA’

YAMI GAUTUM REVEALS HER CHARACTER FROM UPCOMING FILM DASVI

'DHAAKAD' OFFICIALLY COMES TO A CLOSE AS ACTOR ARJUN RAMPAL THANKS CREW FOR THEIR DEDICATION

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

YO YO HONEY SINGH PRODUCES THE FIRST SINGLE FOR UPCOMING JOHN ABRAHAM BLOCKBUSTER ‘MUMBAI SAGA’

DINESH VIJAN ROPES SANJANA SANGHI IN FOR HORRORCOMEDY MUNJHA

Iconic producer Dinesh Vijan ropes Sanjana Sanghi for horror-comedy 'Munjha', which will be a prequel to 'Stree'.

YAMI GAUTUM REVEALS HER CHARACTER FROM UPCOMING FILM DASVI

The horror-comedy is absolutely dominating Bollywood at the moment with the upcoming 'Roohi' starring g Varun Dhawan.

Janhvi Kapoor and next year's 'Bhediya' starrin g down as iconic However, it seems that this trend is not slowin ha', which is set 'Munj producer Dinesh Vijan gears up to make Rajkummar d starre which ' to be a prequel to the 2017 'Stree

Yami Gautum shares a first look at her character Jyoti in the upcoming film 'Dasvi'.

Rao.

the lead in this It seems that actress Sanjana Sanghi will be more context to bit a e provid will and upcoming horror-comedy story. ' the original 'Stree ekar and will The film will be shot by director Yogesh Chand start shooting in September.

'Om: Battle Within'.

Before then, Sanghi is currently shooting for

The actress took to her Instagram to share the photo of her first look from the upcoming political comedy in which she will play an IPS officer. Looking striking in uniform, Gautum captioned her photo: "My first day on the set of Dasvi playing Jyoti Deswal. Proud & honoured to play an IPS officer" The film began shooting this week and is currently

BHUMI PEDNEKAR CONFIRMS WRAP ON 'BADHAAI DO' Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar announced the wrap of her upcoming film 'Badhaai Do' with a hilarious short video.

She captioned the video, "Where's the pawri tonight?

On #BadhaaiDo sets!

Schedule wrap hua hai.

Badhaaiyaan toh banti hai na phir! #pawrihorahihai @ jungleepictures @rajkummar_ rao #HarshavardhanKulkarni #AkshatGhildial @ sumadhikary."

In the video, Bhumi can be

seen on the sets of the movie along with co-star Rajkummar Rao, the film's director Harshavardhan Kulkarni, and the rest of the crew. In the clip, the trio can be heard saying, "Ye Sumi hai (Bhumi's character), Ye Shardul Hai (Rajkummar's character), aur ye humare director hain, aur ye humari pawri ho rai hai."

the addition of Rao and Pednekar as the lead stars for 'Badhaai Do', the film already promises to impress.

Ever since the sequel of 'Badhaai Ho' has been announced, fans have been elated to witness the comedyfilled family entertainer. With

While Rao plays the role of a cop in the second instalment, Bhumi will be seen playing a PT teacher with big dreams in the film.

Back in 2018, 'Badhaai Ho' was one of the most successful movies of the year, winning a National Award for Best Film in 2019 for its unconventional storyline and impactful yet convincing performances.

being filmed at a prison in Agra. 'Dasvi' will also star Abishek Bachchan in the lead role, along with Nimrat Kaur. The lead actor revealed his first look of his character on Monday.

'Dasvi' is being directed by Tushar Jalota and produced

by Maddock Films and Jio Studios.

Gautum is also currently gearing up to star in 'Bhoot Police', a horror-comedy starring Saif Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Yo Yo Honey Singh debu ted the first song from upcoming blockbuster 'Mumbai Saga' on Febr uary 28. The singer teased the song titled 'Shor Mac hega' on his Instagram and the single will feature Hommie Dilliw ala.

Sharing an audio snippet from the song, Singh got his fans hyped for his upcoming single and captioned the post : "What better way to start the Saga !! Aur Ab machega taali aur seetiyon ka shor! Are you read y for Shor Machega ??"

'Mumbai Saga' is the upcoming John Abraham and Emraan Hashmi blockbuster that will be set in 1980s and 90s Bombay, and is set to be one of the biggest releases of the year. The news of the song follo ws after the teaser for the film went viral this week upon its release.

The film will release on 19 March and has been directed by Sanjay Gupta.

THREE SUSHMITA SEN CONFIRMS SERIES 2 OF HIT WEB SERIES AARYA FILM FASHION BEAUTY

SONU SOOD CONTINUES HIS PHILANTHROPIC WORK AS HE HELPS TO INSTALL WATER PUMPS IN REMOTE VILLAGES

Bollywood actor Sonu Sood, who has frequently been in the limelight because of his philanthropic work, recently extended support to a village in Jhansi after a man approached the actor with the concern of no water in his village, due to which the villagers were facing problems.

In order to help the villagers, the 47-year-old actor initiated the process of hand pumps being installed there.

Speaking about it, Sood said, "These guys asked because there was no water, the kids in the family were

really suffering. They had to walk kilometers to get the water, so we are getting hand pumps installed there, so the water scarcity will totally go and the villagers are very very excited as its the first time that something like this has happened to them."

He further said, "The whole community is pretty excited and in fact, they are all standing at the venue where the hand pumps are being installed. It's a pretty exciting sight and hopefully, someday I will also go and drink some water from those handpumps.

This is special for me also."

MARVEL'S 'LOKI' SERIES WILL PREMIERE ON JUNE 11 When Disney+ launched, one of the biggest draws to the new streaming service was the presence of new Marvel content. WandaVision has taken over as one of the most popular series of 2021 and Falcon and the Winter Soldier, which is set to debut in March, is highly anticipated by fans.

Now, it has been revealed that Disney are planning to drop their Loki series on June 11. The

Tom Hiddleston character is one of the most popular villains ever to appear in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and fans have been clamouring for years for the mischievous demi-god to get his own content.

The trailer for Loki dropped a few weeks back and many were intrigued by the kooky set-ups and the mysterious presence of Owen Wilson's character Mobius M. Mobius.

