by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

Event: The World Hajj & Umrah Convention (WHUC)

Date: Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th February 2012

Venue: British Museum, London.

About: This two-day convention is a unique opportunity for Hajj & Umrah industry experts to promote business services, learn new best practices, exchange ideas and network with over 300 attending delegates.

The event program comprises of the Main Conference, B2B Network Session, Educational Seminar, WHUC Business Exhibition and a tour of the British Museum’s Hajj exhibition.

The Convention will be teeming with fascinating discussion and analysis through an unrivalled line-up of esteemed academicians, government representatives, religious figures and other key members from the sector. The learning exchange platform and B2B networking forums will be at the core of the Convention, with only the highest level of leading figures in attendance at this event.

Visit: http://whuc.org for information or to register

by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

The BBC Asian Network has today confirmed that Sonia Deol will be leaving the popular station in March.

After tweeting over the weekend that she had some personal news to share, Sonia told listeners this morning that she is departing the digital network to get married and pursue an exciting new life in Vancouver, Canada.

In a statement, Sonia said,

“It’s with mixed emotions that I announce I’m leaving the BBC Asian Network. Although it’s a very happy time for me and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life, I am going to dearly miss my fantastic radio family, both on and off-air. We’ve been through so much together over the years and shared some fantastic achievements. I’m proud of the fact that we’ve made the station the most listened to Asian service in the country.”

I’m honoured to have worked with a brilliant team where we more than doubled the audience on the mid-morning show in the last two years and I’ve also had so much fun working with our Events team, hosting successful music tours and Melas. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my friends and colleagues for their guidance and encouragement during my career. The next few weeks will no doubt be emotional as I start to say goodbye to the audience I love with all my heart, and get ready to make a new start in a new country. I wish the BBC Asian Network the very best for the future.”

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by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

BFI Southbank will celebrate the work of renowned actor, director and Hindu megastar, Raj Kapoor with a season of workshops and films throughout February.

The tribute will include a selection of eight new 35mm prints from the touring programme Raj Kapoor and The Golden Age of Indian Cinema, curated by Noah Cowan, Artistic Director for TIFF Bell Lightbox and organised by TIFF, IIFA and RK Films with the support of the Government of Ontario.

The prints will capture some of Kapoor’s most famous films, like Fire, My Name is Joker, Bobby and Where the Ganges Flows. There will also be a lecture from Kings College lecturer Rachel Dwyer as well as a four day course entitled Super Tramp Hindustani-Style led by writer and programmer Behroze Gandhy.

The Raj Kapoor Tribute runs from 1-29th February. For more information or to book tickets visit http://www.southbanklondon.com/attraction/bfi/

by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

A British Asian Entrepreneur has successfully created Facebook’s first property app.

Sohail Rashid, an experienced conveyancing lawyer in his 20s created Property Place after becoming aware of the lack of innovation and transparency in today’s property market

The beta version of the app is already online and has over 400,000 properties, allowing home-owners and landlords to advertise property for sale, rent and room share via their Facebook profile.

Unlike RightMove and Zoopla who only use properties from estate agents, Property Place is accessible by ordinary people and makes it very easy for users to rent or sell their properties or rooms as it gives them access to the huge membership, sharing and commenting abilities offered through Facebook.

The app will be launched in late January 2012 and is currently available in its beta version at http://apps.facebook.com/propertyplace.

by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

Channel 4 announced the final three additions to its award winning News programme earlier this week. And two of the three are Asian faces. The trio now completes the onscreen team after a year of big name hiring and promotions for home grown talent.

Asha Tanna has been appointed as Science Reporter, a vacant role after Tom Clarke’s promotion to Science Editor. Having freelanced for the programme as well as Sky News, Asha will cover stories across the science agenda. Starting in regional print journalism and with more than ten years experience in broadcast, she also has a particular interest in biological sciences, and is currently studying a Masters in primate biology, behaviour and conservation. She will join the programme on a full-time basis following the completion of three months of field research in Western Uganda examining the effects of deforestation on wild chimpanzee populations.

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by Amit Sodha
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster

2012 promises to be quite an exciting year for Asian music with the AMA’s being held at Wembley Arena. It seems as if the genre is moving forward but still has a long way to go.

