Dominus is a leading investor, developer and asset manager specialising in hotels and student housing, with a £2.5 billion asset portfolio across the UK.
Programme
6:00pm Drinks and canapes reception
7:15pm Guests seated
Comperes Nitin Ganatra OBE and Anila Dhami join the stage
Welcome by Pratik Dattani, Managing Director, EPG
Entertainment: Circus performer Klodi Dabkiewicz
7:45pm Award ceremony begins
The judging process: Sunil Mohindra (Judge), Iftikhar Chaudhri (Ambassador)
Award 1 Achievement in Community Service
Award 2 Achievement in Media
Award 3 Achievement in Professional of the Year
Award 4 Sports Personality of the Year
Award 5 Art & Culture
Award 6 Special Award for Contribution to Music
8:05pm Entertainment: King of multicultural pop Raghav Mathur
8:15pm Charity auction for Parkinson’s UK Introduction by Caroline Rassell (Chief Executive) and Dr Shafaq Hassain-Ali (dentist, Parkinson’s UK advocate)
Auction by Thomas Forrester
9:00pm Dinner served
10:00pm
Entertainment: Stand-up comedian Eshaan Akbar
Vote of Thanks by Pratik Dattani
Award 7 Special Award for Contribution to Broadcasting
Award 8 Woman of the Year
Award 9 Entrepreneur of the Year
Award 10 Businessperson of the Year
Award 11 Lifetime Achievement Award
10:45pm End of programme After-party hosted by Enigma London starts
01:00am Carriages
Foreword
Change. That was the first word of my speech at last year’s Asian Achievers Because that was the one-word message in the Labour manifesto for the
accounts, just as I remarked exactly a year ago, it’s been a period of incredible change that few of us could have imagined.
political and economic headwinds buffet Britain. Taxes continue to rise. leaving Britain for Dubai and elsewhere. Conflict in Gaza has continued Trump’s tariffs have damaged trust and business certainty, wielding blunt instrument to further foreign policy and geopolitical goals. India and Pakistan reached the brink of war just a few months ago. Bangladesh’s new government continues to face governance challenges. The rise of Reform has shifted the political narrative to the right. The surge in the far-right in mainland Europe continues to bring new threats to societal cohesion.
But amidst all this turbulence, South Asians have been steadfast in their contribution to business and society. To job creation and innovation. To building a better Britain.
I’m so pleased that this year’s shortlists feature candidates from across the breadth of South Asia heritage. As a people, we are perhaps the most influential block in Britain today, across the entire spectrum of the economy and society. Tonight is about recognising leaders from a range of fields that have gone above and beyond to help their communities and create a better Britain.
Thank you in particular to billionaire hotelier Tony Matharu for continuing exactly this work through his efforts next month recognising those who have made positive contributions to London over the past five decades. Thank you too, to the leaders of all three main political parties for their messages of support for tonight – in particular to Kemi Badenoch’s and Sir Ed Davey’s offices, for their alacrity and speed.
The Awards are one part of EPG’s mission to bring together change-makers. Our annual India Week events this year were the largest UK-India business gathering of the year, with more than 1,200 attendees across all our events and 3.9m views across our videos within two weeks.
If you are sitting next to one of our Shortlist or Winners, take a little time to congratulate them for putting the ‘Great’ in Great Britain. Best of luck to everyone on the shortlist tonight.
Pratik Dattani Managing Director, EPG
The Prime Minister
It gives me enormous pleasure to offer my congratulations to all the nominees at tonight’s Asian Achievers Awards.
British Asians are a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today. You represent so many of the values that help our communities thrive ambition, hard work and inclusivity, to name just a few.
This is why it is wonderful so see so many British Asian change-makers being recognised tonight by the team at EPG, honouring the contribution they in particular have made to public life, community service, arts, culture, business, technology and beyond.
Let me end by saying thank you to all the nominees, attendees and indeed the committed organisers for helping make Britain a better, brighter, more secure and more prosperous country. Your example is truly inspiring to me.
I wish you a wonderful evening.
Keir Starmer
The Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street London SW1A 2AA
Leader, HM Official Opposition
Congratulations to all those nominated for this year’s Asian Achievers Awards. This event is a celebration of the contribution you make across every sector of society—from business and public service to science and the arts.
These achievements have real impact, changing lives for the better. They also embody values - hard work, ambition, a commitment to family and communitywhich make our country such a special place to belong to.
Talent is everywhere in our country but too often government gets in the way of success and opportunity. If these barriers can be removed, there will be many more achievements like the ones being celebrated at these Awards.
I thank the organisers for their work championing success and recognising those who lead by example.