Sood has consistently helped many underprivileged families during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. His noble gestures inspired many and were widely lauded by politicians, peers, and fans and earned him the title of a Messiah and a real-life superhero.

Separately, on the film front, Sood recently announced a new movie titled 'Kisaan', to be directed by E Niwas and backed by filmmaker Raaj Shaandilyaa. Apart from that, he will also feature in Chiranjeevi-starrer upcoming Telugu movie 'Acharya'.

Sushmita Sen has confirmed series 2 of hit web series ‘Aarya’. The thriller series was one of the best TV hits of last year and Sen received much critical praise for her performance.

Taking to her Instagram, the actress confirmed the news captioning an intriguing post of her eyes: “She sees a storm coming... in the mirror!!! #Aarya #Season2 “your wish is our command” I love you guys!!! Let’s do this” Series 1 of the show followed Sen’s character

Aarya after her husband was killed and she was left with the responsibility of the illegitimate family business. Whilst we do not know the release date or the plot of series 2, it is expected that the series will carry on from where it left off, whilst introducing whole new problems to Aarya.

The series also starred Namit Das, Vikas Kumar and Chandrachur Singh. We can expect that series 2 of the show will debut later this year.

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SINGER NEHA KAHHAR WILL DONATE RS 300,000 TO FAMILY OF ONE OF THE VICTIMS FROM THE UT TARAKHAND DISASTER Singer

KRITI SANON SAYS SHE THROWS CAUTION TO THE WIND AHEAD OF HER PACKED FILM SCHEDULE THIS YEAR

VARUN SHARMA SAYS THAT ROOHI WILL BE EVEN CRAZIER THAN 2018’S STREE , with five films Actress Kriti Sanon has a packed year ahead s, she will be month few next the Over e. scheduled to releas "Bhediya" seen in "Bachchan Pandey", "Mimi", "Adipurush", think, would would you , tment assor varied and "Ganpath". The no time for weigh her down with pressure. The actress has pressure, or be scared. and still move "I don't think you can be scared and cautious I know why Once back. you pulls Fear r. caree your in ahead film, the the like You fear. no is I am doing a project, there something doing are you know You . scene the ine, storyl but that's your slightly different. Ok, it can be experimental . stated Kriti then," it doing for n reaso Beyond that, "I believe in all the films I am doing right now. hard for it. The my job is to do my part really well and work take the pressure rest is not really in my hands. I don't want to think.' what if rather of 'oh what if this goes wrong?' I would made her had who s, actres the d share " right!' all of them go Bollywood debut with 2014 film "Heropanti".

Actor Varun Sharma calls his next release Roohi the crazier sister of the 2018 Rajkummar Rao starrer Stree.

After Stree released in 2018, there has been a slew of horror comedies including Laxmii, and upcoming projects as Phone Bhoot, Bhoot Police, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, besides Roohi. Varun, however, is not scared of the competition.

"There is no fear as such. It is a new genre that got explored widely through Stree and we feel that Roohi is Stree's much crazier sister and the genre is widely accepted and people got exposed to and they liked it and I feel a lot of other films also. Whichever content is

liked by people at the end of the day is (going to be made)," Varun stated.

He added "We really hope that the audience really enjoys (Roohi) as much as we enjoyed making the film. I mean there is nothing to fear about. "

"My Pagglait journey was Pagglait indeedand I can't wait for the world to witness this unique story very soon," she added.

The film tells the story of a typical Indian middle-class family navigating a crisis.

Sanya plays the recently-widowed Sandhya.

As events unfold, Sandhya sets onto a path of self-discovery, attempting to find her identity and purpose in life, all this while living amidst the quirky members of her joint family.

The quirky trailer shows Sandhya struggling to deal with her husband's death in a "socially acceptable" way and feels that she cannot bring herself to be overwhelmingly upset.

Written and directed by Umesh Bist, the Netflix release has an ensemble cast that includes Sayani Gupta, Shrutii Sharma, Ashutosh Rana, Raghubir Yadav, Sheeba Chaddha, Meghna Malik and Rajesh Tailang.

A family that supported Pawandeep in the show is dependent on a labourer, their only earning member.

The singer, incidentally, had requested Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawatji to help the families of labourers whose families were affected by the calamity.

After Pawandeep's performance, Kakk ar told him "You are an amazing singe r, which we all know. But you are an amaz ing human being, too. As you are supporting the missing labourers' famil ies, and have urged everyone to help their families, I am with you in this miss ion, I would like to donate three lakh rupees to the family of our missing labou rer in Uttarakhand. I urge everyone to come in support and help the families."

The singer added that this is a calam ity and it's our duty to help the families.

Roohi also stars Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor.

Directed by Hardik Mehta, it is scheduled to hit the big screens on March 11.

The film follows the eerie yet hilarious misadventures of Bhaura, played by Rajkummar, and Kattanni, played by Varun, as they cross paths with a mysterious girl named Roohi, played by Janhvi, in a jungle.

SANYA MALHOTRA CONFIRMS UPCOMING QUIRKY COMEDY 'PAGGLAIT' FOR MARCH 26 "So thrilled to announce this film which is very close to my heart on my special day.

I essay the role of Sandhya, a character very different from what I have previously portrayed on-screen," Sanya said.

Neha Kakkar is giving Rs 300,000 to the family of a labourer who went missing after the recent deluge in Cham oli district of Uttarakhand.

In the upcoming weekend on the sets of "Indian Idol Season 12", viewers will see showbuz couple Harsh Limbachiy aa and Bharti Singh hosting the show for the first time, for the special episo de "India Ki Farmaish", in which the contestants will sing what fans wish.

Before performing on the song, conte stant Pawandeep said "Today, I woul d be singing the song that has been comp osed by my father Suresh Rajan. The title is 'Malva mein kaan karu talash' (an Uttarakhandi song)."

"It will be a tribute to those who are miss ing due to the glacier which broke at Chamoli District, and where hund reds of labourers lost their families," he added.

ADITI RAO HYDARI ON WHY ‘THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN’ BELONGS ON NETFLIX She made her digital debut with the Malayalam romantic drama Sufiyum Sujatayum last year, and was later seen in the web space in the Nani-starrer Telugu action flick V. Actress Aditi Rao Hydari is now starring in her third online film, the Bollywood release The Girl On The Train starring Parineeti Chopra.