Some would say that Asian music will never quite make a mainstream niche all of it’s own but there are some very exiting prospects on the horizon.

Once such prospect is Tazzz who’s recent release of ‘Radha‘ which has been causing quite a buzz.

Featuring RKZ, Kan-D Man, Raxstar, Menis and Raver from PMG, Tazzz wanted to bring some of the best Asian burban artists together and try something new with the beat.

Tazzz said:

“Radha is not only a concept but also a taster and prelude to what is hopefully a new feel to Asian music. With a dub-step beat, intertwined with a bollywood classic ‘Radha’ from the movie Lagaan.”

Check out Radha on Youtube and share your thoughts with us on twitter.

by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist

A lot seems to have happened while AIM has been on hiatus. I was extremely shocked and somewhat saddened to hear that Asiana Magazine, one of the UK’s most popular Asian lifestyle magazines has now ceased publication.

In a statement released in the latter part of last year, publishers I and I Media explained that a desire to focus on future online development plans and the core wedding market meant the printed version of Asiana Magazine would soon terminate.

In a statement the publishers said:

“In keeping with our business strategy of developing our online presence in the UK and worldwide, Asiana’s content – including Asian fashion, beauty, lifestyle and entertainment, will now be available exclusively on our portal www.asiana.tv. This will enable more up-to-date content to be available for existing readers and increase visibility of the brand to a much wider audience worldwide. Asiana’s online platform will also allow advertisers a more targeted approach to reach customers and take advantage of the growing popularity of the website”.

It is believed that the Asiana Wedding magazine will continue to be published as usual, with its quarterly frequency and 500-page format unchanged.

by Amit Sodha
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster

In the space of just 3 weeks, Why This Kolaveri Di, a soundtrack from and upcoming Tamil film called 3, has had an incredible 22million views.  

To put this into perspective, a song like Teri Meri from the movie Bodyguard, which has been around for four months, has so far had 19million views, despite being the hit of the summer.

Written and sung by Dhanush , the song was composed by music director Anirudh Ravichander.  The hook of the song translates to “why this murderous rage?”.

Most people are now familiar with this song since being played on all the Asian radio stations but what is also becoming hugely popular is a cover version performed by a singer from London known as Arjun.  

Since releasing his R&B cover version on Youtube just 3 days ago, he has already got over 300,000 views.

Arjun said on twitter:

“wow totally humbled by the support for my Kolaveri Remix. 200,000 views in 48 hours and it’s been shared almost 100,000 on facebook!#Love” (sic).

by Amit Sodha
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster

Tonight sees the return of Bombay Bronx –  a funky Asian night hosted by Nihal of Radio1 at the Notting Hill Arts Club.

The return will be headlined by singer Shide Boss and will include Ameet Chana as one of the guest DJ’s.

The Bronx night was renowned for great music and good company but unfortunately came to an end 17 months ago.

To make sure the quality of the night is preserved no large groups of guys will be permitted, it will be guest list only, everyone will require ID and the code will be dress to impress.

Bombay Bronx will happen every 3 months and will be on the first Monday of the month.  To be on the guest list email jiggapree13@gmail.com.

by Amit Sodha
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster

Sunny (Hundal) Gaddafi has been captured by rebel forces and overthrown from as editor Asians in Media, we can reveal today.

A new editor will take his place as the online magazine is relaunched after a year long hiatus.

When asked, rebel leader Amit S said: “It’s a great day for democracy and justice.  We’ve been living under the dictatorship of Sunny for many years and it was only a matter of time before his tyranny came to an end.”

Sunny will still make the odd guest appearance but accepted last night that his reign was over.

“I think it’s time fresh blood took over AiM Magazine. I’ve got other things, like the International Criminal Court, to worry about now,” he said.

If you wish you contact to cover any stories, or for press releases, follow AIM on Twitter or email the new editor at – amit(at)asiansinmedia(dot)org.

by Jaspreet Pandohar
Freelance writer and Filmmaker

Having bought a controlling stake in Steven Spielberg’s DreamWorks studio, rumours of billionaire-industrialist Anil Ambani’s buyout of MGM Studios dominated movie industry news in early 2010.