Enjoy the evening—and congratulations once again.
Rt Hon Mrs Kemi Badenoch MP Leader, HM Official Opposition Leader, Conservative Party
Parkinson’s specialists are a lifeline for people living with Parkinson’s, as well as the people who love and care for them.
Since 1996, Parkinson’s UK has invested more than £15 million into funding, training and supporting Parkinson’s nurses. We have a 100% success rate of ensuring the nurse posts we seed-fund go on to be sustainably funded by the NHS.
But over 30,000 people with Parkinson’s in the UK still have little or no access to a Parkinson’s nurse.
We urgently need more Parkinson’s nurses to deliver the specialist care people with Parkinson’s deserve.
Will you help us close the Parkinson’s care gap by making a donation?
Parkinson’s UK Nurse Appeal
Great care, everywhere
Scan the code to donate to Parkinson’s UK or visit uk2.emma-live.com/ asianachievers2025/pledge
Leader, Liberal Democrats
What a pleasure it is to offer my congratulations to all the nominees at the 23rd annual Asian Achievers Awards.
On behalf of your friends at the Liberal Democrats, I am incredibly proud to support this event and the important recognition of achievement across the community.
The enormous contributions the South Asian community has made to our society are so deeply valued. I am heartened by your determination, rich cultural heritage, and enduring commitment to inclusivity.
It is wonderful to see so many British Asian leaders and innovators being honoured tonight. For over two decades, the Asian Achievers Awards has been a vital platform for recognising the incredible contributions you have made to public life across every aspect of this country.
Your dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all. I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every nominee and to the Awards’ organisers.
I wish you all a brilliant evening, full of joy and celebration.
Yours sincerely,
Sir Ed Davey MP Leader, Liberal Democrats
Our Evening Comperes
Nitin Ganatra OBE
Nitin is a Kenyan-born British actor best known for portraying Masood Ahmed in the BBC soap EastEnders. He was Prince Pondicherry in the Tim Burton film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, also appearing in Bride and Prejudice, The Mistress of Spices and Mumbai Calling. He appeared in the first ever iPod commercial. His other credits also include The Catherine Tate Show, Philip Pullman’s The Shadow in the North and the CBBC Gina’s Laughing Gear. Nitin won Best Onscreen Partnership with Nina Wadia at the British Soap Awards in 2009 and was later nominated for Best Actor at the British Soap Awards in 2010.
Anila Dhami
Anila is a prominent British-Asian journalist and presenter, currently working as a freelancer with ITV News, Channel 5 News, and LBC. With a decade of experience in the media industry, she has reported on significant events like Brexit and the Grenfell Tower fire. She also won the Media category at the Asian Achievers Awards in 2023.
Known for her skill in hosting live debates and conducting interviews with a diverse array of figures, including MPs and celebrities, Anila is dedicated to giving a voice to underrepresented communities. She is also deeply involved in charity work, serving as an ambassador for Barnardo’s and Binti International.
Our Panel of Esteemed Judges
Alison Eddy
Former Regional Managing Partner, Irwin Mitchell LLP
Alison was the regional managing partner for Irwin Mitchell LLP, London, helping develop and implement the firm’s growth strategy. Having opened the London office in 1995, she set up and until recently led the medical negligence team in London. She is recognised as a leading medical negligence and complex personal injury lawyer. She is a champion for diversity, inclusion, and social mobility within the legal profession.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE
Film festival director and programmer
Cary is the film festival director and programmer, and filmmaker. He is the UK’s best-known curator of Indian cinema. Formerly of the British Film Institute, as Head of Diversity, he curated Europe’s largest ever South Asian film project, ImagineAsia in 2002. Cary was the South Asia programme adviser to the London Film Festival and the CEO and Programming Director of the London Indian Film Festival, the largest such film festival in the UK and Europe. LIFF this year featured an 8K restoration of Peter Brook’s The Mahabharata, which screened at BFI IMAX, and will host a new South Asian Gaming Zone in October.
Mina Tailor
Senior Manager in UK Customer, Propositions and Marketing, HSBC
Mina is a Senior Manager in UK Customer, Propositions and Marketing at HSBC. A strategic leader with 25+ years’ experience designing client-focused solutions in global banking. Renowned for proposition innovation, inclusive leadership, and data-led strategy to drive growth and transformation. Passionate about social mobility, she actively supports community initiatives empowering young Asian women and the wider BAME community beyond corporate settings.
Dr Poonam Gupta OBE
CEO, PG Paper
Dr Poonam Gupta OBE is CEO of PG Paper, a global export leader in 60+ countries. An award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist, she champions UK-India ties and global charities. She is Vice President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Chair of FICCI UK’s Manufacturing Committee, and a DBT Export Champion for Scotland.