Aditi insists it is not the platform of release that counts, though being a fullon romantic she loves the experience of going to theatres.

"My OTT experience has actually been in 2020 when two films of mine released on OTT platforms. It started off with me in tears and then I realised it was incredible

and how with that one click in one second everyone is watching your film!"

Aditi stated.

"People really needed stories and content. I am a full romantic. I love the theatre. We have all grown up going to the theatre. We Look forward to going to the theatre and it is that whole thing that someone is making out time to go to the theatre. There is another thrill of watching a film larger than life," she added.

Aditi plays a police investigator in the film, which debuted on Netflix on February 26.

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PRACHI DESAI TO STAR 'BAAHUBALI' WRITER VIJAYENDRA PRASAD IS SAID AS POLICE OFFICER IN TO BE WORKING ON HIS 'SILENCE CAN YOU HEAR IT' Bollywood actress Prachi Desai will be seen playing a police officer for the first time in her upcoming film, 'Silence Can You Hear It'. She describes the character as strong and feisty.

"Where there's a murder, there's an investigating officer and that's what I play in this splendid murder mystery. Inspector Sanjana is

a character that's not one to back down easily. She is strong, feisty and she is all about dedication," Prachi said.

"Although she's young, she's very professional and she looks up to Manoj Bajpayee's character, ACP Avinash Verma, because of his ferociousness and dedication towards the case. She aspires to be like

him one day. The audience has never seen me play such a role before and I'm excited to see their reactions to it in the film," she added.

MAGNUM OPUS ABOUT THE GODDESS SITA

The film also features Arjun Mathur and Sahil Vaid, and is slated to release in March 2021 on Zee5. The film tells the story of the mysterious disappearance of a woman.

Prolific writer KV Vijayendra Prasad is working on 'SitaThe Incarnation', a film version of one of India's largest untold epic tales.

Vijayendra is well known for his scripts in Bollywood, having written huge epics such as both 'Baahubali' films, 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Magadheera'. Now, the writer has set his sights on this huge tale and the film is said to be his magnum opus.

The film will be directed

by Alaukik Desai and

'DHAAKAD' OFFICIALLY COMES TO A CLOSE AS ACTOR ARJUN RAMPAL THANKS CREW FOR THEIR DEDICATION Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal shared an appreciation post for the team of his upcoming film 'Dhaakad' while announcing the conclusion of the shooting schedule of the film.

The 'Daddy' actor took to his Instagram account and shared several pictures from the sets of his forthcoming film. In the

series of snaps posted by the star, he can be seen posing along with crew members of the movie.

Appreciating the crew, Arjun wrote, "Just superb!!!!! One of the most amazing teams I have had the pleasure to work with.

Thank you guys will miss you till the next schedule. #Rudraveer is one mad character. #Dhaakad is

one hell of a film."

The 48-year-old actor will be portraying the role of an antagonist named Rudraveer in the upcoming action-thriller flick.

'Dhaakad' is being directed

by Razneesh Razy Ghai and Kangana Ranaut will be seen playing the role of an officer in the movie.

will feature music written by Manoj Muntashir. The film will be released in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.

It is yet unclear how the narrative of the film will adapt the legendary story but what we do know is that Prasad’s version will no doubt be unbelievable!

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TOP TEN FEMINIST FLICKS TO CELEBRATE

l a n o i t a n r e t n I y a D s ’ n e m o W

BY REBECCA TODD

International Women’s Day is coming up on March 8 and everyone across the globe is getting ready to celebrate all things female. Kickstarted as far back as 1908, International Women’s Day recognises all the efforts made by women around the world who have strove to ensure equal rights across genders. We have taken the opportunity to go through some of our favourite flicks that celebrate woman; either by embracing feminist ideas or simply by showing off some seriously empowered women. Check out our list of ten feminist favourites to celebrate International Women’s Day.

THE COLOR PURPLE (1985) ‘The Color Purple’ is recognised not only for its feminist narrative but for its attitudes towards race relations as well. An adaptation of the Alice Walker novel of the same name, ‘The Color Purple’ follows the brutal life story of an early twentieth century African American woman, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she negotiates the racism and sexism of the deep South. The film is an honest portrayal of the difficulties of Celie’s life but tells how she learns to embrace the challenges through female companionship. ‘The Color Purple’ was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and gave Goldberg the opportunity to break away from her comedian stereotyping.

THELMA AND LOUISE (1991) MOTHER INDIA (1957) For a classic feminist image, Mehboob Khan’s ‘Mother India’ is about as iconic as it gets.

Remaking his own earlier film ‘Aurat’, Khan’s film is recognised as one of the most pivotal films in all Hindi cinema, and it remains, when adjusted for inflation, among the highest Indian box-office figures. The film follows the story of villager Radha, as she struggles to provide for her children against many difficulties. ‘Mother India’ is regarded as an allegory for the nation of India postindependence and its tale of a struggling mother resonates with audiences to this day.

ARTH (1982) ‘Arth’ tells the story of Pooja, a woman who is betrayed by her husband and must move into a woman’s hostel with no family and little money. Whilst on the surface, ‘Arth’ is a tragic story about betrayal and unhappiness, the narrative of the film sees Pooja re-emerge, a phoenix from the ashes, a stronger and more self-assured woman. ‘Arth’ is also regarded as one of the greatest Indian dramas of all time and portrays a well-trodden tale of disloyalty but with a reinvigorating and motivational conclusion.

‘Thelma and Louise’ tells the tale of an unbreakable friendship between two women who find themselves on the run after Louise kills someone to protect Thelma. The film features such an iconic female friendship that the title is now synonymous with the idea of a rideor-die relationship. It is widely considered that ‘Thelma & Louise’ was the first of its kind in terms of a film that stars two women as its outrageous protagonists, and it is considered a major landmark in the progression of female-centric narratives.

