Newly pedestrianised city centre streets to host family event Councillors discuss Bradford's fly tipping blight
By CHRIS YOUNG
A free family event featuring beloved literary characters will be held in one of Bradford’s newly pedestrianised areas next month.
Bank Street is one of several city centre roads that have been pedestrianised in the past year, with benches, planters and trees replacing cars, taxis and buses.
The work on Bank Street was completed earlier this year, and on Saturday 19 April the road will host an on street storytelling event delivered by Shipley-based theatre artists Q20 and organised by Bradford BID.
Events and performances will take place taking place on Bank Street and in Waterstones in Bradford’s Wool Exchange.
Families can enjoy free entertainment from children’s characters, including Beatrix Potter favourites and Alice in Wonderland stars, who will bring classic stories to life through performances and interactive activities.
Alongside the entertainment, 12 businesses around Bank Street and Market Street will have their windows decorated by a professional artist, creating displays of flowers, Easter designs, and bursts of colour.
Leanne Holmes, Bradford BID Project Manager, said: “We are really looking forward to making the most of the newly pedestrianised Bank Street to host this fun, free family event. Whether it’s getting creative with workshops in Waterstones, enjoying interactive storytime, or getting active on the child-friendly assault course, there’s plenty for families to enjoy as we bring many of our story-time favourites to life.”
For further details on the event, visit www.bradfordbid.co.uk.
The event will feature a range of themed activities, including:
Beatrix Potter Show (11am, 1pm and 3pm)
Tweedle’s Rose Garden Grand Prix Assault Course
Jemima Puddleduck & Mr McGregor Egg and Spoon Race
Alice & Queen of Hearts Croquet Storytelling sessions
Story Birds Workshop in Waterstones
The performances take place between 11 am and 4 pm.
Building can legally remain a snooker club - planners agree
There is “no evidence” to dispute claims that a building has been used as a snooker hall for over a decade.
The snooker and pool centre has been operating on the first floor of The Textile Hall on Westgate for decades.
But when it changed hands, the new owners realised there had never actually been planning permission granted for this use.
Earlier this year M Mushtaq applied for a Lawful Development Certificate to allow the business to keep operating. The application argued that the building had been used as a snooker centre for over 10 years – and so qualified for such a certificate.
Letting taxpayers know how much fly tipping is costing them would be a good way to get more people reporting the crime, a Councillor has suggested.
Councillors were given an update on fly-tipping in the District on the evening of Tuesday 18 March, when officers were asked how to tackle the issue that blighted the District.
A meeting of Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee heard that although the number of reports of fly tipping in Bradford had risen from 10,193 last year to 10,624 this year, the tonnage collected by the Council had actually decreased from 4,803 in 2023/24 to 4,000 in the current year.
A report to members said in many cases, the Council received multiple reports for the same fly tipping incident.
Councillor Chris Herd (Cons, Worth Valley) said: “Do we know what fly tipping is costing us?
“Could we put up signs saying ‘fly tipping in this area has cost the taxpayer £40,000 – that money could have been used on something you really need.’?
“Fly tipping is basically human negligence – it is people being bad. It is a massive problem, isn’t it?”
Amjad Ishaq, Environmental Services & Enforcement Manager, said: “It is a huge problem. We need to try to get the public to work with us on it because it’s costing a bloody fortune.”
Councillor Alex Mitchell (Lab, Queensbury) said: “It would be good to get the figures of how much it costs, but I’m
It added: “The site has recently undergone a full internal refurbishment programme to a very high standard which includes new rewiring, plumbing, partitions to create individual space to play and enjoy the sport. There is also a kitchen and dining area serving food and hot drinks to the customers.
“The proposal is to continue the use of snooker and pool at the site.”
Planners at Bradford Council have now granted the certificate, saying: “The Council has no evidence to dispute the applicants’ account and the evidence which has been submitted confirms that the site and first floor of the building has an established use as a snooker and pool centre, with the existing use beginning more than 10 years before the date of this application.”
not sure how much it will change fly tippers’ minds. It is not Mrs Miggins going out fly tipping, it is people who don’t give a damn. It is not costing them £40,000, so they won’t care if it costs their community that.”
Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive for Healthy People and Places, said the Council would regularly release details of prosecutions or seizures of vehicles used by fly tippers.
She said: “It is important to get that message out that it is not acceptable behaviour.”
Councillor Rizwan Saleem (Independent, City) said: “Fly tipping is not just a Bradford issue, it’s an everywhere issue. But I’m fed up with seeing mattresses at the bottom of my street.
“We need to catch the people doing it, or they will keep doing it over and over again. Unless people are made an example of and are in the T&A with a headline ‘this person was caught fly tipping’ they won’t stop.
“A lot of residents know where the waste comes from but don’t want to grass up their neighbour.”