Remona Aly Journalist
Remona Aly is a journalist and broadcaster with a focus on faith, lifestyle, and identity. She writes for The Guardian, is a Pause for Thought contributor on BBC Radio 2, presented BBC Radio 4’s Something Understood, and reports for BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live. Remona also presents podcasts across various platforms.
Sunil
Mohindra President, TiE
UK North
Sunil is a Kenyan-born legal professional and business consultant with over 40 years of experience. He was senior partner of a niche law practice until 2014 and is a CEDR accredited mediator, he now runs a consultancy focused on business deals in India, Africa, and the Middle East, with strong corporate connections in these regions. Sunil has participated in UK government delegations to India and holds extensive international contacts. He is President of TiE UK North and has served as a Trustee on TiE’s Global Board. Having recently retired as a lawyer, he is concentrating on his work with not-for-profit organisations, universities in Manchester and Manchester Museum. He is also a Board Member of the Manchester India Partnership, part of the city’s inward investment agency MIDAS.
Our Evening Entertainment
Klodi Dabkiewicz
Klodi has cultivated a dynamic career spanning rhythmic gymnastics, sports aerobics (becoming multiple Polish Champion), dance, and circus arts. She graduated from the University of Physical Education with a Master’s Degree and holds a Guinness World Record. Klodi was an original cast member of The House of Dancing Water, the world’s largest water show in Macau, directed by Franco Dragone. She has worked for top companies like Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, GOP, La Clique, La Soiree, and the Royal Opera House in London and performed at prestigious events such as Formula 1 Monaco GP.She has now gone on to perform internationally with her acts at top level cabarets, dinner shows, theatrical and corporate events such as Lio Ibiza, Cirque Eloize, Formula 1 Monaco GP and Royal Opera House London. Her speciality is aerial hoop and silks, hand-balance/ contortion on canes and hand to hand.
Eshaan Akbar
Eshaan Akbar is an acclaimed English comedian, writer, actor, and broadcaster of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage. A former banker and speechwriter with a master’s degree in Global Governance and Public Policy, he entered comedy in 2014 and swiftly became a finalist in the So You Think You’re Funny and Laughing Horse competitions. He has since made history as the first British Bangladeshi to appear on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and QI. With sell-out solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe— including Not for Prophet, Prophet Like It’s Hot, and Infidelity—and support slots on tours with comedians like Micky Flanagan and Jason Manford, Eshaan has firmly established himself in the UK comedy circuit.
His comedic voice—marked by cultural insight, storytelling, and sharp wit—brings both humour and social commentary to mainstream platforms.
Raghav Mathur
Raghav is an award-winning Canadian-British singer-songwriter known for blending R&B, pop, reggae, and South Asian sounds. He began his musical journey at the age of five under the guidance of Guru Nishi Kant Bali. His debut album, Storyteller (2004), achieved global recognition, selling over 1.4 million copies worldwide and producing multiple UK Top 10 hits, including the chart-topping single “Angel Eyes.” He has collaborated with international artists and contributed to Bollywood soundtracks, such as “Ishq Shava” from Jab Tak Hai Jaan with A.R. Rahman. Most recently, Raghav’s original hit “Teri Baaton” was reimagined for the 2024 Bollywood film Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, starring Shahid Kapoor and Kriti Sanon.
A graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Raghav continues to tour globally and is celebrated for championing cultural diversity in mainstream music.
A script idea, no fixed plan, and a truckload of optimism
Picture: (From left to right) Aman Dhillon (Founder, ReeLn), Laasya Gadi (EPG), Gurinder Chadha (film producer and director.), Pratik Dattani (EPG)
It’s 2025 - yet the global South Asian narrative often feels frozen in time. And the world’s still surprised by who we are. I experience it firsthand. The immigrant experience is real, central, well validated – it’s just not the only story we have to tell. We must reframe the lens to centre lives that are complex, current, thriving – and most crucially, sans embedded tropes. We’re not just a tick in the box. We’ve progressed collectively. Time our stories caught up.
That’s why the first edition of Film Conclave in London May 2025 in London felt like the conduit we’ve long been waiting for: a perfectly timed, joyful gathering of South-Asia-forward filmmakers (me included) with their Official Selections spanning the region and diaspora. It was the first UK-India coproduction market, organised by EPG, with the aim of connecting Indian-origin film makers to financiers, distributors and sales agents.