DAMINI (1993) Damini is perhaps considered to be the greatest piece of feminist Bollywood cinema. Starring a career defining performance from Meenakshi Seshadri, ‘Damini’ witnesses as the titular character betrays her marital family in the name of justice, after she witnesses her brother-in-law raping a servant. The film’s portrayal of a woman who is scorned for seeking justice is regarded as an honest piece of feminist cinema and was one of the first Bollywood films to openly discuss the subject of rape.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

SEVEN

BANDIT QUEEN (1994) ‘Bandit Queen’ the unbelievable biography of Phoolan Devi, a woman who forms a bandit gang after being subject to several incidents of sexual assault. Devi was hailed as the Bandit Queen after she liberated herself from the chains of misogyny and from the caste system, and found her own way. ‘Bandit Queen’ won the National Film Award for Best Feature in the year of its release and Devi’s fight against oppression is heralded as one of the greatest feminist tales of all time.

QUEEN (2014) ‘Queen’ is yet another iconic piece of feminist Indian cinema. Starring Kangana Ranaut in what is considered to be one of her finest performances, ‘Queen’ follows the tale of Rani Mehra, who decides to go it alone on her honeymoon after being dumped by her fiancé the day before their wedding. Mehra blossoms from a shy, good-natured girl into a strong, independent woman on her travels and has been recognised internationally as a recognition of the highs and lows of being a woman. The film was amazingly shot in just 45 days on a budget of roughly Rs 105 million but went on to make over Rs 2.2 billion as well as earning two National Film Awards.

ERIN BROCKOVICH (2000) Another biographical tale is ‘Erin Brockovich’. ‘Erin Brockovich’ is the story of an American woman, played by Julia Roberts, who finds herself a job at a law firm after she is left unemployed because of a car accident. Brockovich ended up fighting against huge energy corporation PG&E in a water contamination case, and establishes herself as a hugely successful legal clerk. ‘Erin Brockovich’ was nominated for five Oscars and is hugely successful as a female empowerment story. Fun fact: the real Erin Brockovich appears early in the film as a waitress called Julia!

SUFFRAGETTE (2015) BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM (2002) ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ is a seminal piece of British-Asian cinema. Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, this social comedy follows 18-year-old Jesminder who is caught between her familial duties and her dream of becoming a football player. ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ recognises the trials and tribulations of being a teenage girl in a male dominated world but takes a light-hearted look at friendship, young love, and family. Ultimately, however, it inspirationally prioritises a woman’s personal goals above everything else. The film also features breakout performances from Kiera Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Parminder Nagra.

It would be quite difficult to discuss women-centric cinema without mentioning ‘Suffragette’. This 2015 historical drama tells the fictional story of Maud Watts who gets caught up in the very real suffragette movement. The film follows her story as she is ostracised by her friends and colleagues and dives into the early twentieth century movement. Featuring Meryl Streep as the iconic suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, it is the first film to have ever been shot inside the Houses of Parliament and portrays the suffragette movement from the perspective of a revolutionary woman.

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21 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

A

khtar Rashid

made her journey from Karachi to Bradford in 1962 at the age of 29.

She came to join her husband, who had arrived in 1961.

that difficult, especially with

isn’t long. However, I did graft

people of the same background,

a lot. As soon as I would finish

because there was always a

work, I would be straight in the

connection to the motherland,

kitchen cooking and cleaning

which broke the ice easily,

after my husband and son. I

but also where her husband

never let them do any domestic

worked, he knew a lot of people,

work.

so they had a good social circle,

“In those days we did

and this helped the first few years get by.

“My husband told me he would call me within two to three months after leaving me in Karachi, but it took him just over a year to call me to live

Akhtar Rashid

with him in England.” Said Akhtar.

South Asians who had arrived in the UK , used to house share and bed share. Men who used to work in the mills, used to work shifts so according to the shifts they worked, they

BY FATIMA PATEL

would take it in turns to sleep on the bed. Akhtar ’s husband didn’t want her to live in such conditions and therefore, decided not to ask her to come and join him till he was the owner of his own home.

He managed to save £400 and borrowed £100 to buy his first house. While the house was the perfect size for him and his wife, Akhtar confesses she wasn’t too pleased with the outside toilet.

“We stayed in this house for twelve years and for twelve years I had to use an outside toilet. It was a real struggle.”

She said.

“Especially, because the weather was so cold and when it used to snow it used to be knee deep sometimes, which made it even more difficult. So, for the night-time I used to keep a potty in the spare room by the sink and we used to do it in there, and then I would wash it up. That was the only way I could manage.”

Akhtar claims she didn’t have much family or relatives when she first arrived in Bradford, but making friends wasn’t

not much of caterers around and so we cooked for parties

Six years later Akhtar returned to Pakistan to adopt her sister ’s son. When she came back to the UK , she decided that after

and weddings ourselves. It was hard, but also fun. I remember making batches of gulab jamuns.”

taking him to school she would go to work, something which her husband didn’t agree with.

During the early sixties many

everything ourselves, there was

Even today, with lifestyle changes, and more and more

Akhtar never had the

people preferring to eat out or

opportunity to study while in

order their food, Akhtar admits,

Pakistan. As a young girl she

she was never a fan of eating

studied for a couple of years

out.

and then was told, that she

“In my whole life I never ate out

didn’t need to pursue further because ‘what are girls going to do with an education?’ For this reason, she never learnt English, but this didn’t stop her from working in a factory with English speaking employers.

at a restaurant or ordered food in. I just didn’t fancy outside food. I prefer cooking home cooked meals and eating at home. Today’s generation eat out every other day or order in a takeway. I don’t really like that,

“My husband said he didn’t

but it’s what they like.”

want me to work, and that he

Looking back at her life, Akhtar

would provide for me, but I got bored at home and wanted to go to work, so I forced my husband to let me work.” Akhtar said.

is happy with the way her life has panned out. She says she never experienced any kind of racism and is grateful for everything she has today.

She has four grandchildren, and

“Even though I didn’t know

her son is doing exceptionally

English, I got by with yes and

well with his own garage

no and it worked. It also helped

business.

that there were other Asian ladies working there also, so we became good friends and as a group of four used to hang out at work regularly, so language was never a barrier.”

Akhtar worked as a machinist and spent eighteen years in the same firm, till she reached retirement age.

