Asian Standard (Kirklees) 12 - 16 Jan

FIND OUT WHO ARE OUR MOST INFLUENTIAL SOUTH ASIAN'S OF 2021

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

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KIRKLEES / 10 - 16 JANUARY 2022 / FREE

KIRKLEES’ MOST

INFLUENTIAL

2021 SOUTH ASIANS

OF

Read inside from page 6

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KIRKLEES

E ditors N ot e

NEWS ROUNDUP

NO NEED FOR 4TH COVID JAB YET EXPERTS SAY

l e t a P a Fatim

January is always my favourite time of the year, as it's the time where most of us like to set the reset button and set goals that we hope to achieve during the course of the year.

I've set myself some goals, the first one being to spend more time in the real world, rather than the digital social world.

A fourth Covid jab is not yet needed, say UK experts, because booster doses continue to provide high protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant among older adults.

UK Health Security Agency data show three months after boosting, protection against hospitalisation remains at about 90 per cent for people aged 65 and over, the BBC reported. Protection against mild symptomatic infection is more short-lived, the data revealed. That drops to around 30 per cent by about three months, it added.

According to the Agency, figures also show why it is important to get a booster dose if you have only had two doses so far. With just two vaccine doses, protection against severe disease drops to around 70 per cent after three months and to 50 per cent

While social media has many advantages it can also have some disadvantages. Advantages being you can access news and information quickly on social media, but the disadvantage is the pressure of keeping up with posts,however most importantly it is making sure you don't succumb to the pressure and the need for likes and followers.

The point I am making is don't make social media your reality and start looking away from likes and followers.

Moving on to this week's issue, well it's always my most favourite as we reveal our most influential list of 2021. As nominated by our readers and compiled and put together by my amazing team of journalists and creative team.

LINKEDIN ROLLING OUT INTERACTIVE AUDIO EVENTS THIS MONTH

This year we received more nominations than we have ever received since the lists were launched - so THANK YOU, especially for those who sent in nominations for me, you know I can't accept them. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy reading our compilation and celebrate our great achievers and influencers of 2021.

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Professional networking platform LinkedIn is reportedly rolling out a new events platform, where it will be listing, hosting and marketing interactive, virtual live events.

According to TechCrunch, it is starting first with an audio-only product that it will be launching this month in beta, followed by a video version that it will launch in the spring, initially targeting creators that use LinkedIn as organisers and hosts. With virtual events finding a lot of traction in the last couple of years of pandemic life, the plan, for now, is for LinkedIn's new events product to be an all-virtual offering, and to open up the format to be shaped by those running the events themselves, the report said. "Our philosophy

is to put the organizers in control," Jake Poses, product manager, was quoted as saying. "We want to make it easier to host virtual round tables, fireside chats, and more. Some may want the event to be more formal or less formal. Some might want to communicate with their audience, to open up to the floor.

We are giving professionals interactivity and support," Poses added. LinkedIn has over the last year been experimenting with other features that it might add to this events service, such as a paid, ticketed option that it started testing in September last year. Poses confirmed that interactive events are being launched as a free service, with no plans for ticketing at this point.

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after six months. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises on vaccine policy, said the priority, therefore, remains to get first, second and third doses to those who have not already had them. This is despite some countries such as Israel starting to give fourth Covid shots to manage the highly infectious Omicron variant that is causing rising numbers of infections around the globe.

KIRKLEES

WHATSAPP FOR IOS TO SHOW PROFILE PICTURES IN NOTIFICATIONS Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has reportedly started testing a new feature on iOS that displays profile pictures in system notifications when users receive new messages from chats and groups.

As spotted by WABetaInfo, this feature is starting to roll out for iOS beta testers of WhatsApp as long as they are running iOS 15 and version 2.22.1.1 of the app. The feature will display the profile picture of a person in notifications and one will see DPs in notifications for both individual and group WhatsApp chats. "WhatsApp is releasing profile photos in notifications for people that use at least the 2.22.1.1 beta on iOS 15. Since this feature has been enabled to some beta testers, it may be needed some time before being enabled for your WhatsApp account," WABetaInfo wrote on its page. Meanwhile, the company has recently brought in a new privacy update to prevent unknown contacts from seeing a user's last seen and online

status. The feature will allow WhatsApp users to set their "last seen" status to be viewed by everyone, their contacts, except a

TURKEY AMBITIOUS OVER TECHNOLOGY BRAND TOGG – AIM TO PRODUCE 1 MILLION VEHICLES BY 2030 Turkey’s global technology brand focused on mobility, Togg, has made its public debut at CES 2022, the world's largest consumer electronics show. It held a press conference at the event to announce its vision to the world.

Togg aims to be Europe's first non-classical born electric SUV manufacturer when it begins production in Gemlik in 2022. It develops electric and connected next-generation vehicles and a mobility ecosystem to support them. Within the ecosystem it has created around smart and connected cars, the company develops new technologies, services, user experiences, and new business models.

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Togg's vision car is that of a dynamic and innovative fastback. The smart device was unveiled to the world at CES 2022 – it was transported to the United States via a Turkish Cargo aircraft. The car is a dynamic and innovative fastback that introduces Togg's styling DNA. The basis of the car's styling concept is the muscular rear design and the shoulder line that extends from the headlights to the rear, presenting a strong side profile.

The car's illuminated Togg logo represents the unification of Eastern and Western cultures.

Togg's goal is to reach one million production units by 2030 by developing five distinct electric and connected models on a common platform.

blacklist of specific people. This new feature has been reportedly rolled out for both Android and iOS-enabled devices.

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KIRKLEES

SON WHO BRUTALLY BEAT HIS DAD TO DEATH SENTENCED TO LIFE SHAWNA HEALEY

A man from Bradford has been jailed for the murder of his father.

Phillip Badwal, 25, was sentenced on Thursday 6 January, to life with a minimum term of 20 years at Bradford Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to murdering Santokh ‘Charlie’ Singh at the house they shared in Airedale Road in Barkerend.

Mr Singh has been described as generous and sociable, raising money for charity and enjoying a drink in the pub after work.

Badwal was arrested on suspicion of murder after emergency services were called to the address on 30 November 2020 and found Mr Singh with serious injuries.

Mr Singh, who was 59, was pronounced dead at the scene.

After being charged with his father’s murder on 2 December 2020, Badwal appeared before magistrates on 3 December 2020, where he was remanded into

custody ahead of a trial.

This began at Bradford Crown Court earlier this week but was halted suddenly on the second day when Badwal changed his plea.

On Tuesday 4 January, the court heard that Mr Singh had been desperate to move out of the family home he shared with his wife and their youngest son Mr Badwal and on his birthday in November 2020 his older sons, from a previous relationship, had shown him around a new flat they had found for him.

But the next day Mr Badwal subjected his father to a prolonged beating during which he used a cricket bat to rain down blows on his head and body.

Richard Wright QC, the lead prosecutor, said Mr Singh had fractures to the skull, bruising to the brain as well as a broken leg and fractured ribs.

He also alleged Mr Badwal had also kicked and stamped on his father, even changing his footwear during the violence, and had

Happier days - Mr Santokh ‘Charlie’ Singh. Image Facebook

most likely used a metal dog bowl during the beating.

Mr Wright QC also said the defendant called drug dealer numbers instead of emergency services after the attack.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Tony Nicholson, said: “Mr Badwal unleashed a serious and sustained assault on his father in the house that they shared, leaving him with injuries which were to sadly prove fatal.

“Rather than seek urgent medical attention for his seriously injured father, Badwal contacted drug dealers before finally ringing the emergency services, who, despite their best efforts, were unable to revive Mr Singh.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Singh at this very sad time, and I hope this outcome will bring them some comfort and closure.”

Mr Singh’s younger brother Vinnie Badwal posted a heartfelt statement on Facebook describing that it has been ‘the hardest thing he has ever had to endure in his entire life’ The post on Facebook reads: “Losing my big brother Santokh ‘Charlie’ Singh has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to endure, in my entire life. Our father passed away just a few weeks prior,

Phillip Badwal was jailed for life with a 20-year minimum term.

Image West Yorkshire Police he was an elderly gentleman - in stark contrast, my brother was just 59. His only wish after his hardworking life was to be a ‘worry-free pensioner’, but he lived a troubled life.

“My brother left behind an empty space which both he and our late father once occupied, along with ‘dad’ he was the only adult male with whom I had any meaningful relationship - I will miss his blessings, I will miss his chits and chats; I will miss him when I just need some reassurance - his humour was infectious, a most jolly soul, as was his ‘knowledge’ of all things bright and beautiful (not to mention the rest).