My film, Sense & Serendipity, was shaped by the cross-cultural world I grew up in, where identity was
never binary – it was about living in the fullness of things. The script that began with modest ambitions: slice-of-life rom-com, charming leads, fresh moments – evolved into a calibrated response to how we’re persistently portrayed – with impact and authenticity threaded through a romance that inhabits a broader emotional and social fabric. Diaspora 3.0.
The data’s crystal clear. From KPMG and Ormax to IndieWire, and sales agents at the European Film Market and Toronto International Film Festival–audiences want fresh, human stories. Female-led, emotionally intelligent, culturally specific, prestige rom-com-drams work swimmingly. Even better with multiple characters. They may not always earn more in absolute terms – but they’re often more profitable. Cost less to deliver. Travel better through word-ofmouth. Positivity helps ROI.
Take Past Lives (£9.5 million), the Korean film which followed two childhood friends over 24 years and was financially backed by Korean giant CJ ENM. Debut female director, authentic casting, a quiet personal
tale. The result? £33 million at the box office and awards galore – including an Academy nomination. That kind of impact only happens by design.
The demand is universal. The returns are real. And yet, investment in our international films lags. Infrastructure. Creative risk. Cultural or conditioned hesitance. The appetite remains underserved.
The ecosystem? Still buffering. South Asians don’t know how to invest film. But the opportunities are there. Initiatives like the Film Conclave build that ecosystem.
Ironically, one of my scripts – passed on in Mumbai – lives in the Past Lives wheelhouse and predates it. Another – an immigrant success-crime series based on the life of Steve Banerjee (Founder, Chippendales), was greenlit by Hulu, independently, with Kumail Nanjiani –and some sketchy representation.
I pivoted to films one summer, seeded by a suggestion from an industry veteran – script idea in head, no fixed plan, and a truckload of optimism. With instincts honed by a childhood immersed in music, art, and film (Bengalis, right?) and my time in advertising, I deep–dived into the filmic process and quite literally morphed into that child from the Cinema Paradiso poster.
My shorts triptych has since garnered festival recognition (Female Eye Toronto, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Montreal, Grenoble), audience love (keeps coming), and earned mainstream critical appreciation (Firstpost, Times of India).
Alongside developing my own slate as director-writer, I’m incubating cross-cultural ideas – with respect. It’s the ethos of my company, Doppelgänger. There’s craft in abundance, but you can’t build in a silo. Spaces like the Film Conclave help join the dots, anchoring us in this growing, pan-world cohort. With the right support, our stories won’t just resonate – they’ll redefine our global voice. Here’s to that getting louder – maybe even the loudest?
As Mira Nair said, “If we don’t tell our stories, no one else will.”
Indrani Ray is the Director and Writer of Sense and Serendipity, comes from a rich background in advertising and IP creation, with India’s first independent audio content studio featuring A-list Bollywood talent (later acquired by BookMyShow). She’s now focused on crafting globally resonant, prestige South Asian–forward visual stories.
Finalists: Community Service
Juhie Radia
Sponsored by
Juhie is a proud British Indian woman shaped by her family’s migrant journey and the barriers they overcame. A dedicated changemaker, she champions climate justice at global summits, mentors underrepresented youth, serves the homeless and supports cancer.
Lemona Chanda
Lemona is a gender equity advocate, Founder of OurCause and the Global Activists Network. A UN Champion for Change, she advises G7/G20 on women’s issues, promotes economic justice and leads global SDG campaigns. She champions marginalised voices through policy, training and grassroots action.
Dr Manpreet Dhuffar-Pottiwal
Manpreet is a dual-doctorate chartered psychologist, equity advocate and TEDxNHS speaker. She pioneers trauma-informed, decolonised mental health care. At UWE Bristol, she amplifies marginalised voices while leading her EMDR practice and runs MultiGen Zen CIC to support multigenerational families.
Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami
Syed is a British-Pakistani humanitarian who has dedicated over 20 years to community service and international relief. He has led disaster relief in Pakistan, Syria, Turkey and Morocco, coordinated humanitarian assistance in Gaza, supported women’s education in Asia, provided aid in Africa, implemented water projects for 600,000+ people.
Finalists: Media
Emb Hashmi
Emb is a British journalist and broadcaster with 11+ years at the BBC, where she has presented Business Daily Known for fearless reporting on underrepresented voices, her investigations span domestic abuse in Muslim communities, the hijab ban and Sudanese refugee stories.
Jessica Memon
Jessica is the founder of Asian Community Radio, launched in May 2024. Passionate about diversity, inclusion and mental health awareness, she champions underrepresented voices and is dedicated to encouraging more women into media. Jessica is dedicated to building community connections and creating a collaborative, empowering platform for local stories.