When asked about what advice she would give to todays’ youth, she jokes, that she wouldn’t give them any advice, as they probably wouldn’t listen to an old person like her. However, she does feel that today’s generation seem less careful with their expenditure and seem

Akhtar thinks working for

to have much more freedom,

eighteen years isn’t a long time.

which can get them into the

“People have worked longer.”

wrong crowds. She says life is

She said.

valuable so make every moment

“People start working as soon

count. We totally agree and

as they arrive in the UK , I started late, so eighteen years

celebrate your amazing journey.

Here’s wishing you a fabulous International Women’s Day.

22 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SPECIAL

R

behaviour and they would jump

azia Bibi

is a great grandma of 15

grand children and 6 great grandchildren. She speaks Swahili, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and English and despite being 79 years old, has an amazing memory and is still as fierce as as her younger self.

on me, that oh why

receive her. Such were the days of no mobile phones or online

are you saying such things,

flight arrival services, that could

he is praying so that means he

inform one another of their

is fine. But doctors had advised

arrivals.

he needed treatment and when we took him to the mental hospital for treatment he would run away. To add to that, my mother-in-law would put pressure on me not to send him for treatment and to let him stay home and to tell everyone that he was fine. Doctors had

Razia Bibi

BY FATIMA PATEL

Razia, was born in 1942 in

advised my husband needed six

Jammu Kashmir. Her father,

months treatment, but my in

grandfather and great

laws left his treatment half-way

grandfather all served in the

and troubled me no end, but I

British army, with her great

learned to survive.

grandfather being a direct bodyguard of Queen Victoria.

“He used to ride on the horse and carriage with her.” Recalls

“They threw me out on to the streets with my five children.

“Looking back it was a strange episode” Razia reminisces “And they were times of immense struggle. I found everything in the UK very odd. The dark days.

I couldn’t believe how dark it used to get at 4pm. I was used to the warm weather, the long bright sunny days and the huge spaces and fresh fruits. In contrast everything here was different, including the milk. At first, I found the milk to be smelly and really hard to get used to it, but slowly you make it work.” She said

But I learned to deal with that

It took Razia a few years to

too. I found a spot on the street

adjust to life in the UK and

to live, which was well lit and in

when she did, she really took

“So, technically I may not be

a busy area between the petrol

off. Razia started her own

British born, but all our lives we

station and some shops, so I managed.” She shared

business and declares that she

Razia.

have served the British and therefore we are very much British” She said charmingly.

was the very first lady tailor in Bradford.

Razia certainly had some tough

Razia was only five years old

times, but love came knocking

She said it was difficult to get

when the partition happened in

on her door and she remarried.

Asian dresses in those days, so

1947, where along with her parents and two sisters, they

Her second husband then

she used to get fabric from the

were forced to move to Sialkot, the Pakistan side.

invited her to move to the UK and around 1977 Razia along

there was a need for workers

go door to door to sell them.

flight to London.

“We didn’t have our own cars in those days, so we used to

“Everything was new for me” Said Razia. “I had never

and with Kenya developing the family thought to move and

travelled alone. I had never

seek better opportunities.

children with my eldest being

packed, and I had my five only 15 years old. So, it was

Razia, married in Kenya, but

daunting.” She recalled.

walk everywhere and use the buses to get to places, it was a slog, but I didn’t mind as it gave me my independence."

If it's one thing she has learnt and wishes to share it is to give things time and not find an

had a difficult time with her husband and in-laws.

make dresses. She then used to

with her five children took a

A few years later, she and her family moved to Kenya, as

warehouse and cut them to

On arrival Razia remembers the cold weather but it was

easy way out. Things always work out.

“My initial years of marriage

memorable for another reason.

started off OK, it wasn’t until

As she landed, it seemed no

Well, it’s no wonder Razia’

my son was around 2 ½ years

one had arrived at the airport

friends have nicknamed her

old that my husband started to

to receive her and her children, so she got a taxi to take her to

Razia Sultan, after the famous

have mental health issues. His mental state had become quite

the address she had of her

Delhi. May you continue to rule

severe, where he had on many

sister in law in Nottingham,

your little world and here’s

occasions lost sense of what he was doing.” Explained Razia

only to discover later that

wishing you a very happy

shortly after she left the airport her husband had arrived to

International Women’s Day.

“I told his family about his

first Muslim female ruler in

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MEET THE PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER THE VACCINE The Covid-19 vaccination programme: The UK’s way out of this pandemic and an inspiring collaborative effort like never before.

The whole of the UK is working together to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine. From the scientists developing effective vaccines to the warehouse workers ensuring stock is stored safely and distributed around the country, the UK vaccination is an inspiring collective effort across the four nations. The UK Government has secured over 457 million doses of vaccines and has multiple vaccines approved for use. Millions of people have already received their first dose, with those most in need first in line.

The UK Government has made available more than £6 billion to develop and secure Covid-19 vaccines, and it is now distributing doses to health services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories. After becoming the first country to approve a

vaccine for use, we now have three authorised Covid-19 vaccines. Those approved have met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness set out by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). They are available locally across the UK and provided free. At the heart of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history are thousands of scientists, medics, Armed Forces personnel, logistics staff and volunteers who make it all possible. Read on to hear their incredibly inspiring stories.

RAJAN BINDRA,

44, is an aviation consultant, who lives in Slough, Berkshire, with his wife and two children.

He worked as a volunteer at the local vaccination centre. “I was in charge of managing the car park, which is the first port

of call for anybody who comes along. I wanted people to see my smiling eyes behind a mask so they were put at ease. We made a point of referring to them as ‘customers’ or ‘guests’ to treat everyone with respect.

I was there when my 80-yearold mother (pictured above with Rajan) arrived for her vaccination. I thought, ‘Do I need to ask for her ID?’ – I did anyway. But then she asked if I could park her car for her. I had to tell her we weren’t offering a valet service!”

LIEUTENANT CALUM MACLEOD,

Rajan Bindra with his mum 27, serves with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Leuchars, Fife, and has been involved in setting up vaccination centres. “We’re doing anything from helping to lay flooring, to moving chairs and tables around. We have been on task now for just under two weeks.

It’s a vast effort by everyone involved. I’m from the local area so it feels good to be getting these vaccinations out. “A lot of my soldiers are really happy and motivated to be helping out communities across Scotland. The Army brings organisational capacity and a can-do attitude to the task.”