“Charlie was a warm and gentle soul with a kind disposition and would help just about anyone. He leaves behind a loving family, two sons who loved him, Charles and Richard, grand-children, siblings

and dozens of nephews and nieces who will all miss him dearly. He didn’t deserve this; he was hardly 8 stone and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was brutally killed in his own home, a place of absolute sanctuary, by a son he ‘loved’ in more ways that I can say, and despite the many challenges they faced as a toxic family, he stood firm and remained beside them until the very bitter end.

“This was a cruel, barbaric and mindless act ending the life of a much-loved son, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, an award winning apprentice trained engineer of 42 distinguished years who will sadly never be a pensioner!!

“Lost but never forgotten - may God rest his tournament soul, and may karma take a moment to mete out the appropriate punishment upon those who tortured and tormented his kind and gentle soul”

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KIRKLEES

KIRKLEES’ MOST INFLUENTIAL SOUTH ASIANS OF 2021 Every year with the help of our readers, we are able to compile our annual list of key influencers and movers and shakers of Kirklees. This year we were particularly looking for influencers, who have used their position to help in dealing with the pandemic and helped improve society, business and our environment.

Earning money and achieving success is surely hard work, however being able to have influence is something that only a special few can command. These influencers can help make or break a decision, help set trends but also use their status for the good of their industry or community. So, we set out to find out just who are the most influential within Kirklees’ South Asian community.

This year we received an unprecedented number of nominations, and we would like to thank each and every one of you who took time out to nominate.

This made the task even more difficult of shaving down the list to the final 20 (10 men and 10 women). However, thanks to our panel made up of our editorial team and input from public figures this has finally been achieved.

It wasn’t easy trust us as there are so many who are inspiring and deserving of recognition, that it was a real challenge to get to our final 20 influencers. The list is in no particular order and brings forward men and women from all sectors of business, politics, sport, entertainment, and charity. With the ladies first here they are:

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SUPRIYA NAGARAJAN Supriya is the founder of Manasamitra. She is a singer-composer trained, since the age of 5, in Carnatic (classical South Indian) vocal music in Bombay (Mumbai).

Since setting up Manasamitra in 2005 she has collaborated with musicians from different genres and disciplines across the globe. Supriya has not only had huge impact but has also been influential in the arts and culture scene in Kirklees.

She is now also using her music experience to cultivate the skills of women of colour and hone their artistic development through her The Women Composer Mentoring Project.

The project was launched in 2020 and has supported more than a dozen women in their creative careers.

CLLR MUSARRAT KHAN Musarrat Khan hails from a family who are accustomed to politics. Her brother Mehboob Khan was a former Kirklees Council leader. Musarrat stepped into politics in 2015 when she was selected to stand in the Dalton ward of the Labour Party and retained the seat for Labour.

Since winning the seat, as a Labour councillor Musarrat has made strides in her political career, quickly being appointed positions on committees and a position in the cabinet.

Previously she has been the portfolio holder for Highways and has been a member of Employee Relations Sub-Group, Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee, Health and Social Care Scrutiny Panel and occasionally Mental Health Scrutiny Panel.

Cllr Musarrat is a board member of Kirklees Community Association and has previously been a member of the Local Partnership Board.

She currently is portfolio holder for Health and Social Care, actively leading on battling health inequalities in Kirklees and encouraging vaccine take up.

COUNCILLOR NAHEED MATHERS Labour councillor for Dalton and a cabinet member, Naheed began her career in local government as a personnel officer before moving into higher education as a principle lecturer at Bradford and Huddersfield University, and member of the National Executive Committee of the University and College Union (UCU).

She has more than two decades of local government and higher education experience, and has been very active in the community and voluntary sectors; across housing, education, and trade unions. Naheed is a former magistrate and has tackled issues such as anti-social behaviour, housing and carried out extensive positive work for road repairs and resurfacing. She has made significant impact in her role as a councillor, assisting with fly tipping, electric charging points and clean air zones.

FARKHANDA HUSSAIN-BUTT Farkhanda Hussain Butt left her teaching profession more than 18 years ago to join the family business - The Shire Bed Company as a Marketing Director. Using her skills and experience in negotiation, business planning, and marketing strategy Farkhanda along with her husband have established a multi-million-pound company which employs more than 70 people.

Established for nearly 25 years, the Dewsbury company’s ongoing commitment to investment in its facilities, staff and machinery has ensured that Shire remains ahead of the game, investing nearly £2.5 million expanding and upgrading its facilities, including new top-of-the range automated machinery to help speed up processes.

This has enabled the business to make significant in-roads into the hospitality sector where Shire now accounts for 30 per cent of all university beds. It also supplies beds to care homes, making it a valuable asset to the local economy.

This has resulted in the company recently winning the coveted Product of the Year award at the National Bed Federation’s (NBF) annual awards ceremony in Telford.

In addition to this, Farkhanda has used her influence and marketing expertise to secure significant partnerships with the county’s sporting elite including Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos.

RASHIDA SALOO Seeing women excel in sport is one thing, but helping and empowering women get into sport is another.

Rashida Saloo continues to make it into our most influential women in Kirklees list, thanks to her award-winning organisation Ready Steady Active which has been hugely influential in inspiring women and children to rediscover benefits of sport.

She has helped establish sports clubs such as the Batley Ninja’s and hosts a range of sporting activities for women across Kirklees to get involved in.

Rashida was shortlisted for the community award at the 2017 Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards and won a special recognition award for her tennis initiative at the 2016 British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards and was very recently awarded the Huddersfield Town Foundation’s Premier League Kicks Facilitator award and Sports Diversity award at the Sport and Football Biz Awards. Despite lockdown restrictions, Rashida has been influencing women to keep up with sport and physical activity by producing innovative and fun videos to help people stay active at home. The successful using her close community connections and influence has taken on the challenge of helping women break cultural and personal barriers to get active in physical activity.

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KIRKLEES

ITRAT ALI

NOUSHIN RAJA

Itrat Ali has an impressive background in the pharmaceutical industry and works with the local clinical commissioning groups and hospitals in protocol setting.

She has made a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry and is now also pursuing a lifelong ambition of becoming a politician.

Mrs Ali joined the Conservative Party as a teenager and was involved in setting up the Young Conservative group while a pupil at Heckmondwike Grammar School.

Work took her away from politics, but she re-joined the Conservatives in 2000 and has been involved in local campaigns.

She is part of the Yorkshire Conservative Policy Forum and is chairwoman of the Yorkshire and Humber Conservative Muslim Forum, which feeds back Muslim views to the party.

In the 2010 election Mrs Ali contested the Makerfield seat, which was a safe Labour seat.

She came second and increased the Tory vote in the constituency by 5.2%.

In last May’s Kirklees council elections Mrs Ali stood in the Heckmondwike ward where she closely contested Labour's Stephen Hall losing with a mere 148 votes behind Labour.

Mrs Ali has slowly been growing her popularity among residents in Kirklees and has a vast network of business supporters. The Conservative member is already preparing to stand in the next election. With her influence growing, who knows if she might just win a seat this time.

Noushin is the founder of Kirklees based charity Moonlight Trust. The charity was born out of tragedy, in memory of her brother who was murdered a few years ago.

Noushin, has been a strong advocate and champion for refugees and has found herself in challenging situations locally, nationally and internationally, while trying to reach those most in need.

As the ongoing pandemic continues to affect more and more people who are in dire need for help and support, Noushin and her team of volunteers stepped and have continued to work throughout the pandemic to ensure those in need did not go without. The Moonlight Trust were also instrumental in helping women get back into work and establish long term careers. The achievements of the charity would not be where they are today, without the leadership of Noushin Raja and influence with local businesses.

FATIMA KHAN-SHAH Fatima is a HSJ multi-award-winning Programme Director for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership.

She was recently announced as one of the most influential people in healthcare from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic background by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) for her work in the West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, leading the unpaid carer and personalised care programme and her work within the Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Network that promotes diverse leaders in the health and care system.

The Yorkshire woman also sits on various boards influencing and generating discussion around health inequalities.

Fatima works nationally as a lay member on the NHS Assembly and the King’s Fund and as a Board Member on the Yorkshire and Humber Academic Health Science Network. She has previously held roles with NHS England, Kirklees CCGs, Kirklees Council, Health Education England and Healthwatch.

Fatima is also appointed as a Non-Executive Director with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. There she sits on both the Quality Committee and the Charities Committee.

Fatima has been a leading force in encouraging vaccine uptake, but also challenging health inequalities and often uses her social media platform to influence change.

SOFIA BUNCY DL, MBE Sofia Buncy was born, raised, and educated in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. She completed her Honours Degree in Behavioural Sciences at the University of Huddersfield and further went on to complete a Postgraduate Diploma at the same institute in Professional Studies: Youth and Community.