Shamim Chowdhury
Shamim is a highly accomplished journalist with over 20 years across TV, radio and print. She has reported from Syria and Ukraine and recently travelled solo across Bangladesh after the 2024 student uprising. An extensively published writer of feature and opinion, she has worked with leading media including Sky News, Al Jazeera English, TRT World, AP and NPR.
Vaishali Bhardwaj
Vaishali is a sports journalist with 15 years’ experience across football, tennis, rugby, F1 and boxing. She is the first South Asian female to cover the Premier League in the UK and has reported for the BBC, Sky, Guardian and Evening Standard, including on the UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup and the Olympics.
Finalists: Professional of the Year
Sponsored by
Professor Aisha K. Gill CBE
Aisha is Professor of Criminology and Head of the Centre for Gender and Violence Research at the University of Bristol. She conducts internationally recognised research on gender-based violence, including forced marriage, FGM, sexual abuse and ‘honour’-based femicide, focusing on Black and minority communities.
Maulik Darji
Maulik became the UK’s youngest consultant therapeutic radiographer specialising in head and neck cancers in 2022. A pioneering British Asian leader, first independent prescriber in his department, he advances patient-centred care and beyond the NHS, supports patients as medical advisor, patron and President of The Swallows Charity conference.
Sangita Bodalia
Sangita is Director of Legal Services at NHS Blood and Transplant, as a solicitor with 15+ years’ experience. She is passionate about diversity, patient safety and improving outcomes and advocates for more ethnic representation at senior level. Her commitment to nurturing talent, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, ensures a more equitable future for the NHS and public sector.
Shalini Gupta
Shalini is Head of Internal Communications for Arup’s UKIMEA region, with 20+ years’ experience across India, the Middle East and the UK. She is a Board Director, Fellow of the Institute of Internal Communication and CIPR Chartered practitioner and Asian Communications Network Advisory Board member. She was recently named in Women in PR’s 40 Over 40 Power List.
Finalists: Sports Personality of the Year
Asmita Ale
Asmita is a footballer for Leicester City in the FA Women’s Super League. Born in Dorset to a former Gurkha soldier, she started at Aston Villa before joining Tottenham Hotspur. In 2024, she became the first Nepalese footballer to sign a professional contract in England and has represented England U17–U19.
Kyle Kothari
Kyle is a British diver and 2024 Olympian, competing in the 10m platform. Born in Harrow, London, to a Gujarati Jain family, he is the UK’s first Jain Olympian. Kothari has earned multiple European and Commonwealth medals, establishing himself as one of Britain’s rising diving talents.
Harmanpreet Sandhu
Harmanpreet is a hockey player from Bradford, competes in the national league and has played in Canada and India, with upcoming engagements in Australia and India. A former England U16-U18 trialist and U21 prospect, he also leads three community initiatives, united communities through sport - Saath, Harman Sandhu Hockey Centre and the Yorkshire Sikh Cup.
Sunny Gill Singh
Sunny is the UK’s highest-ranked British South Asian football referee. In January 2024, he made history by officiating a game between two Premier League teams for Brighton’s FA Cup fourth-round win at Sheffield United. In March 2024, he became the first British South Asian to referee a Premier League match, Crystal Palace vs Luton Town.
Beyond Property, Into Legacy.
By the age of 27, Rani had built a team of forty, a rare achievement in an industry defined by resilience and scale. Today, she is trusted in Prime Central London to deliver results in a market where many struggle, serving High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients with discretion and conviction.
Known for her honesty, Rani tells clients not just what they want to hear, but what they need to hear. It is this clarity, paired with an uncompromising focus on outcomes, that sets her apart , producing results that others could not.
Partnered with DDRE Global, as seen on Netflix¾s Buying London, Rani is not simply selling homes. She is reshaping expectations, building trust, and curating futures in one of the world¾s most competitive markets.
In London , a city built on legacy, she walks with one of her own.
Finalists: Art & Culture
Bhavin Bhatt
Sponsored by
Bhavin is a British South Asian actor and dancer, acclaimed for his powerful performance as Assef in The Kite Runner, hailed as “a masterclass in acting.” He commands stage and screen with fearless truth, breaking boundaries through bold, transformative storytelling.
Indhu Rubasingham MBE
Indhu is the Director and Joint CEO of the National Theatre. She was previously Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre from 2012. Currently, she is directing Bacchae written by Nima Taleghani, a new version of Euripides’ tragedy, marking her first show in post as Director.
Tani Gill
Tani is a writer, director and mental health advocate whose work champions hidden disabilities and underrepresented voices. Founder of TGDC and a trained Indian classical dancer, she blends film, dance psychology and storytelling to ignite social change. Her creative vision is rooted in resilience, inclusion and meaningful cultural dialogue.