CORPORAL SALLY WOODCOCK,

a 34-year-old RAF clarinettist, was deployed to a vaccine hub in Powys, Mid Wales. “I’m not one to sit about doing nothing, so it’s fantastic that I’ve been able to help out.

In Powys, I’m with five other musicians and a pilot. We’ve been doing all sorts. It can vary depending on how many volunteers there are, but today I was doing car park duties.

I’ve also been carrying out admin roles and operating the phones. “We’re all mucking in together – there’s no kind of division between the military

and volunteers. I received a jab myself because we were working with the public and alongside nurses. It was absolutely painless.”

DAVID LAWRENCE

is Chief Financial Officer at Valneva, which is developing a vaccine in Livingston, West Lothian. The biotech company is one of eight vaccine developers that the UK Government has struck usage agreements with. “The next wave of clinical trials will involve around 3,000 to 4,000 people to make sure there is

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is director of the NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at the University of Southampton. “During the pandemic, I have focused on delivering trials of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic tests across the Wessex region. Without the vaccine, we will not be able to prevent further waves and the impact that has on the NHS. “I work in national networks and groups to make best use of the superb UK clinical research infrastructure, which has delivered almost all of the global scientific advances in Covid-19. It has been a huge collaborative effort across the whole of the UK.”

local solution to a local problem. Building the centre took 10 days with 20 reservists.

We were working fl at out from when the site opened at 7am to when it closed at 7pm. It was very quick because we were able to start at a moment’s notice.”

DEIRDRE WEBB,

enough data to confidently understand the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Rather than just doing small-scale manufacturing to produce the initial material for the clinical trials, we’re now using a full-scale manufacturing process. “That means that if the regulator gives its approval the vaccine could be deployed the day after.

We’re taking a risk now that means we can potentially deliver the vaccine faster, and supply the 100 million doses we promised the UK in time.”

PROFESSOR SAUL FAUST

HOW DOES THE VACCINE WORK? ●Vaccines are the best way to protect people from coronavirus and will save tens of thousands of lives. ●As more people are vaccinated, more people will be protected from the harmful effects of COVID-19. ●Vaccines work by tricking your body into thinking it has to fight the virus. It trains your immune system for this fight by stimulating you to create antibodies and T-cells.

MAJOR CHARLIE MARTELL

was the Officer Commanding for the construction of a vaccination centre at Fort Regent in Jersey, which can now deliver 1,500 doses a day. “That wasn’t a strict mobilisation, but a case of gathering local reservists and asking, ‘Can you turn up and build a mass vaccination centre?’ “We had a good response – it was a very effective

25 25

●This means that when Covid-19 is encountered naturally, the body has already been prepared to protect against it.

57, from Belfast, is director of nursing at the Public Health Agency Northern Ireland and managed the rollout of the vaccination programme to care homes.

“The care homes have gone through such hard times, so we were committed to deploying the vaccine there as soon as possible. All our care homes have now received the first doses. Within our care homes and clinics the people who allow us to work effectively are the house porters, the drivers, the cleaners, as well as the volunteers. They are the unsung heroes.

I am going to be trained as a vaccinator as well so I can’t wait for that. But at the moment I am involved in the planning. I lead on the workforce and logistics part of the programme.”

●However, like any training, getting up to ‘match fitness’ takes time. Your body’s response, the immune response, is only trained up around 2 or 3 weeks after you have your first jab. You do not have the full protection from the first dose in this period. If you are older, it’s better to allow at least 3 weeks. ●Even better and longer lasting protection then comes from the second dose so it is really important that everyone gets the second jab.

Again, the protective effect from that jab will come weeks after it is given.

For more information visit: gov.uk/coronavirus

DID YOU KNOW? After becoming the first country to approve a vaccine for use, the UK Government has bought vaccines on behalf of all parts of the UK and distributed them around Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

There are now three authorised vaccines for COVID-19; more than any other country in the world. Our priority is to save as many lives as possible, as quickly as possible, while also reducing the hospitalisations that are creating such pressure on the NHS. l The UK are vaccinating more than double the rate per person, per day, than any other country in Europe. l The Covid-19 vaccination programme is the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history and we’ve protected more people through vaccinations than all other countries in Europe put together.

l Across the UK, millions of people have received at least the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine. l NHS England and NHS Improvement, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland have decades of experience in delivering largescale vaccination programmes, while the Army continues to support the delivery of vaccines across the UK - from Aberystwyth to Aberdeen. l Approved vaccines will continue to be available across the UK, free at the point of delivery, according to need, not ability to pay. l UK Government has successfully procured vaccines on behalf of all parts of the country and working with Devolved Administrations to prioritise citizens who are at greatest risk. l Vaccination will be managed by the health services in each nation: NHS

England and NHS Improvement, NHS Wales, NHS Scotland, and Health and Social Care Northern Ireland. The UK government is working closely with the Devolved Administrations to ensure an aligned approach to COVID-19 vaccine deployment across the UK l The UK Government has invested over £300m into manufacturing any successful vaccine and has bought vaccines on behalf of the Devolved Administrations, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories at no charge. l So far, the UK Government has secured access to a total of 457 million vaccine doses for all the nations of the UK through agreements with eight separate vaccine developers, giving the UK the best chance of securing a safe and effective vaccine at the quickest speed.

26

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MOVIE REVIEW

‘THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN’ REVIEW: HOLLYWOOD REHASH OR INTRIGUING ADAPTATION?

BY REBECCA TODD 2016’s ‘The Girl on the Train’ starring Emily Blunt was a runaway success.

The Hollywood adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ novel of the same name surprised both critics and audiences with its tormenting displays of psychosis and its unabashed approach towards portraying a woman on screen with mental health problems.

When it was announced that there would be a Hindi remake of the film, audiences were surprised that they would be seeing a new version of the story only five years after the first. Set in London, this new adaptation has been produced by Netflix and promised to provide a new, perhaps even darker, image of the now iconic narrative. ‘The Girl on the Train’ certainly has some big shoes to fill, but does it manage to live up to its predecessor?