Sofia has amassed over 15 years’ experience in the voluntary/ community sector both within the local authority, grassroots communities as well as at an International NGO level.

Sofia is the pioneering co-founder and National Coordinator of the multi-award-winning Muslim Women in Prison resettlement programme evidenced by three ground-breaking pieces of research which she has co-authored. The programme is the first of its kind in the UK and is based at the Khidmat Centres in Bradford. She combines her current professional role with her activism and passion for interfaith, youth and community development, charitable work, and social and civil cohesion. Sofia has won many awards and accolades for her work is appointed into the role of a DL and has most recently been honoured with a MBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours List 2022.

RAZIA JOGI Razia is an award-winning Solicitor who has specialised in Family law and now focuses on Child Care Law. She is also Director of leading law firm Switalskis. A member of Resolution, she is accredited on the Children Law Panel and maintains strong links with domestic violence support agencies. Priding herself on her straight-talking no-nonsense approach, which has been complimented by clients, Razia also advises on divorce and separation issues and speaks fluent Gujarati and Urdu.

Among her many accomplishments Razia was one of the driving forces behind the setting up of a national conference on forced marriages which was held in November 2009 in Bradford. She has also co-written a definitive legal textbook, Forced Marriages, and has significant expertise in protecting people from a forced marriage.

Since the pandemic it is claimed cases around childcare and abusive marriages have seen a surge - Razia with her strong links in the community has been proactive in supporting and securing successful results for her clients.

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KIRKLEES

KIRKLEES’ MOST INFLUENTIAL SOUTH ASIAN MEN 2021 CLLR SHABIR PANDOR Shabir Pandor is an elected member of Batley West Ward and the leader of Kirklees council, representing the Labour party. Throughout his time at Kirklees council, he has tried to tackle inequality and help save local NHS services. He is the first councillor in the UK to be of Indian Muslim heritage to be a council leader.

As council leader Cllr Pandor is involved and included in major decisions that impact on the residents of Kirklees. Cllr Pandor also sits on various boards, and holds the portfolio for Business, economy and innovation as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

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ZEB PERVAIZ Zeb Pervaiz is the managing Director of SKA Developments. Following the phenomenal success of driving forward his more than four decade old family business SKA Textiles, Zeb now plays an integral role in developing the SKA property portfolio for SKA Developments, another family business. Zeb delivered his first property development project, Thread Works in 2013 and continues to deliver on the ambitious plans to bring further regeneration to Huddersfield town centre.

Other key projects that Zeb is currently involved in include Renaissance Works (the former Co-Op building) and the £150 million Greater Waterfront Quarter in partnership with Kirklees Council. Previous clients of SKA Textiles included Debenhams, River Island, Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Marks and Spencer and the Arcadia group- to name just a few.

SHAKEEL SHAH Shakeel Shah is the director of the one well known car dealerships within Kirklees known as SSC. Shak started Shak’s Specialist Cars while working as a salesman at Perry’s Mazda in Huddersfield back in 2003.

Shak’s Specialist Cars was officially formed a year later in 2004 and just over a year later, in January 2006, the then 24-year-old gathered all his savings to begin his venture of buying and selling imported cars. In December of 2017, Shak went on to buy his still owned showroom in Huddersfield which has a variety of cars. SSC has a variety of cars from Ferrari’s to Rolls Royce’s and many other cars worth millions.

While businesses have been struggling during the pandemic, Shak has really shown how influential he is in the motor industry and took the industry by storm when he launched SSC Pakistan. The entrepreneur has now started offering his fleet of Range Rovers and prestige cars out of a luxury showroom in Pakistan.

QAISAR MAHMOOD Qaisar Mahmood has been working in radio for over twenty years. Qaisar also developed the first ever app for an Asian Radio Station in the UK in 2008 and was at the forefront with Radio Sangam also being the first to go Facebook and YouTube live, changing and crossing the boundaries between Radio and Television.

Qaisar developed Sangam Records which has a variety of renowned artists on the label – Sangam TV, Sangam Urdu News, news which is dedicated for Urdu listeners and Sangam Silver Screen, working with UK multiplexes to screen classic Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

He was also a Member of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education on the West Yorkshire Police Scrutiny Panel and the Member of the Race Equality Council and MD of Communities Together.

Qaisar has appeared on a variety of radio broadcasts and on television debating and discussing current educational changes and in 2003 featured by the BBC after conducting a lesson for 90 students at 37’000 feet. More recently, Qaisar developed a series of events for Kirklees, with a view to improving arts and culture with South Asian communities and celebrating South Asian heritage month.

IQBAL BHANA DL, OBE

Iqbal Bhana has been an instrumental force for Kirklees Iqbal Bhana has been an instrumental force for Kirklees since the 1970’s. He has been on boards and forums such as North Kirklees Police Forum, Dewsbury Community Health Council, including a regional Director for Yorkshire and Humberside at the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health and has overtime used his influence in founding organisations such as the Batley Advice Centre.

The business consultant was also one of the first Muslim men in Kirklees to become a DL in 2006 and followed up with an OBE When it comes to matters of faith Iqbal is often the first person to be approached by media for comment. He also has his own show on Iqra TV, where he has interviewed a number of high profile guests Most recently Iqbal has been mentoring local businesses and charities in the region and has been instrumental in helping businesses secure funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Iqbal also sits on Dewsbury Town Board, which has approximately £60 million in investment for the regeneration of Dewsbury.

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KIRKLEES

SHAKEEL FARAZ

IFTIKHAR IFRAHIM

Heckmondwike born and bred entrepreneur Shakeel Faraz has been using his business influence not only to build his business empire, but to give back to charity and help raise the profile of aspiring youngsters who want to go into sport.

Shakeel is back in our influential list, as he has continued to selflessly use his influence to give back to the local community.

The pandemic has created a tough environment for us all, but it has been particularly hard on those people with vulnerabilities.

Despite being comfortable having built a successful business empire, hiring cars for events and offering accident management services, Shakeel knows full well what it is like to live in poverty and that’s one of his key motivators to keep giving back.

The entrepreneur launched Heckmondwike’s first food bank, which has proved to be instrumental for local people battling with food poverty.

However, it’s not just the giving and donating, but it’s Shakeel’s ability to use his influential links and resources to also make final wishes come true.

The philanthropist heard about a local man who was terminally ill but had one last wish of driving a sports car before he died. Shakeel immediately drove his luxury Porsche 911 to the dying man’s home address and not only filled the car with fuel but took the man for a drive in the luxury vehicle, concluding the day with lots of gifts for the man and his family. The gentleman sadly died a few weeks later, but thanks to Shakeel he ticked off his bucket list.

Shakeel certainly proves that a lot can be achieved when power and influence is used in the right way.

Iftikhar Ifrahim is a successful businessman who comes from a family of successful entrepreneurs. His ancestral business is one of Kirklees’ most successful bed manufacturing companies – Highgate beds, however, Iftikhar has always wanted to stand on his own feet and silently make a mark for himself and he has done so with his successful companies Sleep Express and Interiors 13.

Despite gaining business success with his own ventures, Iftikhar has never stepped back from helping others, offering his time with mentoring to support the next generation of businesspeople. The media shy entrepreneur has been instrumental in steering and mentoring young people in achieving their career and business goals. Young men look up to Iftikhar and have benefited from Iftikhar’s guidance and influence in their career decisions.

Philanthropy is also at the heart of everything Iftikhar does.

Using his influence and network of successful business people he has managed to raise millions to support charities locally and nationally. Along with founding his own charity - 13 Foundation, Iftikhar has also been the UK representative of international cricketer Shahid Afridi – The Shahid Afridi Foundation, for almost seven years now.

YUNUS LUNAT – SOLICITOR PARTNER & HEAD OF EMPLOYMENT LAW AT ISON HARRISON SOLICITORS Yunus is a solicitor advocate with more than 25 years post qualification experience, specialising in Employment and Discrimination Law. He is a partner and head of the Employment Law department at the Leeds and Yorkshire based law firm Ison Harrison.

Yunus is frequently approached by the media to comment upon discrimination in the workplace and sport. He regularly provides expert commentary on national and local media including BBC News and Radio 5 Live, Sky News and has also been featured in the written press.

Throughout the course of his career, he has put his legal knowledge and experience to sound practical application within football, where he has a long and successful involvement dating back to 2004, when he was appointed by the FA on to its original Race Equality Advisory Group.

He was reappointed on to each of the subsequent FA Race Equality Advisory Groups and took over as Chair in 2014 from Lord Hermon Ouseley, when he also represented the Group on the full FA Council, becoming the first Muslim to serve on the FA Council.