Tanika Gupta
Over the past 25 years Tanika has written over 25 stage plays that have been produced in major theatres across the UK and has written extensively for BBC Radio drama. In 2008, she was awarded an MBE for Services to Drama and in 2016 was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
Finalists: Woman of the Year
Fatima Zaman
Sponsored by
Fatima is a mental health leader, care home founder and global education advocate with over 25 years of service. She’s transforming recovery care, championing girls’ education and empowering communities.
Nadia Paneandee
Nadia is a director in residential care, holds BSc and MSc degrees in Physiotherapy and is now pursuing a Law with Business degree. A passionate, motivational and visionary leader, she inspires teams, drives innovation and raises care standards, transforming lives for residents, families and the wider community.
Neerja Birla
Neerja is founder and chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust and Mpower, advancing education and mental health in India. She chairs The Aditya Birla Integrated School and holds the Global Chair for Mental Health at the G100, promoting women’s empowerment and inclusive, equitable communities worldwide.
Srabani Sen OBE
Srabani is a seasoned leader and founder of Full Colour, driving equity, diversity and inclusion in C-suite cultures for organisations including The Crown Estate, London Transport Museum and the RSPB. She runs Together We Rise, supporting career women of colour, contributes as an EDI columnist and earned her OBE for her work with children and families.
Tania Arslan
Tania is an international education leader driving transnational partnerships across 12+ countries. From Russell Group university alliances to global student mobility, she pioneers access, equity and excellence.
Finalists: Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by
Anisha Joshi
Anisha is an osteopath, author and business mentor, co-founded Osteo Allies after her parents remortgaged their home to support her first clinic at 23. Today, she runs four thriving clinics, attracts thousands of loyal clients and has been featured on ITV’s This Morning and secured a book deal with Penguin Random House (Heal Your Back, 2024).
Jimal, Nishal and Devik Solanki
Jimal, Devik and Nishal have transformed Taj Foods from a family-run business into the UK and Europe’s leading ethnic frozen food brand, supplying major supermarkets, expanding into 30+ markets and launching a pan-European depot—driving innovation, growth and excellence in world foods.
Namita Khade
Namita is fashion knitwear designer and founder of Khade, which pioneers experimental, slow-made knitwear using upcycled and natural fibres. Operating from Northeast England, her studio handcrafts thoughtful collections that merge cultural identity, experimental form and responsible making.
Parul Ganatra
Parul is the founder of The Silk Glow, turning her own skin struggles into a mission to heal from the inside out. Her Ayurvedic skincare supports sustainable beauty, gives back with every sale and helps thousands feel seen, confident and cared for, proving beauty can be both kind and powerful.
Sharan Pasricha MBE
Sharan is Founder and co-CEO of Ennismore, transforming it into one of the fastestgrowing lifestyle hospitality companies through a landmark joint venture with Accor. Recognised in the Financial Times’ Future 100 and Conde Nast Traveller’s 50 People Changing Travel, he also led the celebrated reinvention of Gleneagles.
Finalists: Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by
Amrit Dhaliwal
Amrit is CEO of Walfinch Home Care, recognised on the 2024 UK Fast Growth Index, placing it among the top 350 businesses nationwide. Amrit is an industry innovator, who works tirelessly to transform lives.
Bilal Farooq
Bilal is the Director of law firm Greystone Solicitors. He founded his law firm at just 30 years old, leading it to national recognition for excellence, diversity and innovation in law. He champions access to justice and future legal talent.
Frank Khalid OBE
From humble beginnings, leaving school at 15, Frank built Elbrook Cash & Carry into a £100m enterprise, founded restaurant Chak89 with brand ambassadors Shahrukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan and established West London Film Studios, home to Oscarwinning films The Father and Judy and Emmy-winning Ted Lasso He is an OBE recipient, philanthropist and partner to Mark Wahlberg.
Rishi Patel
The Founder and CEO of Interpolitan Money, Rishi is a visionary leader redefining global alternative banking. From overcoming challenges to building a multi-million-pound business serving clients in 160+ countries, he combines commercial success with valuesled leadership and a deep commitment to community impact and innovation.
Professor Selva Pankaj
Selva is an educator and researcher focused on closing the knowing vs doing gap. From growing up in war-torn Sri Lanka to co-founding Regent College London, he now leads Regent Global, championing growth mindsets, character-based education and lifelong learning principles shaped by mentorship from Harvard’s late Clayton Christensen.
