News in brief: who is doing what
21st March, 2005
The Tongues on Fire is hosting a discussion and networking evening with Channel 4 on Thursday 24th March. The event will mark the end of the women's film festival. A series of short films will also be screened. Panel features: Shakila Taranum Maan, independent filmmaker; Sangeeta Datta, author and filmmaker and Shaheen Khan, actor and writer. Chair: Suman Bhuchar.
Entrance by invitation only - email info@tonguesonfire.com or call 020 8961 8908.
The International Women’s Month magazine (IWM) was launched this week with an event at Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair, London. Co-hosted by former Eastenders actress Rani Singh (pictured), the night served to highlight the importance of the contribution of women to every aspect of society. Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women also supported the event. The magazine is now available nationwide.
Imagine going to work, not knowing whether you'll be expected to boogie your pants off, wear your pyjamas or take part in a bit of lap dancing. One minute you're giving insurance quotes, the next you're unwittingly hosting an adult chat line. Welcome to the wacky world of Norwich Union - the UK's biggest insurance company, who want to quote you happy!
A BBC2 program next week swaps a British call centre advisor with one in India. It's a work trip like no other, that will change their views forever. Transmission date: 30th March, 11:20pm, BBC 2.
Produced and directed by Minoo Bhatia.
Actors of Indian and Pakistani origin in the UK have formed an alliance to stage a play that touches upon a number of controversial issues dividing the community. UK based theatre group Desi Canvas will launch a new Hindi & Urdu play, Zahoor Ka Hotal, at Watermans.
It is Desi Canvas' third major production since the organisation was launched six years ago by Britain's leading theatre activists and broadcasters in order to promote quality theatre in Hindi & Urdu. The story is about a British Muslim of Indian origin, Kabeer, who is in love with Kavita, a British Hindu married to Rajesh. Media queries: desicanvas@gmail.com. More here.
Sunday 17th April 2005, 7.45 pm. Written and directed by Desi Canvas's Creative Director Pervaiz Alam.
Bollywood film critic Jaspreet Pandohar has teamed up with Raj&Pablo on their Bollywood Nights to create Bollywood Brain Drain - the first events of it's kind. A cross between a traditional British pub quiz and a team game, it's aimed at anyone who has an interest in the Hindi film industry and Bollywood trivia. Members of the public are invited to participate in the quiz, with a minimum of two and maximum of eight people per team (minimum age 21).
Entrants will have the added bonus of being able to compete against a celebrity team on the night, and win a batch of fantastic Bollywood prizes and memorabilia. It will take place on Wednesday 30th March at the Cobden Club. Contact: bollywoodbraindrain@yahoo.co.uk
BBC Three Counties Radio has launched Bangla Nation, a new programme for Bangladeshis living across the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire starting today. The project is the first time BBC radio has handed over the control of an entire programme to a group of people who knew nothing about the workings of radio just a few months ago.
Broadcast in English and Bengali, it is a broad mix of news, views, politics, health information, music and film reviews as well as the latest news from Bangladesh. It will air every Monday from 21 March at 9pm straight after Bhagwant Sagoo's Yaadein programme on 630MW. Contact: banglanation@bbc.co.uk.
Former BBC Asian Network presenter Ray-C joins Club Asia radio this week, as presenter on the Central Show (Mon-Fri from 10am-2pm). He spent two years at Asian Network as the weekend breakfast show presenter and event co-ordinator. His career in radio spans over 15years. Meanwhile, presenter K-Jal will front a new chat show every week starting Tuesday 29th March.