The Kirklees lawyer holds influence as a chair of; The FA Criminal Records Panel, The FA National Serous Cases Panel, The FA General Appeals Panel and is also the BAME Representative on the Liverpool FC Supporters’ Committee.

Among his local influences Yunus coaches and is chair of his local grassroots club Mount Pleasant Juniors FC and served as Vice chair of the Madina mosque in Batley, West Yorkshire, along with hosting a weekly discussion show on British Muslim TV called Sports Talk

PALVINDER SINGH Palvinder Singh is the principal of Kirklees College, but his journey began many years ago with many different careers before becoming the Chief Executive and Principle of Kirklees College.

Palvinder started his journey after completing his bachelor’s degree at The University of Birmingham in Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services. Completing this degree enabled Palvinder to become the Head of Marketing and Student Services at Leeds City College.

After leaving this position, Palvinder became the Assistant Principal Compliance and External Relations coordinator at Stockport College. He later took on the role of a Chair of Governors at Khalsa Science Academy which involved the primary development of the countries’ first STEM primary free school. He now supports the school as the Chair of Governors working with some very creative staff and volunteers.

At his time at Barnsley College, he was able to receive an Outstanding OFTED inspection in 2008 and 2014.

Palvinder is also Chair of the Association of Colleges Equality Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group and Trustee for the sector's workforce development body, The Education and Training Foundation.

With over 20 years’ experience in the education sector, Palvinder is passionate and influential in his role which has the power to transform lives and communities.

ISMAIL MULLA – JOURNALIST AT YORKSHIRE POST Ismail Mulla- Business Reporter for the Yorkshire Post.

Graduating from Leeds Beckett University, Ismail has wide experience in the journalism field. He has previously worked with the Dewsbury Reporter, Johnston Press and Awaaz Multimedia. A South Asian man making his mark in the world of media, but also passing on his skills and experience by offering his time to mentor students at the same University he graduated from.

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KIRKLEES

West Yorkshire First Buses Image Wikipedia

BUSES IN WEST YORKSHIRE FACING A ‘CLIFF-EDGE’ IN FUNDING

BY RICHARD BEECHAM Regional transport chiefs have warned bus services in West Yorkshire are looking at a “cliff edge”, as funding uncertainty could force operators into cancelling services altogether in the coming months.

A senior Leeds city councillor has called on the Government to step in and further subsidise the “broken” public transport model across the country, claiming fares are currently so expensive that low paid workers were effectively spending a month’s worth of wages on travel every year.

It follows a report from West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) officers, which said the Government’s bus recovery fund, which subsidises services suffering from post-Covid drops in passenger numbers, is set to end in March.

A meeting of WYCA’s transport committee heard how the Government’s vaguery on whether this funding would continue has made it difficult for bus companies to plan financially and could jeopardise some services in the region.

Cllr Kim Groves Head of the committee Cllr Kim Groves said the combined authority did not support any fare increases to offset this.

She added: “Even before the increases, people found the fares were too high anyway. For what they’re earning, there is going to be increases in energy and food costs, so it’s going to get harder. The Government has to

step in because this is a broken model.

“They have subsidised London for years, and now they tell us that model doesn’t work, that they have to withdraw 100 routes and hike up fares down there. If they want to help people and attract more people, it’s going to have to be a lower flat fare right across the country.

“Transport is the solution to so many policy objectives, and the Government is going to have to start taking this seriously.

“People on low incomes, if you do the sums, they only earn 11 months’ pay, because the other month is spent on transport.”

Financial support for bus operators, known as bus recovery funding, has been available during the past few months as services suffered hits to passenger numbers.

However, the extra cash is set to run out in the Spring and, as the Omicron variant continues to spread, experts say it is unlikely bus passenger numbers in the region will fully recover any time soon.

Earlier this week, the Department for Transport has said it is discussing the issue with bus operators to see what

Susan Hinchcliffe help is needed but stopped short of committing to extra funding beyond March.

Senior WYCA officer Dave Pearson told the meeting: “We are looking at a cliff-edge when it comes to funding into buses. That brings some concern – the bus companies are flagging the fact that when we wrote this back in the autumn. The

optimistic view back then was that patronage would get back to 80 percent of previous levels by the end of march. That is even more optimistic now because of the latest wave of the pandemic.

“Government hasn’t said it will continue funding beyond march and bus companies have no certainty, they can’t do any meaningful financial planning for the coming year.

“There is a real risk now that the bus network shrinks just at the time when we are embarking on a plan to improve it.”

Committee chair and Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “People need to know this is council tax money that is going on buses.

The government really (has) no plans for the future of how the buses are going to be subsidised, and that is a real concern.

“We have prices increasing across the country for all sorts of services, and buses are forecasted to go up.

For the cost of living, that is really, really serious, and I would urge government to continue that subsidy at a similar level to help people get about and get to work.”

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KIRKLEES

OPINION

Legal Matters with Luke Patel Luke Patel is a Partner at Leeds law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP specialising in commercial dispute resolution and heads up that team.

Luke was the winner of the Best Professional in Business award at the Asian English Business Awards 2013. Described in the Legal 500 as “exceptional” he primarily acts for individuals, owner managed businesses and SME’s in a wide range of sectors.

SCOPE OF DUTY OF PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

This judgment makes it easier for Claimants who have suffered a loss as a result of negligent advice to pursue claims against their professional advisers as it provides a more generous and expansive test for the scope of duty of the adviser. Professionals should consider checking their retainers to consider what risks they are being retained to advise on and, more crucially, how they can guard against those risks. Such an approach will help to mitigate against an assumption of any responsibility that may not be obvious from the scope of the retainer.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Manchester Building Society in its long running dispute with its former auditor, Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton were the Society’s auditors from 1997 to 2012. Between 2004 to 2010 the Society purchased and issued lifetime mortgages. These were mortgage loans designed to release the equity in the borrower’s home.

Interest on the loan was charged at a fixed rate but neither the interest nor the capital was repayable until the borrower died, left the property or chose to repay the loan. The mortgage loans were funded by the Society borrowing at variable interest rates. In order to protect itself against the risk of the costs of borrowing exceeding the fixed rate of interest received from the mortgage loans, the Society entered into interest rate swap contracts. However, the value of the swaps fluctuated according to interest rates and their value had to be reported in the Society’s accounts which would have produced unacceptable levels of volatility in those accounts.

To mitigate this, the Society adopted “hedge accounting”.

This concealed the swings in the Society’s capital position, but it resulted in a severe disparity between the negative value of the swaps (as a consequence of the

financial crisis in 2008) and the value of the mortgages which they were meant to hedge.

Prior to purchasing the mortgages and the swaps and before adopting hedge accounting the Society had sought advice from Grant Thornton who advised the Society that its combination of swaps and mortgages passed the stringent tests applicable to the use of hedge accounting.

However, in 2013 Grant Thornton informed the Society that it was not after all permitted to apply hedge accounting in preparing financial statements. This resulted in the Society having insufficient capital to comply with the Bank of England rules. To rectify the situation, the Society had to close out the interest rate swap contracts early at a cost to it of over £32m. The Society sought to recover these

costs from Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton admitted that it had been negligent but defended liability on the basis that the swap rate cost did not fall within its scope of duty when it gave the advice and undertook the audits.

The High Court and the Court of Appeal agreed with Grant Thornton, but the Supreme Court has now overturned those rulings.

The Supreme Court found that the loss suffered by the Society was a loss which fell within the scope of the duty of care assumed by Grant Thornton, taking into account the purpose for which they gave the advice regarding hedge accounting.

It found that the scope of duty of care assumed by a professional adviser is governed by the purpose of the duty, judged on an objective basis by reference to the reason why the advice was being given.

Therefore, in the case of negligent advice, the Court should consider what risk the duty was supposed to guard against and whether the loss suffered represented the fruition of that risk.

The Supreme Court awarded the

Society damages totalling £13.4m, the amount being reduced by 50% for contributory negligence as the Court found that the Society was partly to blame for the situation it had found itself in.

This judgment makes it easier for Claimants who have suffered a loss as a result of negligent advice to pursue claims against their professional advisers as it provides a more generous and expansive test for the scope of duty of the adviser. Professionals should consider checking their retainers to consider what risks they are being retained to advise on and, more crucially, how they can guard against those risks.

Such an approach will help to mitigate against an assumption of any responsibility that may not be obvious from the scope of the retainer.

If you are involved in any professional of negligence claim, then Blacks Solicitors have specialist lawyers who can assist.

Please contact Luke Patel on 0113 227 9316 or by email at “LPatel@

LawBlacks.com”.