Cllr Ferriby said: “We need to get the message out that people should show good behaviour disposing of their waste correctly and are not putting the burden on their own communities.”
By CHRIS YOUNG
Springtime fun Bank Street
Fly tipping on Leeds Road in February
LDRS
Westgate snooker hall
LDRS
By CHRIS YOUNG
The trailblazing life of Britain’s first Asian police officer, Rashid Awan
By DAVID BASS
A MAN OF STRONG VALUES
Beyond his pioneering career, Mr Awan was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Khalida, children Huma, Asma, Sofia, Aysha, and Qasem, and grandchildren Haris, Zara, Aleena, Amaan, Ibrahim, and Sulayman.
His son describes the values his father instilled:
“His core beliefs were equality, hard work, and the value of education. He deeply believed that everyone should be given a fair chance, regardless of their background.”
These principles shaped not only his family but also his community work, earning him the Police Long Service Medal in 1991 and an MBE in 2008 for outstanding contributions to society—an honour personally awarded by King Charles.
FROM LAHORE TO LONDON: A JOURNEY OF DETERMINATION
I remember peering through the palace gates as a child, never imagining that one day we’d be welcomed inside.
Born in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, Mr Awan was educated at the prestigious University of Punjab, where he studied Aeronautical Engineering. After serving in the Air Force, he pursued his passion for law enforcement.
In 1963, he moved to London with his wife, determined to join the UK police force. However, at the time, policing was an exclusive domain for white officers.
“He wanted to serve, but the force only admitted white English people,” Qasem explains.
Undeterred, Mr Awan persevered, and when legislation changed, he officially joined in 1967.
“For him, policing was about serving the community. In those days, officers were deeply embedded in their neighbourhoods—everybody knew their local bobby.”
CONFRONTING RACISM HEAD-ON
Despite securing a role in the force, Mr Awan faced racism from colleagues.
“Racism was a normal part of life back then. There were no legal protections like today. Many colleagues saw him as different and made offensive jokes, including remarks about the smell of curry.”
However, the public response was overwhelmingly positive.
“The Asian community was incredibly proud. Many couldn’t speak English, and seeing one of their own enforcing the law reassured them. It was a landmark moment—a Pakistani man in uniform, representing them.”
BRIDGING COMMUNITIES AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Beyond policing, Mr Awan dedicated himself to strengthening ties between ethnic minorities and law enforcement. He served as President of the Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire for 20 years, founded the Minority Ethnic Police Liaison Committee in 2005, and worked with organisations like Citizens Advice and the Connecting Communities Board. His efforts were recognised in 2004 when he was named ‘Citizen of Bradford.’
His proudest achievement came in 2008 when he was awarded an MBE for his services to the community.
Qasem recalls the family’s pride on their visit to Buckingham Palace:
“I remember peering through the palace gates as a child, never imagining that one day we’d be welcomed inside. When they opened the doors for us, it was an emotional moment—my father’s hard work had brought us here.”
A LASTING LEGACY
Reflecting on his father’s impact, Qasem says:
“His legacy is that he made inroads for Asians in the police force. He showed that real change happens from within. Instead of walking away from difficult situations, he faced them head-on and built a path for others to follow.”
Asked what advice his father would give to young Asians aspiring to make a difference, Qasem’s response is clear:
“Work hard, tackle challenges head-on, and don’t shy away from adversity. The best way to create change is to be part of the system and challenge it from within.”
Mr Awan’s life remains a powerful example of resilience, leadership, and the enduring impact of breaking barriers. His pioneering spirit will forever be remembered by both his family and the community he served.
ABOVE: Delivering a speech as President of the Pakistan Society of West Yorkshire.
RIGHT: A proud moment – Collecting his MBE at Buckingham Palace, along with daughter Sofia Awan, his wife Khalida, and son Qasem.
Awan family
COLUMN
EID ON DIFFERENT DAYS: A MATTER OF TRADITION OR DISUNITY?
Dr Javed Bashir is a Lecturer in Policing at Leeds Trinity University and a dedicated advocate for professional development and community safeguarding.
As the founder of the Professional Muslim Institute (PMI), established in 2009, Dr Bashir has created a platform for high-level networking, empowering professional Muslims to expand their business, social, and career connections.
Beyond academia and networking, Dr Bashir has been instrumental in improving safeguarding practices within faith institutions, ensuring safer and more resilient communities.
As Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, concludes, Muslims across the UK and around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." However, each year, a familiar debate resurfaces—why do British Muslims observe Eid on different days?
applies to both Ramadan and Eid, as emphasised in the words of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
As Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, concludes, Muslims across the UK and around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ulFitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." However, each year, a familiar debate resurfaces—why do British Muslims observe Eid on different days?
