Tuesday, June 12, 2012
GROUND BREAKING HERITAGE PROJECT TELLS THE STORY OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE –
BORN IN LEICESTER, INSPIRING A NATION
‘Karman’, funded by Heritage Lottery Fund is A Living Archive project exhibiting performances and personalities behind forty years of groundbreaking Indian classical dance in the East Midlands.
‘Karman’ began its’ journey in 2011, when the Centre for Indian Classical Dance (CICD) based in Leicester, trained and worked with a team of twenty-five volunteer historians who between them recorded over seventy hours of oral history interviews. To accompany this, volunteers worked through an impressive and comprehensive archive of leaflets, posters and newspaper cuttings held by CICD. This innovative research and unique collection has led to a fascinating touring exhibition and accompanying book called ‘Karman’.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Photo Credit: Matt Crockett
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor and Broadcaster
Life is imitating art for leading man Raza Jaffrey, as CHICAGO producer, Barry Weissler spotted him in the new TV series Smash, and immediately offered him the role of Billy Flynn in the West End production of the musical.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor and Broadcaster
Rajiv Ouseph is just one of four people representing GB at the 2012 London Olympics for Badminton
Following a very competitive year-long qualification period, the badminton squad selected contains exciting potential as all four players will be making their Olympic debuts in London this summer.
The athletes selected to Team GB today are:
Chris Adcock
Mixed Doubles (age: 23, born: Leicester, lives: Milton Keynes)
Imogen Bankier
Mixed Doubles (age: 24, born: Glasgow, lives: Milton Keynes)
Rajiv Ouseph
Men’s Singles (age: 25, born: Hounslow, lives: Milton Keynes)
Susan Egelstaff
Women’s Singles (age: 29, born: Glasgow, lives: Clarkson)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The GG2 Leadership Awards, now in its fourteenth year, attract a diverse and powerful audience of high achievers, including Cabinet ministers, self-made millionaires, top CEOs, police officers and the military brass and film stars. Recognising and rewarding high achievers within ethnic minority communities, the GG2 Leadership Awards celebrate the diverse mosaic that is Britain today.
The GG2 Young Journalist of the Year Award is open to journalists and will go to a new talent who has proved to be outstanding in print, online, radio or television journalism. The winner will receive a bursary cheque of £500 from the Daily Mail and will have the chance, if appropriate, of a week’s work experience on the newspaper. The only criteria other than ability and talent is that the applicant must be under the age of 30.
Nominations are now open; the closing date for submission of entries is Friday, September 14, 2012.
We appreciate your support in promoting talented young and upcoming journalists.
To enter visit: http://www.gg2.net/Awards/
Thursday, May 17, 2012
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor and Broadcaster
Todays sees the release of the latest Rajar figures for the first quarter 2012. BBC Asian Network is back at the top spot and has it highest ratings. Sunrise Radio has seen a slight dip in numbers and Kismat has gone up on last quarter 2011 and is down on last year.
Buzz Asia saw yet another rise.
Sunrise Radio
First Quarter 2012
457,000
Previous Quarter
490,000
Same Quarter Previous Year
469,000
Buzz Asia
First Quarter 2012
119,000
Previous Quarter
108,000
Same Quarter Previous Year
111,000
Monday, April 16, 2012
by Vallisa Chauhan aka Sharan Sharma
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster
Saturday 14th April marked the day of the first ever Burban Mela hosted by Nihal at London’s Southbank Centre. The mela managed to pull in a large young crowd eager to see their favourite artists. There was a turnout of around 500 people aged between 16 and 21.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Bringing together stylish ladies who love fashion, fun and food.
Date : Saturday 29th April 2012
Sandwiches, drinks and lovely Chai
Time : 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue : Fahkreldine Lounge & Bar, Mayfair
Cost : £25.00
Dress Code : Glamorous and Sophisticated
More information on www.stylemoguls.com/
Event : Ladies High Chai
Sandwiches, drinks and lovely Chai
Time : 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue : Fahkreldine Lounge & Bar, Mayfair
Cost : £25.00
Dress Code : Glamorous and Sophisticated
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Date : Thursday 8th March 2012
Event : Diamond Lashes Ladies Network .