10 - 16 JANUARY 2022

VAANI KAPOOR: NEVER CHOSEN FILMS THINKING I'LL WIN AWARDS FOR THEM TAAPSEE PANNU, TAHIR RAJ BHASIN'S 'LOOOP LAPETA' TO RELEASE ON NETFLIX ON FEBRUARY 4 TIGER SHROFF KICKSTARTS FINAL SCHEDULE OF 'HEROPANTI 2'

BONDING WITH THE SHIKHARWATI’S

TWO

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

VAANI KAPOOR: NEVER CHOSEN FILMS THINKING I'LL WIN AWARDS FOR THEM

VICKY KAUSHAL REQUESTS AANAND L. RAI TO CAST HIM IN DIRECTOR'S NEXT FILM Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal, whose wedding with Katrina Kaif was the centre of attention recently, has made a public appeal to Aanand L. Rai for casting him in the director's next venture.

Vicky took to his Instagram story and posted the poster of Rai's recent directorial, 'Atrangi Re' starring Sara Ali Khan, Dhanush and Akshay Kumar. Mightily impressed with the film, the 'Masaan' actor wrote on the picture, "Kitni pyaari Film hai... mazaa aa gaya! @saraalikhan95 such a difficult role to play

and how wonderfully you have surrendered yourself to it."

He added, "@dhanushkraja absolutely genius. @akshaykumar Garda uda diye! @ aanandlrai Cast me in your next Film Sir, please!" 'Atrangi Re' took the direct-to-digital route as it released to a positive response on Disney+ Hotstar.

As for Vicky, the actor will have three releases this year including 'Govinda Naam Mera', 'The Great Indian Family' and 'Mimi' director Laxman Utekar's next untitled film.

Actress Vaani Kapoor, who will be next seen in 'Shamshera', says she never chooses films thinking that she would win awards for them, but picks them from her heart.

Vaani says "I have never chosen films thinking I will win awards for them. I have always chosen projects from my heart and that's why I'm fortunate that I have films like 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui' in my filmography.

"It is rare to find a project that can consume you, make you dissolve yourself on screen to become someone like Maanvi. Maanvi is an idea and an ideal for the world and I'm blessed that I got to play this character with all my heart and soul." She said that if people have loved my performance, it's because the character was written so "beautif ully and with so much dignity."

The actress added "If I were to win awards, I would dedicate them to the transgender community in India because we wanted to speak about inclusivi ty. If the film wins or my performance wins, it will show people that mainstream media is embracing this thought of much-needed change.

"Mainstream media has the power to change societies, make it evolve, and become better. But again, we didn't make the film keeping awards in mind.

It was made from the purest place in Abhishek Kapoor's heart. He wanted us to open our minds." She added "We made the film to seed a thought about changing oneself, one's beliefs and ideas about how society is and how society should be for the future generat ions."

TIGER SHROFF KICKSTARTS DEV PATEL JOINS BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH IN WES FINAL SCHEDULE OF ANDERSON'S NEW FILM 'HEROPANTI 2' Action star Tiger Shroff recently updated his fans through his social media that he has started the last leg of "Heropanti 2' schedule.

Tiger took to his Instagram story to share the poster of the film as he wrote on the picture, "Time to suit up again for one last sched #heropanti2 #eid2022." The poster features Tiger in a John Wick - esque avatar as he aims guns from atop a sports car.

'Heropanti 2' is the sequel of Tiger's debut film where he was seen opposite another debutante back then, Kriti Sanon. Both the actors have since grown strength to strength and have even reunited for their upcoming film, 'Ganapath'.

As for 'Heropanti 2', the film written

by Rajat Arora and produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is being helmed by choreographer actor Ahmed Khan and it also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tara Sutaria.

Dev Patel will be seen sharing screen space with star Benedict Cumberbatch in Wes Anderson's newest feature, an adaptation of Roald Dahl's short story collection 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More'.

As per Variety, the project will go on the floors in the UK this month. Ralph Fiennes, and Ben Kingsley will also feature in the film. The new

movie marks Anderson's second outing with Dahl's classic works after the filmmaker crafted 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' into a stop-motion film in 2009 and co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach. The title story of the upcoming film centres on Henry Sugar, a man who steals a book that shows him how-to see-through objects and predict the future.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

TAAPSEE PANNU, TAHIR RAJ BHASIN'S 'LOOOP LAPETA' TO RELEASE ON NETFLIX ON FEBRUARY 4 February 2022 will surely start on a great note for actor Taapsee Pannu's fans as her film 'Looop Lapeta' is scheduled to hit Netflix next month.

Taapsee took to Instagram and informed fans that 'Looop Lapeta', which also features Tahir Raj Bhasin, will release on February 4.

"Hey jholer @tahirrajbhasin to yeh shortcuts ke lapete mein phasna kab band karega ! Can Savi save him this time? You will know soon.

Get ready for Looop Lapeta, A Sony Pictures Films India Feature, and Ellipsis Entertainment Production, directed by Aakash Bhatia, coming on 4th Feb, only on Netflix," she wrote.

Helmed by Aakash Bhatia, 'Looop Lapeta' is touted as an adventurous ride through a sticky situation where a girlfriend Savi (played by Taapsee) is on a mission to rescue her boyfriend (Tahir). "I am excited to be a part of this next project with Netflix, especially with the film being such a versatile genre. This compelling story was extremely enjoyable to make along with my director, Aakash and co-star, Tahir. I cannot wait for fans and audiences to watch this edge-of-the-seat film and enjoy it as much as we loved making it," Taapsee said.

Tahir also opened up about his character. "I am so excited about the release of Looop Lapeta. The film is a clutter breaking take on

THREE

BOMAN IRANI HEAPS PRAISE ON 'RUNWAY 34' TEAM Actor Boman Irani has recently wrapped up shooting for 'Runway 34', which also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh.

Boman took to Instagram and praised the whole team for their commendable work. "A few days ago we wrapped on @ajaydevgn 's #runway34. This was on the first day of the shoot. Every frame Ajay set up displayed his wonderful craft and love for cinema. Was a treat to watch @amitabhbachchan striding the stage, displaying his rigourou s and painstaking approach to every minute move," he wrote.

Boman feels grateful that they all are a part of the gift of cinema.

"First time with the wonderful @rakulpreet and I would be remiss if I did not mention the wonderful work of the fabulous #aseembajaj on camera. Bless you all. So grateful we are part of the gift of cinema, " he shared, adding a picture of him from the sets. 'Runway 34' marks Ajay's return to the director's chair after 'Shivaay' in 2016. The film is schedul ed to release in April this year.

new age romance, and a genre I am exploring for the first time. I can't wait for the world to meet the characters Satya and Savi.

Our director Aakash Bhatia has a unique style stamp that has created a visually stunning world

where thrill and comedy combine for one crazy rollercoaster of an entertainer," he shared.

'Looop Lapeta' is produced by Sony Pictures Films India, Ellipsis Entertainment along with Aayush Maheshwari.

CHRIS PRATT 'CANNOT WAIT TO SHARE SCREEN' WITH DEWANDA WISE IN 'JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION' Makers of the much-anticipated scifi-action film 'Jurassic World: Dominion' have released new footage from the movie giving fans a first look at a brandnew character played by DeWanda Wise alongside fan favourite Owen Grady played

by Chris Pratt.

The new footage from the third instalment of the 'Jurassic World' franchise is set to unleash beasts of the past from outside of the park and onto modern civilization. The preview features Chris Pratt as Owen Grady alongside 'The Harder They Fall' actor DeWanda Wise, whose role has not been disclosed yet.

The image sees both the actors in a snowy landscape facing an obstacle. Sharing the picture on his Instagram handle, Chris wrote, "Cannot wait to share the silver screen with the great and powerful @ dewandawise as she makes an entrance you will never forget. Blessed. Humbled.

Grateful." Seems like Chris and Wise will form a partnership as they attempt to rescue and fight the dinosaurs unleashed

on earth, in the movie. As per USA Today, while Bryce Dallas Howard's Claire Dearing is not present Wise will continue to have a significant role in the film series and can be seen in a pretty dire situation in a previously-released image. Set four years after the last film, the upcoming sequel will see the return of Daniella Pineda and Justice Smith, while re-introducing iconic characters from the original Jurassic Park trilogy, including Sam Neill as Alan Grant, Laura Dern as Ellie Sattler, and Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, who also played a small role in the 'Fallen Kingdom'.

As per USA Today, the upcoming film might bring the 'Jurassic World' saga to a close, although it is unclear if it stands as the definitive end for the entire franchise.

Colin Trevorrow returns to the director's chair after handling the first Jurassic World and serves as a co-writer for the film with Emily Carmichael. 'Jurassic World Dominion' will release in theatres on June 10, 2022.