The answer lies in two distinct methods used to determine the date of Eid. Some Muslims rely on local moon sightings, while others follow the announcement from Mecca, celebrating Eid on the same day as Saudi Arabia. This difference has sparked ongoing discussions, raising fundamental questions: Why isn’t there a unified approach? Does this division contradict Islamic teachings? And ultimately, which method is correct?
Islam follows a lunar calendar, with the start of each month marked by the sighting of the crescent moon. This principle
"When you see the new moon, begin fasting; when you see the next new moon, break your fast." Due to the lunar cycle, Eid shifts by approximately eleven days each year in the Gregorian calendar.
According to Islamic tradition, Eid should be observed upon the sighting of the new moon— either locally or in the nearest Muslim country, which for the UK is Morocco. However, differing interpretations of this practice mean some British Muslims follow local moon sightings, while others adhere to Saudi Arabia’s ann ouncement. Those who follow Mecca consider it the spiritual centre of the Islamic world and believe its moon sighting holds the most authority. Others argue for maintaining the historical practice of regional moon
sightings, which was common during the Prophet’s time. Despite common misconceptions, this divide is not necessarily linked to Islamic schools of thought such as Shafi, Hanbali, Maliki, or Hanafi. Muslims from various backgrounds adopt either approach based on personal or community preferences. Historically, in the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), communication between cities was slow, meaning each region
relied on its own moon sighting. Today, with global connectivity, some scholars advocate for a universal moon sighting to unify Muslims worldwide, while others stress the importance of preserving traditional, locally observed practices.
The question of Eid’s exact date is unlikely to be resolved conclusively. While some push for global uniformity, others emphasise the need to maintain historical traditions. However, these differences should not divide the Muslim community. Regardless of how Eid is determined, its core essence remains the same—a celebration of faith, devotion, and unity. What truly matters is that Muslims come together within their local communities, fostering harmony and togetherness in marking this joyous occasion.
Pixabay
Bradford rolls out blockbuster film screenings for 2025 City of Culture
By SANAH AKHTER
From historic mills to a lido and even a mobile cinema truck, Bradford is set to bring film screenings to unexpected and spectacular locations this spring as part of its UK City of Culture 2025 celebrations.
The Bradford: A City of Film programme will see outdoor, site-specific, and immersive screenings take place across the district, including Cannon Mills, Ilkley Lido, and a moving cinema housed inside an articulated lorry. Designed to bring the magic of film directly to communities, the initiative also aims to reach areas that currently lack dedicated cinema spaces.
Supported by Bradford 2025, the BFI (awarding National Lottery funding), and the National Science and Media Museum, the programme builds on Bradford’s legacy as the world’s first UNESCO City of Film, a title it earned in 2009.
THE INCREDIBLE MOVING CINEMA: TAKING FILM ON THE ROAD
One of the highlights of the programme is The Incredible Moving Cinema, a fully enclosed 100-seat cinema housed in a lorry. From 29 March to 6 April, the truck will travel across Bradford, stopping at: Bradford Industrial Museum (29-30 March), Tesco Queensbury (31 March-1 April), Odsal Stadium (2 April), Woodbank Garden Centre, Bingley (3-4 April), Horton Park Avenue (5 April), TFD Community Centre, Holme Wood (6 April)
Screenings will include family favourites such as The Lorax and Fantastic Mr. Fox, action-packed hits like John Wick and The Matrix, and even silver screen classics such as The Apartment and The
Man Who Knew Too Much.
For fans of award-winning drama, recent releases such as Conclave, starring Ralph Fiennes, and The Outrun, featuring Saoirse Ronan, will also be shown.
DRIVE-IN
CINEMA AT CANNON MILLS
Film fans looking for a largerthan-life experience can enjoy Bradford 2025’s first large-scale outdoor cinema event, a drive-in screening series at Cannon Mills in Little Horton.
From 17 to 19 April, audiences will be able to watch movies from their cars against the backdrop of Bradford’s historic textile mills.
The programme includes a Hindi film strand featuring: Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Amar
Akbar Anthony (1977), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
Additional screenings include 90s classic Speed and a Good Friday matinee showing of The Wild Robot.
CINEMA AT THE LIDO AND
BEYOND
Later in the year, in partnership with Wild Rumpus, Ilkley Lido will be transformed into a unique open-air film venue for a special summer screening over the August bank holiday. More immersive and outdoor film events will be announced throughout 2025.
A CITY WITH FILM AT ITS HEART
The film programme is just one
road drama about two migrant workers, directed by Bradfordborn filmmaker Jack King.
The Local (working title) – A documentary-style film capturing the stories of a 200-year-old Bradford pub and its regulars.
Flesh & Flamingos (working title) – A hybrid dramadocumentary exploring Northern queer culture through the lens of pioneering photographer Stuart Linden Rhodes.