Auctioneer Profile & Auction Lots
Thomas Forrestor
A seasoned auctioneer and antiques expert, Thomas Forrester has over two decades of experience in the auction industry. He is a familiar face to television audiences through his appearances on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, where he shares his deep knowledge of fine art, antiques, and collectibles. As a director and auctioneer at Special Auction Services, Thomas is known for his sharp eye, charismatic style, and commitment to making the world of auctions more accessible. Outside the rostrum, he is a passionate advocate for heritage preservation and public engagement with the arts.
Oasis Live ‘25 Tour Royal Box hospitality tickets for two at Wembley Stadium, Saturday 27 September
This is your chance to secure exclusive access to the sold-out Oasis Live ‘25 tour at Wembley Stadium. Celebrate the iconic band’s return with the best seats in the house: two hospitality tickets in the Royal Box. This incredible package includes access to the Royal Box bar, with drinks on the house, and priority access to the private VIP Oasis exhibition before the show. To top it all off, you’ll receive a £250 merchandise voucher to spend at the Oasis store on Carnaby Street. Valid for two guests. Kindly donated by Ignition Music
Wassily Kandinsky’s Kleine Welten IV Lithograph Print
Kandinsky’s Kleine Welten IV is a striking lithograph on paper from his important 1922 Kleine Welten (Small Worlds) series, created shortly after he joined the Bauhaus. In this work, Kandinsky explores balance and motion through abstract geometric forms. Kandinsky is considered a pioneer of abstract art and a central figure in modernism, and his work has been widely exhibited in major museum collections worldwide.
This print comes from a limited edition of 200 published by the Bauhaus in Weimar. It remains a key example of his graphic work and a highly collectible piece of 20thcentury art history. The donor had the print restored, remounted and framed in 2023 by experts at Plowden & Smith. Kindly donated by John Nadler
Six hospitality tickets to Leeds United vs Liverpool, Saturday 6 December
Bid on private booth hospitality tickets for six people to watch Leeds United take on Premier League champions Liverpool, at their home ground Elland Road. Your exclusive package in the Hisense Leeds Lounge includes a three-course pre-match meal, complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks, matchday programme, team sheet, and exclusive appearances from Leeds United legends in the pre-match build-up. You’ll then settle into your executive seats in the East Stand Upper Tier, centrally located near the halfway line,. Matchday doors open three hours before kick-off. The hospitality extends to half-time and full-time lounge access, with the bar open for one hour after the final whistle.Tickets cannot be transferred to another match. Kindly donated by Elovate
Three-night luxury stay for two at Shiv Niwas Palace, Rajasthan
Enjoy a regal, luxury three-night stay for two at the award-winning Shiv Niwas Palace, an opulent crescent-shaped heritage palace overlooking the shimmering Lake Pichola and the majestic Aravalli mountains. Once reserved exclusively for visiting dignitaries and royals, this early 20th-century palace has been meticulously preserved for guests. You’ll stay in a spacious, individually designed Terrace Suite with a mountain view and private sit-out, enjoy dinner for two at Jag Mandir, a breathtaking 16th-century palace built on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola, and experience an exclusive meet-and-greet with Prince Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, the 77th custodian of the House of Mewar.
Valid for six months from the auction date, subject to availability. Meeting with the Prince of Udaipur subject to availability. Kindly donated by Prince Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and Shiv Niwas Palace
Cricket bat signed by whole Pakistan team
On the 2016 Pakistan tour to England, the Test series was drawn 2-2, Pakistan won only T20 but lost the ODI series 4-1. It was a team of superstars, including Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam, Umar Gul and others. This bat is a unique item signed by the whole Test team. A must for Pakistan fans. Kindly donated by Pratik Dattani
Three-night Parisian escape for two
Over the course of four days, this immersive tour covers Paris’ most iconic treasures with ease and comfort. Your Parisian adventure includes a cruise along the River Seine. You’ll visit the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre courtyard, the Fragonard Perfumery and enjoy an unforgettable “Paris Illuminations” night tour. You’ll also go on trips to Disneyland® Paris and the Versailles Gardens.
Star Tours is the UK’s No.1 Asian tour operator. Their award-winning coach holidays are fully inclusive of delicious meals, comfortable 3-4 star accommodation and seamless transportation.
Prize includes transportation by deluxe AC coach from your selected pick-up point including the return channel crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry, three nights’ accommodation, two Indian dinners and one Indian lunch and entrances and sightseeing as mentioned in tour highlights. Kindly donated by Star Tours
Unseen Bond – painting by Nitin Ganatra OBE and Shreena Patel
This painting captures two hands reaching out but not touching, set against a textured background of swirling blues, golds, and reds. It evokes themes of connection and longing, with expressive brushstrokes highlighting the unfulfilled space between them.