FOUR

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

'KAUN BANEGI SHIKHARWATI' MAKERS SAY WORKING WITH ENSEMBLE CAST TOOK THE PRESSURE OFF Web series 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' has brought together an ensemble cast of actors from across generations such as veterans like Naseeruddin Shah and Raghubir Yadav to Lara Dutta, Soha Ali Khan and youngsters Anya Singh and Kritika Kamra The directors of the show Gauravv K. Chawla and Ananya Banerjee shared how working with such a huge cast actually takes the pressure away from delivering the best. Asked if they felt any extra pressure of justifying the presence of every talent in the show, Gauravv told IANS "I think it is the opposite, working with an ensemble cast like that actually takes the pressure off. We did not feel the pressure because we were working with the best team, not only of those actors but also every technician.

We as directors just had to bring them together to the world that we wanted to create, so we narrated the story and quite willingly they came on board.

"I remember Naseer sir told me that it is actually a bad thing if other actors around him feel intimidated by him because of the veteran and powerful actor he is. But I saw how he took a few extra steps to make sure that everybody on the set is happy and comfortable. These actors are real team players."

Gauravv earlier directed the Saif Ali Khan-starrer 'Baazaar'.

Adding to that Ananya who is also the writer of the show said, " I think it was a validation for us when after we finalised the script and

went to all our actors with the story, they came on board. That means they understood the world that we wanted to present to the audience.

"I also looked at it as an opportunity for us to make a family show that these days on OTT we do not get to see. There was so much toxicity and negativity around us that we are going through for the last two years that 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is a relief for some time from that. It is a happy family watch."

The story of the show revolves around four women of different age groups and how they compete among themselves to become the next ruler of the royal family. While there were some funny moments the audience get to watch, Ananya said that writing a funny female character was quite an exciting space for her to explore.

"Writing comedy is exciting and tough at the same time. I have seen most of the time, women are the butt of the joke in most of the content, so the audience is laughing at them instead of with them...you know what I mean?

I wanted to change that subtly through my writing and that is why we kept it funny, quirky, and emotional.

"Honestly, how the audience will respond is something we will surely want to know, but during the shooting of the show, we have built a family...we wish to catch up with everyone soon," Ananya signed off.

'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is streaming on ZEE5.

CATE BLANCHETT TO PRODUCE, STAR IN PEDRO ALMODOVAR'S FIRST ENGLISH-LANGUAGE FEATURE Oscar-winning actor Cate Blanchett is all set to produce and star in 'A Manual for Cleaning Women', the first English language feature from Oscar-winning Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar.

Deadline has confirmed that the movie is currently in the early stages of development. 'A Manual for Cleaning Women' is based on Lucia

Berlin's 43-part collection of short stories, examining the lives of women working a wide variety of demanding jobs. Blanchett, Andrew Upton and Coco Francini will produce the movie for Dirty Films, with Almodovar for El Deseo, and Brian Oliver and Bradley Fischer for New Republic Pictures. The movie is Almodovar's follow-up to 'Parallel Mothers', the Sony Pictures Classic drama starring Penelope Cruz about two mothers who give birth the same day, and the Englishlanguage short 'The Human Voice' starring Tilda Swinton.

3,5

MOVIE REVIEW

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

FIVE

'KAUN BANEGI SHIKHARWATI': PERFECTLY CAST, QUIRKY SERIES OF A DYSFUNCTIONAL ROYAL FAMILY. Released: 7 January 2022 Platform: Zee5 Directors: Gauravv K. Chawla, Ananya Banerjee; Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Raghubir Yadav, Soha Ali Khan, Lara Dutta, Anya Singh, Kritika Kamra, Cyrus Sahukar, Varun Thakur Star rating: 3.5/5

Set in the royal land of Rajasthan, 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is a quirky ten-episode series where a father attempts to reunite his four estranged daughters to save the legacy they hold. Naseeruddin Shah plays Raja Mrityunjay, the erstwhile King of Shikharwati, who has amounted a huge debt of property tax to the Indian Government. To save himself from the situation he is in, with the help of his close confidant Mishraji (played by the super talented Raghubir Yadav) he feigns a strange illness and calls his four estranged daughters; Devyani, Gayatri, Kamini, and Uma to his Palace with the assurance that he would decide an heir after the four of them compete in a competition.

The rules of the competition are simple. There would be nine rounds in the competition, and each round would be a task which the

princesses would have to perform.

In the end, the winner of the competition would be appointed the next "King".

What follows next in this comedy of errors is as you’ve guessed a wacky series of incidents which puts the princesses through their paces to win the coveted title of ‘King’ and the 200-crore wealth. With an ensemble cast and stalwart Naseeruddin Shah heading this dramedy the series doesn’t disappoint.

What particularly appeases is the casting and very well written characters to match.

Naseeruddin Shah as the idiosyncratic Raja whose moustache helps add to his performance is of course brilliant and it’s so good to see him back in comedy after such a long time. Lara Dutta as Devyani his oldest daughter with marital issues, Soha Ali Khan as his meditating and more considerate second daughter Gayatri who is a single mom to her two children, Kritika Kamra as his third unmarried daughter Kamini who

is obsessed over her social media follower count and Anya Singh as Uma his allergy-prone, gamer daughter all play off their parts effortlessly and are

impressive in their roles.

Supporting the series are Cyrus

Sahukar as Devyani's husband Harsh Neotia, Raghubir Yadav as Mishraji and Varun Tahkur as prince Roop all add to the ensemble and make this series work.

Credit has to be given to Ananya Banerjee and Simran Sahni for giving us female characters who actually have depth and are not your usual caricatured characters often written for women doing comedy in Bollywood. It’s refreshing to see such roles being created for women in India.

In relation to the situations, well while there are some really funny scenes, many of the scenes lack originality, and that’s perhaps why it takes time to really get into the series, but once you’ve got to episode four, you’re sure to be hooked. All the ladies have brilliant screen presence and fit their characters like hand in glove.

The performances are note worthy and the backdrop and screenplay give you the whole package of a family entertainer, that is much needed in the current times we live on.

Overall, cheesy at times, but 'Kaun Banegi Shikharwati' is a great family entertainer and is worth a watch, with the entire family if you’re looking for wholesome entertainment and laughter, then get on to Zee5 now!#

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

BONDING WITH THE SHIKHARWATI’S Since the digital era of filmmaking has started, the choice, but alsothe quality of films and series in India has improved extensively.

Growing up watching movies in the 80’s and 90’s I had never imagined that today, I would see a radical (I call it radical as that what it is in the context of the Indian film industry) comedy series based around four women.

Normally comic capers in the Indian entertainment industry are led by a group of men, with women either playing a romantic interest or their side kick. So as a female audience (but I am sure men will also agree) it’s refreshing and delightful to be given an option to be presented with a series such as Kaun Banegi Shikarwati to watch.

We caught up with three of the four actors, playing the Shikharwati princesses to find out all about how they viewed their performances and of course if they were nervous filming around the stalwart Naseeruddin Shah.

Here are excerpts from the interview.

BY FATIMA PATEL You’ve been getting some really good reviews on the series so far. Have you watched the series together and have you had a chance to reflect on your performances? How critical are you of your own performances?

Soha: The plan was to watch it together, to have a group screening and to

call family and friends and then of course the cases started to rise in India, particularly in Mumbai at quite a staggering rate that we had to stall all on ground promotions, and we haven’t been able to meet each other was well. Which is what we

were discussing before you joined us. So, I watched it with my husband (laughs) I have very critical people around me, and he insisted on giving me feedback when you don’t want it. I was like just watch the show (laughs). We watched it through -

it’s a comedy he really enjoyed the performances, it’s a really unique setting - very colourful. When it comes to me personally watching myself on screen to answer you’re question I didn’t cringe too many times. Once or twice when I was like

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

a few expressions, a few angles a few cuts, a few hairstyles, I was like err, but on the whole, because there is so much happening and so many people to watch, and you really get involved with what is happening on screen, it’s so much more than your particular performance. There are a couple of times where all of us have important scenes where we get a moment to act and perform, especially with Naseer Saab who plays our father. I think I was quite happy with the way Lara (laughs) did her scene and Anya did her scene. I think we all did quite well.

Lara, Anya would you like to add anything to that?

SEVEN

opposed to like Anya to decide or be critical of what she has done.

Then I take a month off and I watch it again to actually understand where I could have done something differently. The one feedback that a lot of my friends have been telling me and I am saying this because you spoke about our bond and how we get along, was they really enjoyed the scenes with the all the sisters and a lot of them said I wish there was more of that and that made me really happy, because we didn’t know each other, till we started shooting, so the fact that bond comes across and they enjoyed it and wanted to see more of it. Very heart-warming.

Soha: Please do!