‘A CELEBRATION OF CINEMA IN UNEXPECTED PLACES’
Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025, highlighted how the programme brings cinema closer to communities:
“We’re putting film screenings on people’s doorsteps in their local areas, creating memorable and fun experiences in unexpected places.”
Sally Folkard, Head of Screen and Cultural Engagement at the National Science and Media Museum, added:
part of Bradford 2025’s ambitious plans to celebrate and strengthen the region’s independent film culture. Alongside screenings, an extensive talent development initiative will support the next generation of filmmakers.
“Bradford has an incredible screen heritage, and this programme is about making cinema more accessible and bringing people together through the joy of film.”
Sunday market Cannon Mills to become a Drive-In cinema, showing films Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
A key project, Bradford Cinema Creators, will train individuals and groups on how to set up community film screenings, with a £500 bursary to help with their first events.
SUPPORTING HOMEGROWN FILM PRODUCTION
Bradford 2025 is also backing several feature films shot in the district, including: The Ceremony – A gripping
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
Tickets for The Incredible Moving Cinema and Cannon Mills Drive-In are now available. To book online or find out more, visit www. bradford2025.co.uk or visit the Ticket & Info Hub at Centenary Square, Bradford.
As Bradford continues its City of Culture celebrations, film lovers have plenty to look forward to—so grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic experience like no other!
Popular Sunday market Cannon Mills will become a drive in cinema showing Bollywood films
Travelling cinema as part of Bradford City of Culture 2025
ALIA BHATT calls Netflix’s ‘Adolescence’ a masterpiece: “Truly Perfection”
Netflix’s latest miniseries, Adolescence, has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and unique cinematography. Among its admirers is Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, who recently took to Instagram to shower praises on the show, calling it “truly perfection.”
Sharing the series’ poster on her Instagram stories, Alia wrote:
“From the writing to the staging to the EXCEPTIONAL cinematography—I wonder what it felt like after an hour of calling action to finally calling cut… how did the entire cast and crew feel?”
She went on to applaud the performances, describing them as “alive, raw, and so hot in the moment that the energy is very, very palpable and moving.”
Directed by Philip Barantini, Adolescence follows the Miller family, whose world is turned upside down when 13-year-old Jamie is accused of murder. The series explores themes of family, truth, and justice, with each episode shot in one continuous take—a rare and technically demanding feat in filmmaking.
Alia Bhatt wasn’t the only one left in awe. Her Jigra co-star Vedang Raina also praised the series, writing:
“The most brilliantly acted and moving pieces of film/television I have ever seen. This is why I love cinema. I’ve never wanted to be better at what I do more than after watching this. So, so, so
inspiring.”
Adolescence boasts a powerhouse cast, including Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, Faye Marsay, Christine Tremarco, Mark Stanley, Jo Hartley, and Amélie Pease.
The series is penned by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham and jointly produced by Warp Films, It’s All Made Up Productions, Matriarch Productions, Plan B Entertainment, and One Shoe Films. While expressing her admiration for Adolescence, Alia is currently occupied with the filming of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming epic Love & War, where she stars alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
With Adolescence receiving high praise from both critics and Bollywood’s biggest names, it’s clear that the series is set to leave a lasting impact on the world of television storytelling.
Nitesh Tiwari reveals why Aamir Khan's character was excluded from Dangal's ending
National Award-winning filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari has opened up about the creative challenges he faced while writing the sports drama “Dangal.”
In a recent episode of Komal Nahta’s podcast "Game Changers," Tiwari revealed that one of the key hurdles was making the story engaging despite the audience knowing Geeta Phogat would win the gold medal. To keep the suspense intact, he and the writers made the bold decision to exclude Aamir Khan’s character from the finals, adding an unexpected twist to the film’s conclusion.
Nitesh revealed, "It was very alarming for us as writers as the audience knew that Geeta was going to win the gold. Now how do we make it a little difficult or different for the audience? So, when what is known, how becomes important." The filmmaker went on to explain that they chose to keep Mahavir Singh out of the ending and wrote five different versions to make it work. This twist shifted the focus for the audience, making them wonder not if Geeta would win, but how she would triumph without her father’s presence. "We decided Mahavir Singh cannot be there; he has to be outside, so we wrote five different versions of what can keep him out. And then we finally agreed to this one as it was paying off for the national anthem. So, the audience will not think that Geeta will win gold, but they will think about how she will win when Mahavir Singh is not there. That was the whole idea--to keep him out of the finals," Nitesh explained. For the unversed, the climax scene of "Dangal" takes place just before the final bout, when Geeta’s jealous coach conspires to lock Mahavir in a distant closet, preventing him from guiding his daughter. In the match, Geeta wins the first round but loses the second. Despite her father’s absence, Geeta triumphs and becomes the first Indian female wrestler to win a gold medal. Mahavir returns just in time to embrace his daughters, thwarting the coach’s hope of taking credit for her victory. "Dangal" was produced by Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao under Aamir Khan Productions, along with Siddharth Roy Kapur under The Walt Disney Company India. The sports drama starred Aamir Khan as Mahavir Singh Phogat. Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portrayed the adult versions of the Phogat sisters, while Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar played their younger versions.