‘The Girl on the Train’ follows the story of Mira Kapoor (Parineeti Chopra). As a woman who is plagued by her recent divorce and her spiralling alcoholism, Mira goes through her daily motions, struggling to come to terms with her issues and her mental health.

Everyday, she takes the same train into work and, as the weeks go by, she becomes fixated on a woman and a family that she

until the end of the film, which is a very nice change from the frequently formulaic tendencies of the crime genre. However, the problem with such a narrative and cinematographic device is that it does seem to take a while to get going. We spend a lot of time establishing Mira’s past in the beginning, which the Hollywood version avoided doing, and it takes a fair amount of time before the film really kickstarts and ramps up the tension. In all the scenes watching over Mira’s past, we seem to be regurgitating the fact that she’s a divorcee and an alcoholic, rather than spending time on the very interesting crime narrative.

can clearly see from her window seat. One day, when Mira witnesses something unusual happen to the woman, she sets out to investigate.

However, between her quickly deteriorating mental health and her impaired understanding of the situation, Mira quickly becomes embroiled in a murder investigation, and must prove herself innocent by figuring out exactly what it was that she saw.

The film sees Parineeti Chopra in a vastly different role than anything we have seen her in before. The actress, who is typically known for her appearance in romances and comedies, is given the task of bringing the mentally compromised Mira to life and is the actress’ most challenging role to date.

Taking on the part that saw Emily Blunt nominated for a BAFTA for her performance is a big task, but Chopra manages it well, giving the perfectly balanced impression of a woman in disrepair maintaining a facade of calm in front of others.

Chopra displays Mira’s obsession with perfection in a fragile state, who is trying to put on a brave face but is barely keeping her head above water. She really makes the character her own and diverts any comparisons to Blunt’s performance.

The film thrives when it focuses on Mira, but the supporting cast, especially Aditi Rao Hydari’s police investigator, ensure the tension and suspension of the film is maintained throughout. We constantly flip between Mira’s warped perception of the events and the investigation; perpetually ensuring that our opinion of the incident is constantly subverted.

The director (Ribhu Dasgupta) utilises the sweeping vistas of London to his advantage to enhance the overwhelming alienation of city life, and we really get the impression that Mira is isolated through her journey. Whenever we are present with Mira during a drunken episode, the camera flips and presents footage at random angles to distort our world view, mirroring the way that our titular character feels when she is losing control of herself.

By forcing our view to align with that of Mira’s, it prevents the audience from grasping any truth of the event.

The mystery remains unsolved for us as well as the characters right

Overall, ‘The Girl on the Train’ is a very solid adaptation. The film does enough to make itself standalone away from the presence of its predecessor and justify the reasons for making another adaptation so soon. Chopra gives a career-defining performance as Mira and we can expect to see her diverting into a lot more serious, starring roles from this point onwards. ‘The Girl on the Train’ establishes itself as a deeply intriguing crime thriller and, despite lulling every now and again, the constant shifts in clues and perspective keep you on your feet and ready to know more.

‘The Girl on the Train’ is available on Netflix now.

Asian Sunday Online is 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.

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RECIPE

TAAR KORMA INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 kg mutton cut into pieces, washed and patted dry

Heat oil in a pan; crackle the whole spices.

1 cup ghee

Sauté ginger-garlic paste till almost dry.

8 cardamom

Add the lamb, red chilli powder, onion paste, yoghurt,

5 cloves

tomato puree, salt .

1 tsp cinnamon, broken 2 bay leaves 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 1/2 cup tomato puree 1/2 cup yogurt, whisked 1/2 cup onion paste, fried 2 tbsp almond paste

Cook till the meat is tender.

Remove the lamb and strain the gravy into another pot.

Blend dry fruits and sunflower seeds paste with little water; add to the gravy, add more stock and cook for two-three minutes.

Pour gravy over the lamb.

1 tbsp sunflower seed paste

Mix in saffron, mace, nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder

1 tbsp cashew nut paste

and cardamom powder.

1 tsp chilli powder

Cover, seal with dough and cook on dum for 25 minutes.

1 tsp black pepper powder

Serve hot.

1 tsp saffron, crushed and soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk 1/4 tsp cardamom, powdered A pinch mace powder

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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CAR SUBSCRIPTIONS ON THE UP AS BRIT MOTORISTS SUFFER BILLION-POUND LOCKDOWN LOSS for example, take delivery of the latest Range Rover 4x4 in January and swap it for the latest Porsche convertible in July.

The entrepreneur behind one of the country’s biggest and fastest-growing vehicle subscription services believes the nation is on the verge of a car-buying revolution after traditional forms of ownership cost unwitting Brits nearly a billion pounds over lockdown1.

Toby Kernon said: “The shift towards the subscription model of car ownership has been coming for a while and, before lockdown, research suggested subscriptions would account for 10% of all new registrations by 2025.

Toby Kernon, founder and CEO of subscription site Wagonex.com, made the prediction after figures suggested tens of thousands of Brits were left out of pocket making lease, loan and insurance payments on cars they didn’t drive for months, while demand for subscription is soaring.

Enquiries at Wagonex.com have soared an incredible 250% percent since September 2020 as frustrated motorists have sought new and more flexible ways of ‘owning’ a new vehicle.

Car subscription, which works in much the same way as everything from TV streaming and mobile phones, to razor

“In reality though the effects of lockdown have accelerated the shift towards car subscriptions.

When you consider that 80% of drivers didn’t use their cars at all during lockdown while spending an average of £226 a month for the privilege, it is easy to see why people are making the shift towards flexible ownership.

Image: Mercedes benz blades and family meal boxes, helps consumers swerve longterm financial commitments and common pitfalls such as drops in residual values.

Customers can browse and order online, handle all insurance and maintenance with the click of a mouse and arrange delivery direct to their

own front door.

Best of all, there are no big deposits to make and the ability to choose subscriptions of between one month and 24

months means customers can change their car regularly and always be behind the wheel of the latest model.

That means customers could,

Kernon added: “We live in an age where simplicity rules, and flexibility is key. If we can subscribe to everything from flowers and dog food to clothing, then cars are an obvious next step.