Anya: So, for myself, one I haven’t done a lot of work, but the first time around when I watch something that I have done, I watch it as a viewer, as

Lara: Well, I’ve obviously done a lot of work in 18 years, but that doesn’t stop me from being critical about me on screen. I all, she can’t be goofing around on screen with David Dhawan’s brand of comedy. So, there was finding a fine line between not making a

have watched it with family, and I think in general the takeaway was that it made for great family watching, we had something for every single person, so whether it’s your parents or my husband, there were characters that each of them related to.

For myself I’m always very critical about my work. With this show in particular the character I was given of Devyani is somebody who is a perfectionist who is quite serious who takes herself a little too seriously in life.

Gaurav knowing that I have built my career pretty much on doing a lot of comic genre of films, wanted me to bring a David Dhawan brand of comedy to this character and I kept fighting it – I said you’ve given me a character that’s supposed to be the most serious of them

has been done on screen, I think I am quite happy with the way I have played Devyani on screen – I don’t think I would have played her any

differently. Like Soha said that the synergy between the four sisters, was very important to maintain. I think we were able to do justice to that. So, when I look at the show, if you ask me personally, I think it’s been brilliantly cast.

For more on this interview and to hear the trio reveal what

character caricaturist and if I look at it now in hindsight with what

it was like on set filming with Naseeruddin Shah and who is their favourite Princess of Shikharwati visit our YouTube channel Asian Sunday Online.

JOIN US ON

y a d n u s y r e v e WITH NEW INTERVIEWS, REVIEWS AND SHOWS

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14

KIRKLEES

PEOPLE ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO SHOW LATERAL FLOW TESTS ON SOCIAL MEDIA leading to a shortage because of

BY GRAHAME ANDERSON

demand. But it’s vital those taking a test don’t produce their results on

A fresh warning for people not

social media.

to show the code from their lateral

It’s important to remember a pass

flow test results online has been

is required for venues including

made to everyone across the region.

clubs and indoor, non-seated events

Asian Standard has learned

for more than 500 people.

criminal gangs are waiting in the

They also need to be shown at

wings to exploit individuals by

outdoor non-seated events for more

scanning the results to create fake

than 4,000 people, as well as any

covid passes. There are also fears

setting where more than 10,000 will

those who are still infected could

gather.

steal the pictures to avoid isolation.

For the time being the

What’s more, burglars could

government are sticking with full

target houses they know are empty

plan B guidelines.

if a person provides a negative result and isn’t confined to their home.

Last month Sky News reported fake or fraudulent EU Covid certificates were being advertised online by criminal groups. In fact, Italian authorities suspended 17 public and private messaging platforms, advertising the supply of illegal Covid-19 vaccination certificates.

Covid Lateral flow test Image Unsplash

Shahzad Ali, is CEO of Get Licensed, an organisation responsible for training individuals to work in the security industry.

He explained: “Covid passes will compromise the safety of venues like nightclubs so it’s best not to share lateral flow tests online.

“For the gangs whilst grossly

of them being introduced.

“When we consider the consequences

because there will be people who

make the job much

want to go about their life like

more dangerous.”

normal and not have to take Covid

“There is

tests for things they didn’t have to

obviously going

before, so it is extremely important

are especially

to be a market

that you look after your Covid pass.”

forthcoming with

for Covid passes,

of people who

unethical and potentially very dangerous, it is also illegal to use/ supply/distribute fake Covid passes and could see you rack up a fine of £10,000 should you be caught.

“This is just a new complication that door supervisors will soon become used to facing. It was

With a surge in cases of omicron the illegal practice is growing at an alarming rate as others look to make financial gain from the process.

Shahzad added: “Our advice would be to avoid posting any test on social media, don’t share the code from the lateral flow you have taken because others could register it as their test.”

always inevitable that fake

In the light of recent

Covid passes would start

government advice millions of

to appear as soon as there were rumours

their beliefs, it could

people are taking lateral flow Shahzad Ali CEO of Get Licensed

and PCR tests across the UK

Covid passes will compromise the safety of venues like nightclubs so it’s best not to share lateral flow tests online. For the gangs whilst grossly unethical and potentially very dangerous, it is also illegal to use/supply/ distribute fake Covid passes and could see you rack up a fine of £10,000 should you be caught. This is just a new complication that door supervisors will soon become used to facing.

It was always inevitable that fake Covid passes would start to appear as soon as there were rumours of them being introduced.

Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed

15

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ADVERTORIAL

Image: Shutterstock

WE’RE SO EXCITED FOR THE NEW SPEN VALLEY LEISURE CENTRE TO OPEN EARLY 2022 The development of the new Spen Valley Leisure Centre is progressing well and is on track to open early in 2022.

Thanks to an investment from Kirklees Council & with further funding being provided by Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), the new Leisure Centre will provide the local area with a modern, fit for purpose, flexible activity hub.

The Centre will house a designated 'Changing Places' facility (a purposebuilt changing space which allows people with profound and complex needs to change or use the toilets safely and comfortably), as well as ensuring that the Centre is respectful of the cultural needs of our customers.

KAL are also a Dementia Friendly organisation and are committed to ensuring that their facilities are welcoming to all members of our community.

There will be a lift from the reception area to the first floor where the studios and gyms will be located, helping to ensure the Centre is fully accessible.

As well as the above, Spen Valley Leisure Centre has been designed

a variety of other uses • 1 cycle studio • Two changing villages which will include family cubicles, baby change, large team changing areas. Plus, a variety of accessible changing areas • An addition to our Yeah! Days Out family attractions, which will span both swimming pools.

Spen Valley Leisure Centre will provide the local community with an amazing leisure space, providing a range of opportunities for local people to improve their health & wellbeing, with the Centre set to become a major asset for the Spen Valley area for many years to come.

Interested in making use of the new Leisure Centre?

with customers’ needs at the heart of the development & will include the following: • 8 lane, 25 metre main pool

• 20m x 10m Activity Pool, with a moveable floor • Large fitness suite which will contain the latest equipment from the

likes of Technogym & Wattbike as well as a large functional area, including a track & rig • 2 fitness studios with flexibility for

KAL are now offering people the chance to express their interest in using the new Spen Valley Leisure Centre when it opens in 2022. So, if you are interested, visit our website; spenvalleyleisurecentre.com & please follow KAL on Facebook where all updates will be posted.

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17

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KIRKLEES

COVID TEST RULE CHANGE COMING INTO EFFECT FROM 11 JANUARY.

BY GRAHAME ANDERSON People testing positive on a lateral flow device in England are no longer required to get a follow up PCR test if they don’t have symptoms.

The UK Health Agency explained the new process will come into effect from 11 January. The suspension of confirmatory PCR tests has come about because prevalence of covid cases due to Omicron is high, causing shortages of tests. The suspension will remain in place until prevalence of covid drops below 1 per cent. It’s currently at 4 per cent.

In the hope of bringing down transmission, government scientists would like individuals to self-isolate for the requested seven days as soon as they receive a positive LFT result. People who receive a positive result from an LFT should report their result on gov.uk.

Those who do test positive will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace so anyone in close contact with them can be asked to self-isolate. Those with covid symptoms including fever, new persistent cough or lack of taste or smell should still apply for a Image: Shutterstock

Dr Jenny Harries

Image Wikipedia

PCR test, even if a recent lateral flow test proved negative.

The UKHSA have explained the high prevalence of covid meant the chances of a false positive from a lateral flow test were very low, and that the devices’ accuracy was “very high”.

Critical workers will be able to take a test on each working day and the provision of precautionary testing will be for an initial five weeks, from 10 January.

UKHSA chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: “While cases of Covid

continue to rise, this tried-andtested approach means that LFDs can be used confidently to indicate Covid-19 infection without the need for PCR confirmation.

“It remains really important that anyone who experiences Covid-19 symptoms self-isolates immediately.

They should also order a PCR test on gov.uk, or by phoning 119.

“I’m really grateful to the public and all of our critical workers who continue to test regularly and selfisolate when necessary, along with other practical and important public

health behaviours, as this is the most effective way of stopping the spread of the virus and keeping our friends, families and communities safe.”

There are exceptions to the new rule for people eligible for the £500 Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP), who will still be asked to take a confirmatory PCR if they receive a positive LFD result, so they can get financial support.

Asian Standard understands one million people in England who are at particular risk of becoming seriously

ill from Covid-19, also identified by the NHS as being potentially eligible for new treatments will receive a PCR test kit at home by mid-January if they develop symptoms or record a positive LFT result.