AKSHAY KUMAR'S 'KESARI CHAPTER 2'
to be released this April also starring Ananya Pandey and R Madhavan
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar on Saturday announced the release date of his film 'Kesari Chapter 2'. The film will hit the theatres on 18 April. It also stars Ananya Panday and R Madhavan.
Sharing the update, Akshay took to Instagram and wrote, "Kuch ladaaiyan hathiyaaron se nahi ladi jaati.#KesariChapter2 teaser out on 24th March. In cinemas 18th April, worldwide. @actormaddy @ ananyapanday @karanstyagi @ karanjohar @adarpoonawalla @ apoorva1972 @bindraamritpal @ anandntiwari @marijkedesouza @somenmishra @vbfilmwala @sumit.saxena.35912 @ azeemdayani @dharmamovies #CapeOfGoodFilms @
leomediacollective."
He also informed that the film’s teaser will be unveiled on 24 March.
Reportedly, Kesari Chapter 2 will focus on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The first part, which was released in 2019, followed
the events leading to the Battle of Saragarhi, a battle between 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army and 10,000 Afridi and Orakzai Pashtun tribesmen in 1897. Parineeti Chopra played a pivotal role in the first chapter.
who is experiencing these power shifts firsthand rather than carrying the weight of a past," she adds.
The film's setting in rural North India provides a vivid backdrop for its exploration of gender roles and societal hierarchies. Goswami, who was born and raised in Delhi, found the setting intimately familiar. "Growing up in the North as a woman, you develop a thick skin, a kind of outward toughness," she notes. "While still holding onto hope, curiosity, and innocence, there's a constant need to harden your outer layer to feel safe and assert yourself."
Yet, while the specifics are rooted in Northern India, the film's themes transcend geographic boundaries. "I realized this once the film gained global appreciation," she says. "Its core themes resonate with audiences, regardless of their background. In the end, it's the human connections and experiences that make the story universally relatable."
For all its quiet moments, Santosh does not shy away from depicting violence-a challenge for Goswami in more ways than one. "The most challenging scene for me was the one where Santosh beats someone," she admits. "I've never been physically aggressive, and I have a strong aversion to violence, so I was nervous about how I would approach it."
By contrast, a quieter but equally potent scene left a lasting impression on her. "One scene I really enjoyed was the one where Santosh eats while a man stares at her," she recalls. "When I first read the script, I found it incredibly subtle yet effective. It was a powerful moment, and I remember thinking, 'I wish I'd used this tactic in my own life.'"
The film's international success represents more than personal triumph for Goswami it signals a broader shift in how South Asian narratives are told and received globally. "Films like Santosh, All We Imagine As Light, and System Midnight, co-productions between Europe, the UK, and India have created a beautiful range of storytelling," she observes. "I believe we're seeing the beginning of a new wave of Indian co-productions, building on the success of these films in the international arena."
For Goswami, this is an exciting and necessary evolution. "India is incredibly diverse and culturally rich, yet its true diversity is often underrepresented globally," she says. "This presents a great opportunity for more authentic, untold stories from India to be seen and appreciated worldwide."
At its core, Santosh is a film about power how it is wielded, who it serves, and how it transforms those who possess it. For Goswami, these themes extend far beyond the screen. "When it comes to women's empowerment, we must be cautious not to swing too far in the opposite direction, creating exclusivity," she reflects. "The aim should be to empower, not to exclude men or pedestalize women."
She is particularly thoughtful about how women in power navigate systems shaped by patriarchy. "It's crucial for women in power to examine whether they're replicating the same power dynamics that oppressed them," she says. "We need more nuanced conversations about these issues to ensure a true equilibrium."
As Santosh continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Goswami hopes the film inspires deeper reflection on power, agency, and the human condition. "Some part of me was unlocked through Santosh," she says. "And I hope it unlocks something for others too."
Catch the full interview on our YouTube channel. Subscribe by visiting www.youtube.com/@ AsianSundayandStyle or scan the QR code below
Sikandar Trailer Review: Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna bring intense action and chemistry to the big screen!
By JOANNE D SILVA
Salman Khan’s film Sikandar is making the right noises in the entertainment world. The film’s trailer drops with high anticipation, giving audiences a glimpse of what could be one of Bollywood’s most intense action films of the year. Directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the trailer offers a glimpse into what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience. Starring Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, the trailer promises an adrenaline-fueled ride filled with action, emotion, and compelling performances.