Nitin is an actor and artist who rediscovered his passion for painting during the lockdown. His work, inspired by Renaissance painters and his storytelling career, evokes deep emotion and is in high demand. Shreena is an award-winning abstract artist known for her vibrant acrylics. Specialising in bespoke pieces for homes and offices, she also supports charity through her art and has won several awards for her contributions. Kindly donated by Nitin Ganatra OBE and Shreena Patel
Thank you to our Supporters
An economic and strategy consulting firm based in London, Bangalore and Uganda, which provides market entry advisory and strategic communications services to businesses around the world. Its work has appeared in The Economist, Financial Times and Harvard Business Review. Its events business organises market-leading events such as India Week and the Asian Achievers Awards.
SBI UK is a subsidiary of the State Bank of India, one of India’s largest public sector banks. It operates as a commercial bank in the UK, offering a range of financial services, including retail and corporate banking, remittances, and foreign exchange transactions. SBI UK caters to both individuals and businesses, leveraging its parent company’s global network and expertise in the banking sector
Their impressive array of award-winning projects across the world is all inspired by the studio’s co-founders, Jenny Weiss and Helen Bygraves, who for over twenty years have challenged the way interiors and product design are perceived and practised. They lead by example, personally and passionately involved in every project, inspiring each other and the talented design team to create exceptional interiors that surpass client expectations.
Entrepreneur is an American magazine and website that carries news stories about entrepreneurship, small business management and business. It is currently present in 8 countries and is recognised as one of the World’s leading business publications. Entrepreneur India actively covers the Indian entrepreneurial landscape, highlighting success stories, market trends, and specific challenges and opportunities for Indian startups and businesses.
In an era of mindful choices and sustainable living, Khoki is redefining the way we drink by bringing innovation, health, and tradition into every bottle. Founded by Vandana Banerjee, Khoki offers premium non-grape wines made entirely from real fruit—an exciting, flavourful alternative for those seeking a healthier lifestyle without compromising on taste or experience.
Welcome to the world of O/\TH Gin, where the passion for excellence in sports meets the genuine love for quality spirits. Valtteri Bottas, the Finnish Formula 1 legend, and Tiffany Cromwell, the Australian Olympic cyclist are known for their sports talent, but lesser known for their discerning taste in gins. The journey of O/\ TH Gin began with a shared appreciation for gin and tonic, discovered by Valtteri and Tiffany.
Indri Whiskey is an Indian single malt whiskey crafted in Indri, Haryana, near the Himalayan foothills, using indigenous six-row barley from Rajasthan. Aged since 2012, it uses a unique three-barrel aging process in bourbon, wine, and sherry casks. Indri creates a complex and refined flavor profile and is recognized for its balance of traditional and modern craftsmanship.
The world’s most famous corner shop was founded in London’s Piccadilly in 1707. They are proud to have remained an essential destination for anyone in search of extraordinary food, exceptional service and joy-giving things ever since. Everyone remembers their first encounter with them, and no wonder – over their centuries of history, they have been committed to delivering a sense of pleasure to anyone who walks through their doors.
The Charity Partner for this year’s Asian Achievers Awards is Parkinson’s UK. Parkinson’s UK is the leading charitable organisation in the United Kingdom dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s. With a mission to find a cure and provide vital support, the charity funds pioneering research, offers expert advice, and advocates for better services and care. By bringing together scientists, supporters, and people with lived experience, Parkinson’s UK is committed to transforming the future for everyone affected by the condition.
A progressive non-profit think tank dedicated to discourse on public policy. It aims to help India-watchers better understand India, and counts diplomats, journalists, senior professionals, academics and founders amongst its members.
The UK’s foremost English language title for the next generation of British Asians, as well as the last major national Asian title still printing weekly. As readers expressed a greater desire for a different focus on Asian news in English, Asian Voice moved from being a pull-out section of its sister publication Gujarat Samachar to its own fully-fledged publication.
Lyca Radio is London’s leading station for Asian music and entertainment, broadcasting on 1458AM and digital platforms like DAB, Alexa, and Google Home. It features a range of shows with popular presenters, playing the biggest hits in Bollywood and beyond. The station also covers news, events, and interviews with stars from South Asia.
Founded in the 1980s, the family-run business has grown into one of the UK’s most respected names in hospitality, serving royalty, celebrities, and high-profile corporate clients. Known for combining traditional Indian flavors with modern presentation, Madhus delivers an unforgettable dining experience across its restaurants and exclusive events, with a legacy of excellence spanning over four decades.