Canapes and Drinks (LADIES ONLY)
Time : 6.45pm – 10.15pm
Venue : Fahkreldine Lounge & Bar, Mayfair – www.fakhreldine.co.uk
Cost : £35.00
Dress Code : Glamorous and Sophisticated
Celebrate Women’s Day with Style at London’s most stylish venues in Mayfair. An inspirational evening of wonderful women coming together to celebrate style and substance.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist
Date : Sunday 26th February 2012
Event : Mingle in Mayfair
Canapes and Drinks
Time: 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue : Fahkreldine Lounge & Bar, Mayfair – www.fakhreldine.co.uk
Cost : £30.00
Dress Code : Smart Casual
This event is mainly for the single affluent professionals who are based in or around London.
More info: www.stylemoguls.com
Monday, February 13, 2012
by Zeenat Moosa
Freelance Journalist
BritAsia TV recently announced the signing of phenomenal Punjabi singing sensation Satinder Sartaaj for a UK Tour in March and April of this year.
The UK Tour “Mehfil-e-Sartaaj” promises to be a great spectacle on a scale unlike anything seen before in the United Kingdom for a Punjabi artist. The concerts will be held at prestigious venues in five cities; Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leicester, Leeds and London.
Monday, February 6, 2012
by Vallisa Chauhan
Freelance Journalist and Broadcaster
Hrithik Roshan takes on the role of Vijay Deenanth Chauhan originally played by the legend Amitabh Bachchan in the remake of the 1990 film Agneepath. The film itself is very well put together and the 62 cores spent can be seen in the detail and cinematography.
The story is based around Vijay (Hrithik Roshan) whose father, Master Deenanth, is murdered by Kancha (Sanjay Dutt) in his home village of Mandwa. The Master was set up at a murder scene of a young girl and in true Bollywood style his disciples did not believe him when he tried to plead is innocence.
Vijay and his mother flee Mandwa and head for Mumbai where his mother gives birth to a baby girl. Vjay’s mind has been corrupted and he feels that he must take revenge on the man that killed his father and in haste his mother leaves him.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor and Broadcaster
Todays sees the release of the latest Rajar figures for the final quarter of 2011. There were no major shifts in listener numbers but Sunrise Radio is now back at the top spot in the race to be the number 1 Asian radio station.
Buzz Asia saw a slight rise after experiencing a fall in the first 2 quarters of 2011. The worst news came for Kismat Radio which saw huge fall in numbers.
Sunrise Radio
Last Quarter 2011
490,000
Previous Quarter
453,000
Same Quarter Previous Year
481,000
Buzz Asia
Last Quarter 2011
108,000
Previous Quarter
101,000
Same Quarter Previous Year
113,000
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor and Broadcaster
Lebara Mobile UK Asian Music Awards (UK AMA) are launching a new talent search to find an unsigned act to perform live at this year’s 10th anniversary event.
One lucky winner, chosen by the UK AMA Unsigned judging panel, will win the once in a lifetime prize of performing in front of thousands of Asian music fans at Wembley Arena. The event will now take place on Thursday 25th October 2012 to allow this incredible competition to happen.
To enter the UK AMA Unsigned, visit the UK AMA website from Monday 2 April 2012 www.theukama.com.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
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
Monday, January 23, 2012
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.”
Monday, January 23, 2012
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/
Friday, January 20, 2012
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.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor 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.
Monday, January 16, 2012
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.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor 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).
Monday, December 5, 2011
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor 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.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
by Amit Sodha
AIM Editor 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.
Friday, April 16, 2010
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.
Continue reading…
Friday, April 16, 2010
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.
Continue reading…
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