Right from the start, the trailer sets an explosive tone, with Salman Khan portraying a character caught in the midst of high-stakes action. His presence is commanding as ever, delivering punches, thrilling fight sequences, and his trademark intense moments that keep you glued to the screen. There’s a sense of mystery surrounding
his character, adding layers to the action beyond just physical confrontations.
Rashmika Mandanna’s presence adds a refreshing dynamic to the film. While we get brief glimpses of her in the trailer, her chemistry with Salman Khan is palpable. There’s an undeniable connection between the two, which hints at an emotional core beneath the actionpacked exterior.
Rashmika’s strong screen presence suggests she’s more than just a side character, and her role seems integral to the film’s narrative.
The action sequences are visually striking, with highenergy stunts and explosive moments that promise to captivate action lovers. From car chases to intense fight scenes, the trailer offers a sneak peek into the kind of blockbuster spectacle Sikandar aims to deliver. The visuals are polished, and the cinematography adds
to the intensity, building up the anticipation for what’s to come.
One of the most promising aspects of the trailer is its tone, there’s a mix of high-octane action with emotional beats, hinting that the film won’t just rely on spectacle alone but will delve into the personal stakes of the characters. This balance of action and emotion could be a defining factor that sets Sikandar apart from typical Bollywood action films.
While the trailer excites with its action-packed visuals, it doesn’t give away too much about the plot, leaving us eager to know more. The suspense surrounding Salman Khan’s character’s motivations and Rashmika’s role in the story only builds intrigue, making the wait for the full release that much more exciting.
The film is scheduled to release on 30 March 2025, and based on the trailer, it’s clear that Sikandar will be a massive hit this year.
Check out the trailer here https://youtu.be/ BAk5ZCoTWY8?si= giAZpt5wJiBPxwm1
For now, the Sikandar trailer promises a thrilling ride for action movie fans, with a stellar pairing of Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna. The explosive action, coupled with their strong chemistry, makes this film one to watch out for in 2025. With the creative vision of Murugadoss and Nadiadwala, Sikandar the film is positioned to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.
The film is expected to release in theatres on on 30 March 2025.
Stay tuned to Asian Sunday & Style for more updates.
Salman Khan with Rashmika Mandanna
Salman Khan Films
Salman Khan in Sikandar
Technology
Your weekly dose of all things tech. This week, we look at tech inventions that are too good to be true. Check them out.
PADRONE RING – Padrone Primera has developed a wearable AI mouse ring that fits on the index finger, transforming any surface into a laptop or computer touchpad. First introduced in 2018, the innovative device took a decade to perfect, using advanced 3D printing technology.
The Padrone Ring functions as a seamless replacement for a traditional PC mouse, mirroring the capabilities of a laptop touchpad but offering the freedom to work on any desk or surface. Combining versatility and intuitive control, this groundbreaking device redefines how users interact with their computers.
INVISIBILITY SHIELD - It may sound like magic, but it’s pure science.
Last year a British start-up has turned that into magic into reality with an actual invisibility shield. This advanced technology lets you blend into any environment, just like a chameleon.
London-based Invisibility Shield Co has spent years designing the latest versions of it ‘optical cloaking technology’, which can hide people and objects completely from view in broad daylight.
AROVIA'S PORTABLE PROJECTOR & FOLDABLE SCREEN - It’s the world’s first fully collapsible monitor and projector
Enjoy a theatre-like experience anywhere with this compact projector and foldable screen combo. Splay’s 25-inch screen folds to book size, perfect for business, presentations, gaming, outdoors, and movies.
SAMSUNG BALLIE - This charming rolling robot acts as a personal assistant, capable of taking photos, recording videos, and even helping out with daily tasks.
- A toaster-like device that charges your phone in seconds! Whoever invented this is genius
SWIPPITT
MOONWALKERS™ by Swift Revolutionary footwear are the firstever mobility device that allows you to walk at the speed of a run. Designed with an adaptive ai drivetrain, blending futuristic tech with everyday mobility.
HOLOCONNECTS BOX This advanced hologram technology, powered by AI, delivers interactive, lifelike communication and jawdropping immersive experiences.
Cake Box CEO Sukh Chamdal acquires iconic Asian sweets brand Ambala for £22 Million
By SANAH AKHTER
In a landmark deal that merges two beloved names in the UK’s Asian confectionery market, Cake Box CEO Sukh Chamdal has acquired the heritage sweets brand Ambala for £22 million. The deal includes Ambala Foods Limited, purchased for £16 million, alongside its manufacturing facility, which was acquired for £6 million.