SPORTS

PREMIER LEAGUE: LIVERPOOL BREAK LOSING JINX, DEFEAT SHEFFIELD UNITED The defending Premier League champions are now at the sixth spot in the standings with 43 points from 26 games and the side is just one point behind fth-placed Chelsea. The rst-half between Liverpool and Sheeld United saw no goals being scored and the honours were level at the halfway mark. However, in the second half, Liverpool picked up its intensity and they were immediately rewarded as Curtis Jones got among the scoring sheets to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead.

In the 64th minute, Sheeld's Kean Bryan registered an

own goal and this ended up giving Liverpool a 2-0 lead.

No more goals were registered and as a result, the visitors walked away with a 2-0 victory to end their losing streak in the ongoing premier English football competition.

In the entire match, Liverpool had eight shots on target as compared to two of Sheffield United. Ball possession was also dominated by Liverpool as they held on to the ball for 61 per cent of the game as compared to Sheffield's 39 per cent. Liverpool will next take on Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday, March 4.

TIGER WOODS IN 'GOOD SPIRITS' AFTER SUCCESSFUL FOLLOW-UP PROCEDURES Golf legend Tiger Woods, who was involved in a single-car accident, is recovering after receiving additional procedures at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Woods had suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity, but the golf superstar is now in "good spirits" after the treatment.

"Tiger has moved to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

and received follow-up procedures on his injuries this morning. The procedures were successful, and he is now recovering and in good spirits," a statement read from Tiger Woods Twitter account.

"Tiger and his family want to thank you all for the wonderful support and messages they have received over the past few days.

We will not have any further updates at this time. Thank you for your continued privacy," it added.

Earlier this week, in a statement released on Woods' Twitter account, Anish Mahajan, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Interim CEO at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, informed about the extent of injuries suffered by the golfer.

"Woods suffered significant orthopaedic injuries to his right lower extremity that were treated during emergency surgery by Orthopaedic trauma specialists at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, a level 1 trauma center. Comminuted open fractures affecting both the upper and lower portions of the tibia and bula bones were stabilized by inserting a rod into the tibia," the statement quoted Mahajan as saying.

"Additional injuries to the bones of the foot and ankle were stabilized with a combination of screws and pins. Trauma to the muscle and soft-tissue of the leg required surgical release of the covering of the muscles to relieve pressure due to swelling," it added.

Woods was injured after the car he was driving met with an accident in Los Angeles County on Tuesday 23 February

YASIR SHAH, AZHAR ALI, HARIS SOHAIL TO ATTEND MONTH-LONG HIGH PERFORMANCE CAMP Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the High Performance department will hold a month-long camp for elite cricketers who are either not featuring in the Pakistan Super League 2021 or knocking at the doors of international cricket or recently lost their places in the national side.

"The camp will commence at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore on Tuesday, March 2, in which the High Performance coaches will work on various technical and physical aspects of the elite cricketers," PCB said in a release. National High Performance Centre's world-class coaches, including Atiq-uz-Zaman, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohsin Kamal, Saqlain Mushtaq, Umar Rasheed, will work with these elite cricketers according to a robust programme. "This camp is being organised as part of our philosophy and strategy to build the prole of the National High Performance Centre as a developing and nishing school for the cricketers so that our national coaches can extract the required performances at the international stage," Director - High Performance, Nadeem Khan said.

"This camp has been designed in such a way that the current players who are not part of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021 and may potentially be in contention for the April tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe can remain connected and can hit the ground running when they land in Africa," he added.

Players invited for the camp are Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Ahmad Bashir, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Bismillah Khan, Fawad Alam, Hammad Azam, Haris Sohail, Hasan Khan, Imran Butt, Irfanullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Nauman Ali, Rehan Afridi, Sajid Khan, Salman Irshad, Saud Shakeel, Tabish Khan, Taj Wali, Umar Khan and Yasir Shah.

1 - 7 MARCH 2021

SPORTS

PREMIER LEAGUE: LIVERPOOL BREAK LOSING JINX, DEFEAT SHEFFIELD UNITED

TIGER WOODS IN 'GOOD SPIRITS' AFTER SUCCESSFUL FOLLOWUP PROCEDURES Page 31

Page 31

RACISM REVIEW DELAY: TRUST IN CRICKET IS BEING “SERIOUSLY UNDERMINED”, WARNS AZEEM RAFIQ’S LAWYER Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) risks “legitimising racism” if the heavily delayed investigation into its toxic culture is not published by the start of April, Azeem Rafiq’s lawyer has claimed.

In August, Mr Rafiq, a former England under-19 captain who played for YCCC in 2008-18, revealed the racism he suffered at the club. YCCC chairman Roger Hutton admitted “change was needed… especially in terms of racial inclusivity” and announced an investigation into Mr Rafiq’s allegations about his treatment and the club’s culture. Former YCCC players Tino Best and Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan have since corroborated Mr Rafiq’s allegations.

This investigation was originally expected to finish

by December and, when first delayed, shortly after Christmas. The investigation was still not ready when a separate employment tribunal launched by Mr Rafiq against YCCC started this month.

The next hearing of the tribunal is scheduled for 16 and 17 June, yet there is still no firm date for the completion nor publication of YCCC’s review. The latest suggestion is spring, but the continued delays mean there is little faith that this will mean publication in March, April, or even May. Mr Rafiq’s solicitor, Asma Iqbal of Chadwick Lawrence LLP in Leeds, said: “We want to

see a thorough investigation, which is why we accepted that this inquiry would take longer than initially suggested. The continued delays, however, create a lack of faith in the entire process and means trust in the sport’s ability to clean Anthony Joshua

up its act is being seriously undermined.

“At best, the delay is tone deaf when former players, coaches, and umpires are bravely coming forward about their dreadful experiences.

At worst, the delay shows fear of the investigation’s possible findings and the impact they might have on the employment tribunal. Failure to act quickly and decisively only risks legitimising racism.

“I urge YCCC and its appointed panel and lawyers to complete this investigation by the start of April at the latest, giving all sides time to review the findings ahead of the employment tribunal. That will have been seven months,

which is far more than enough time to produce a thorough and conclusive report. The longer this is delayed, the longer we have to wait for the reforms YCCC so badly needs if it is to become inclusive, Fury Tysonan progressive club.”