But despite his colossal power, the boss of Reliance Big Pictures company doesn’t get the prize for being the first Indian to make waves in Hollywood.

That credit goes to Ashok Amritraj, the one time professional tennis player turned movie mogul who this year celebrates 30 years in the industry and production of 100 films in Hollywood.

The film producer was in London recently for one in a series of celebratory events honouring his landmark achievement.
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Rifco Arts, the theatre company behind popular productions such as The Deranged Marriage, There’s Something About Simmy and Where’s My Desi Soulmate are launching their biggest show yet from tomorrow.

The show will tour around the country until 17th July.
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The media industry rallied around the BBC Asian Network and 6 Music yesterday by nominating them for a large clutch of awards.

The Sony Radio Academy Awards announced yesterday that Asian Network had been nominated for best speech programme and best news special.
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The writer of the controversial play Behzti return to the Midlands this week with a new play after a break of five years.

In December 2004 Gurpreet Bhatti was forced to go into hiding when threats from Sikh extremists forced the Birmingham Rep to shut down Behzti.

There were numerous protests in Birmingham over the play. Its critics said it insulted Sikhism by depicting rape in a Gurdwara.
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A new magazine written by youngster and for youngsters launched in the difficult area of Tower Hamlets in late March.

Live East, the first magazine of its kind in East London, will replicate the model of its hugely well-regarded Brixton-based sister publication Live South, which has a track record with improving lives and offering opportunities to young people in South London since 2001.
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We’re taking a break! Wrong timing, perhaps, but AIM Magazine is going on a short break until the end of March.
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Updated April 2nd: We’re back!

In early April a new festival celebrating Indian culture will be launched by London’s Southbank Centre.

Called ‘Alchemy’, the festival will feature a full programme of music, dance, literature, food, debate and fashion.

Events will range from a rare classical concert by celebrated composer A.R. Rahman to the very best UK Bhangra, to an evening of music and chat with the Grewal Family from Channel 4’s hit docu-drama The Family.
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After four years as Senior Reporter at Eastern Eye, Aditi Khanna has left the newspaper to go freelance. She will do some shifts on national newspapers as well as the BBC, telling AIM she was looking to develop more skills in online media.
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by Kieran Yates
Freelance Journalist

Nitin Swahney is one of the most prolific Indian composers, musicians and producers alive today.

But Monday’s performance at London’s Barbican Centre however, was something new even to me.
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The BBC’s director-general Mark Thompson yesterday acknowledged that the radio stations BBC Asian Network and 6Music were indeed going to be closed.

The corporation officially launched its Strategy Review, proposing that the Asian Network cease as a national digital service.

But the station could be replaced by a network of local services, with reduced hours, that will operate on analogue as well as digital licenses.
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by Sunny Hundal
Editor

Over the years I have been a constant critic of the BBC Asian Network. The station has been the subject of complaints over its confused music policy, not focusing enough on news and current affairs and not doing enough to develop new talent.

But it’s biggest problem has always been poor management. That is now evident more than ever before, given that its management seem to have failed spectacularly to internally make the case to keep the station.

But BBC Asian Network’s survival is important, and there are several reasons why. Here are some:
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by Sunny Hundal
Editor

By Friday afternoon, once the Conservative shadow culture minister Ed Vaizey had “welcomed” the leaked report in The Times, it looked like the BBC Asian Network’s fate was sealed.

The draft report has been widely seen as a response by BBC executives to strong pressure by the Conservative party to get the corporation to cut spending.

They ask why, at a time when the commercial sector is reeling from a downturn in the advertising sector, is the BBC not sharing some of the pain.
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A young PR agency founded by a 26-year entrepreneur was yesterday named ‘Newcomer Company of the Year’ at Asian Voice newspaper’s annual Public & Political Life Awards.
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The Financial Times newspaper’s US economic editor, Krishna Guha, is leaving to join the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
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Rumours that BBC Asian Network is going to be shut down have grown stronger today after a report leaked to the The Times newspaper.

The corporation is due to announce an overhaul of services next month.

The newspaper reported this morning that BBC director-general Mark Thompson will signal that ‘an era of expansion’ would be over. One of the drastic cuts to be recommended would be shutting down BBC Asian Network entirely.
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