Announcing the acquisition, Chamdal expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the 60-year-old brand under the Cake Box umbrella.
“I am delighted to announce Cake Box Holdings PLC’s acquisition of Ambala Foods Limited, the oldest brand of Asian confectionery in the UK – in their 60th anniversary year,” he said on Cake Box’s YouTube channel.
“This is an established brand which already shares Cake Box’s values and is yearning for growth, innovation and modernisation.”
A LEGACY OF AUTHENTICITY MEETS MODERNISATION
Ambala is widely regarded as one of the most respected South Asian confectionery brands in the UK, famous for its mithai, samosas, and savoury snacks. With roots stretching back to 1965, Ambala has built a reputation for craftsmanship, quality, and tradition, making it a staple among British Asian households.
Chamdal has reassured customers that Ambala’s authenticity will be preserved, even as Cake Box introduces new strategies for growth and innovation.
“Ambala holds a special place in the hearts of many within the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora,” he said. “Going forward, we will honour the authenticity and craftsmanship that Ambala Foods is known for.”
While Cake Box is synonymous with egg-free, customisable celebration cakes, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion into traditional South Asian sweets, tapping into an established market with significant cultural and emotional value.
WHO IS SUKH CHAMDAL?
The success of Cake Box, now a multi-million-pound business with over 200 stores across the UK, can be traced back to a single question from Chamdal’s young daughter more than a decade ago.
This is an established brand which already shares Cake Box’s values and is yearning for growth, innovation and modernisation.
She had asked her father not to include “dead chickens” in her birthday cake—a reference to eggs. Her request was in line with the family’s strict lactovegetarian diet, which avoids meat, fish, and eggs.
Chamdal, who had a background as a South Asian sweet chef, saw an opportunity. His curiosity led him to a food industry seminar, where he met a professor from London South Bank University.
“She told me she could make me an egg-free cake recipe, and that I could get a £20,000 grant as well,” he recalled.
Within six weeks, Chamdal had his egg-free cake recipe, and fate provided another opportunity—a vacant shop next door to his family business on Green Street in East London.
“To put something in there, I started the egg-free cake concept in 2008.”
What started as a small local bakery quickly gained popularity, particularly among the British South Asian, vegetarian, and religious communities that avoid eggs in their diets.
By 2018, Cake Box had grown so much that it was listed on the London Stock Exchange. By 2021, the company had opened 150 stores, a number that has since increased to over 200 locations across the UK.
FROM FAMILY BAKERY TO STOCK MARKET SUCCESS
Cake Box’s egg-free, alcoholfree, and meat-free cakes cater to a niche but growing consumer base, and the brand has enjoyed steady expansion. The business operates on a franchise model, allowing independent store owners to run locations under the Cake Box brand while maintaining consistency in quality and service.
In 2021, Cake Box reported
Sukh Chamdal
CEO of Cake Box acquires Ambala sweets for £22million Image Cake Box
Cake Box
ESSEX TREE-FELLING ACCUSATIONS (2023)
In July 2023, Chamdal found himself in the news again, this time for allegedly felling at least 132 protected trees on land in Essex. While the case drew significant public attention, it did not directly impact Cake Box’s operations.
THE ROAD AHEAD: EXPANDING THE CAKE BOX EMPIRE
Despite these hurdles, Chamdal remains focused on growth. The acquisition of Ambala represents a strategic move into the traditional sweets market, expanding Cake Box’s reach beyond celebration cakes.
For Cake Box, the deal brings an established heritage brand, a dedicated customer base, and an opportunity to modernise operations while preserving tradition.
For Ambala, the acquisition offers the financial backing and infrastructure needed to expand beyond its current reach. Under Chamdal’s leadership, Ambala could extend its footprint, much like Cake Box has done over the past 15 years.
revenues of £22 million, a reflection of its dominance in the egg-free cake sector. However, its journey hasn’t been without challenges.
CONTROVERSIES AND CHALLENGES
Despite Cake Box’s rapid success, the company has faced several setbacks in recent years.
DATA BREACH SCANDAL (2021)
In 2021, the company suffered a malware attack that compromised customers’ personal data. However, Cake Box did not inform customers or shareholders until a year later, leading to fines and legal fees totalling £460,000.
Ambala holds a special place in the hearts of many within the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora
ACCOUNTING ERRORS AND SHARE PRICE CRASH (2022)
Later, co-founder and finance chief Pradip Dass resigned after accounting errors were discovered, which contributed to a plunge in Cake Box’s share price.
A NEW ERA FOR AMBALA
Chamdal’s track record suggests that Ambala will not remain static. With Cake Box’s marketing expertise, franchise model, and modernised production facilities, Ambala could see a revival and expansion in ways that retain its authenticity while reaching a wider audience.
As Cake Box continues to grow, Chamdal’s latest venture underscores his visionary leadership—one that began with a simple egg-free cake recipe and has now evolved into a multi-million-pound empire that dominates the UK’s bakery and confectionery industry.
With Ambala now under the Cake Box umbrella, the future of both brands looks sweeter than ever.
Cake box founders Pradip Das (left) and Sukh Chamdal (right)
Cake Box CEO Sukh Chamdal
Cake Box
Cutting welfare goes against Labour’s core values – that’s the point
By PROFESSOR TIM BALE
“It’s one thing to say the economy is not doing well and we’ve got a fiscal challenge … but cutting the benefits of the most vulnerable in our society who can’t work, to pay for that, is not going to work. And it’s not a Labour thing to do.”
So says former Labour big beast turned centrist-dad podcaster Ed Balls about the government’s welfare reform proposals. Cue furious nods from all those who were hoping and expecting better – or at least not this – from Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves.
Reactions like these are wholly understandable. After all, the Labour party has long viewed support for the welfare state as both a flag around which the party can rally, and a stick with which to beat the Conservatives.
But while that may have been the case in opposition, in office things have been a little more complicated.
Going all the way back to the MacDonald and Attlee governments, through the Wilson era, and into the Blair and Brown years, Labour governments have often seen fit to talk and act tough to prove to voters, the media and the markets that they have a head as well as a heart. And if that means
upsetting some of their MPs, their grassroots members and their core supporters in the electorate, then so be it.
Welfare encompasses a raft of policies that are as much symbolic as they are substantive. Choosing between them has
tangible implications for those directly affected. But those choices also say something – and are intended to say something – about those politicians and parties making that choice.
For Labour governments – and in particular Labour chancellors – cuts in provision, even (indeed perhaps especially) if they involve backtracking on previous commitments, have always been a means of communicating their determination to deal with the world as it supposedly is, not as some of their more radical colleagues would like it to be.
Think of Philip Snowden insisting on cuts to unemployment benefits in 1931 in an eventually vain attempt to retain the gold standard. Or Hugh Gaitskell insisting on charges for NHS “teeth and specs” to pay for the Korean war in 1951. Or Roy Jenkins reimposing NHS prescription charges in 1968 to calm the markets after devaluation. Or Dennis Healey committing to spending cuts to secure a loan from the IMF (and to save sterling again) in 1976. Or Gordon Brown insisting on cutting single parent benefits in 1997.
On every occasion, those decisions have provoked outrage: a full-scale split in the 1930s, the resignation of three ministers (including Harold Wilson and leftwing titan Nye Bevan) in the 50s, parliamentary rebellions and membership resignations in the 60s, more generalised despair in Labour and trade union ranks the 70s, and yet another Commons
THE CRUELTY IS THE POINT
Away from the Labour party itself, both those directly affected by the changes to sickness and disability benefits and those who campaign on their behalf, are – rightly or wrongly – already labelling those changes as cruel. But, likewise (and to put it at its most extreme) the cruelty, to coin a phrase, is the point.
The government will naturally be hoping that, in reality, as few people as possible will be significantly hurt by what it is doing. But the impression that it is prepared to run that risk in pursuit of its wider aim is, in many ways, vital to its success.
As to what that wider aim is?
rebellion in the 90s.
But what we need to appreciate is that the fallout is never merely accidental. Rather, it is a vital part of the drama. For the measures to have any chance of convincing sceptical markets and media outlets (as well as, perhaps, ordinary voters) their authors
Labour’s essential problem is that, for all its social democratic values, it understandably aspires to become the natural party of government in what is an overwhelmingly liberal capitalist political economy.
It has all too often sought to achieve that, not so much by creating expectations among certain key groups and then rewarding them, as it has by aiming to demonstrate a worldas-it-is governing competence.
That, in the view of its leaders (if not necessarily its followers), is the master key to the prolonged success experienced by the Conservative party – a party
It’s one thing to say the economy is not doing well and we’ve got a fiscal challenge … but cutting the benefits of the most vulnerable in our society who can’t work, to pay for that, is not going to work. And it’s not a Labour thing to do.
have to be seen to be committing symbolic violence against their party’s own cherished principles.
The proof that sacred cows really are being sacrificed is the anger (ideally impotent anger) of those who cherish them most – Labour’s left wingers. Their reaction is not merely predictable (and expect, by the way, to see Labour’s right wingers employ that term pejoratively in the coming days), it is also functional.
which has traditionally enjoyed the additional advantage of being culturally attuned to the market and media environment in which governing in the UK has to be done.
So, no, Ed Balls, you’re wrong: for good or ill, this week’s announcement is very much “a Labour thing to do”.
Liz Kendall MP, The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in House of Commons announcing welfare cuts.
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