Anyone who tests positive on an LFT can leave self-isolation seven days after their first positive result if they test negative on days six and seven, otherwise they must quarantine until day 10.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

If you can read this

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DEAD Contact sales@asianstandard.co.uk

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CROSSWORDS AND PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Across 1. Jason's ship (4) 3. Begin (8) 9. Lingered (7) 10. Homer Simpson's wife (5) 11. Fracture (5) 12. Very dirty (6) 14. Conan Doyle's detective (6) 16. Threefold (6) 19. Saw eye to eye (6) 21. Make sure (5) 24. Tarla, for example (5) 25. Get better (7) 26. Shortened (8) 27. Colouring substances (4)

Spot the

5

differences

Down 1. German motorway (8) 2. Eat gluttonously (5) 4. Fall asleep (3,3) 5. Language of Sri Lanka (5) 6. Zeppelin, for example (7) 7. At all times (4) 8. Inconstant (6) 13. Devil-may-care (8) 15. Not so heavy (7) 17. Cooking instructions (6) 18. Hold in high regard (6) 20. Went astray (5) 22. Hard dark wood (5) 23. Deep unconsciousness (4)

CODEWORD

Fruit vendor in Delhi, India. Image Pallav Paliwal

ANSWERS CODEWORD ANSWERS

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

21

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KIRKLEES

RECIPE

FATTOUSH SALAD It’s a new year and guaranteed many of us, will be thinking about eating healthy. So let us help you with this delicious Fattoush Salad from Supreme Ingredients Fattoush is a vibrant Lebanese salad made with fresh vegetables and crispy toasted flatbread/ pitta, which soaks up the dressing beautifully. It’s a simple recipe, packed with freshness and flavour!

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

4 pita breads

Preheat the oven to 180°c. Spilt open pita breads so you

60g rocket leaves

have 2 ‘sheets’ per pita. Place on a baking sheet and bake

200g shredded romaine lettuce 15-20 radishes, sliced 1 small bunch of spring onions, finely sliced

in the oven until crisp and golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool then break into large bite size pieces.

½ cucumber, cut in half and sliced

Add all the ingredients for the dressing into a jar. Close

Dressing:

the lid and shake well. Add remaining salad ingredients

¾ cup Zaytuna Olive Oil

onto a serving platter including the crisp pittas. Shake the

¼ cup pomegranate molasses

dressing again and pour generously over the salad. Toss

2 tbsp sumac 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced Salt to taste

well so everything is coated well in the dressing and serve immediately.

½ tsp Supreme Coarse Black Pepper ½ tsp Supreme Chilli Flakes

Recipe in partnership with Supreme ingredients.

For more recipes visit www.supreme-ingredients.com

CLASSIFIEDS

HAVE YOU GOT

Spare Time?

MEDIA

SALES EXECUTIVE If you are looking for a job, then this isn't the position you should apply for, but if

FANCY VOLUNTEERING? •

The Inspirational Women Foundation CIC (IWF) is a registered community interest company, who support women of all backgrounds, whether they are in public life, at home, in business or in the community.

•

From mentoring, to networking, to lobbying, along with a whole host of events, we want women to be included equally in all parts of society.

•

If you feel you can help us champion our cause and can offer a few hours a week to help us develop the vital work of our foundation, then get in touch.

•

Full training is offered with out of pocket expenses covered, along with opportuni-ties to build your CV and work experience profile.

you are looking for a fulfilling career, with a media company that has high growth plans, then this might be the perfect job for you.

We are seeking ambitious people, who have a can do attitude. Who don't wait for things to happen but make them happen. If you are one of those and want a rewarding career, with potential to earn big, then apply now.

•

The ideal candidate must have experience of working in a B2B environment, must be self-motivated, have excellent communication and sales skills.

•

Marketing and media knowledge would be advantageous but not necessary as full training will be given.

•

The role involves selling our print and digital advertising services to business both existing and new companies. If you are ambitious and target driven, then this is the perfect role for you.

•

There are significant perks working in the industry, from free meals, to free beauty treatments, along side an excellent pay packet if proven to be successful.

So, if you think you have the skills and talent, then we have an excellent role and pay packet for you.

Hours of work: Mon - Fri 930am - 6pm Basic salary starts from £19,000pa plus uncapped commission.

Car allowance

Company mobile

For an information pack please email: volunteers@inspirationalwomanfoundation.org.uk or call 01274 721 419

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT We are looking for a self-starter who can help organise a busy news office.

To apply send a covering letter, along with your CV to editor@asiansunday.co.uk

You will report directly to the Managing Editor, with your day to day

or post to RF Publishing ltd, 5 Green Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5HG

visitors. You will also be required to make outgoing calls and liaising

tasks being answering incoming calls and dealing with incoming with external clients, suppliers and staff.

The candidate should be able to multi-task and have a good knowledge of Microsoft office, excel and social media. Knowledge of Sage is an advantage but full training will be given.

You will have good written and oral communication You will be an organised individual with good time keeping.

So, if you think you have the skills and talent, then we have an excellent role and pay packet for you Hours of work: Mon - Fri 930am - 630pm

Advertise Here.

Salary starts from £19,000pa Bonus incentives

Next day Nationwide Delivery Call Us: 01274 390900 www.officefurniturecompanybradford.co.uk

Company mobile

To apply send a covering letter, along with your CV to editor@asiansunday.co.uk

CALL NOW ON

or post to RF Media &Publishing ltd, 5 Green Street, Little Germany, Bradford, BD1 5HG

01274 735 657

SPORTS

@ASIANSTANDARD

MANCHESTER UNITED?

MORE LIKE… MANCHESTER DIVIDED? The club once seen as one of the greatest English clubs in the world is now seeming as if a division within the club has occurred which could cost them heavily as multiple reports suggest.

Manchester United has some of the greatest players from all over the globe so it’s definitely not the players not being good enough.

But it could suggest that these top-class players can’t really play together which is quite surprising and disappointing for the fans who come out and watch their team.

One of the biggest starts in the club who returned to the team in the summer transfer window was none other than the Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo joined the club after parting ways with his former Italian club: Juventus. He [Ronaldo] was signed for Manchester United in a 2-year deal costing the club £12.85 million which isn’t as much as it seems. But bearing in mind, Ronaldo is now 37 years old and could possibly be in his

last few years in playing football professionally.

Ronaldo debuted in his first game returning vs Newcastle United who they were able to beat 4-1. In total, Ronaldo has played 23 games since returning but their wins haven’t been as spectacular as you would imagine.

Recently, the Red Devils took on Wolves in what was seeming to be a game they would win but ended up losing 1-0. The new appointed temporary manager, Ralf Rangnick also admitted after their loss, “Looking at today’s performance if I say we are 100% convinced we will finish in the top four, I don’t know if people will believe that”.

Luke Shaw, the left-back who plays for Manchester United stressed in an interview after the game, “We weren’t together”. He adds, “You look at the players we have, we have unbelievable quality but sometimes quality is not enough. We need to bring the intensity and more motivation”.

Image: Pixabay

Image: Pixabay

This could be quite a depressing time for not only fans but players as reports have suggested some players are wanting to leave the club. It’s very strange to see the once dominant club having such lacklustre performances. The long rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool stems back for decades and even then, they weren’t able to use the motivation from past performances to win.

Manchester United lost to Liverpool 5-0

in their much-anticipated game.

Yes, you read that correctly and probably knew!

Some fans are furious about how the Red Devils are turning out and even Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt isn’t shying away from expressing his thoughts as a tweet emerged from his official Twitter account.

Usain Bolt shared on his Twitter account, “New year same pain”.

Referring to Manchester United’s recent loss to the Wolves.

User @FalolaSegun11 on twitter stressed, “They don’t feel the pain.

We fans feel it. I wanted to cry. I don’t know if the team is dying”.

Whilst another fan on Twitter said: “I don’t think Man-united players feel the pain fans go thru”.

SPORTS

“IT IS SOMETHING I SEE HAPPENING DOWN THE LINE”. UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, FRANCIS NGANNOU IS KEEN ON A BIG SHOWDOWN WITH BOXING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, TYSON FURY

BY MUSHARAF ASGHAR Francis has reigned supreme as one of the greatest and ferocious fighters in the heavyweight division after beating Stipe Miocic in their second fight. Stipe was able to defeat Francis in their first matchup which saw Francis losing via a unanimous decision. Many fans wondered was Francis really the ‘hype train’ who just was a load of muscle who couldn’t get past the first round?

It’s clear from pasts fights, Francis has had cardio issues going into fights and which tire himself out leading into the second round.

After losing to Stipe, Francis went on to fight Derrick Lewis in which was a very poor fight with hardly any action. Francis ended up losing in another unanimous decision against Derrick Lewis.

However, Francis started improving his cardio and went onto a four-fight winning streak which landed him a shot at redemption in fighting the champion at the time, Stipe Miocic.

A calmer and more relaxed Francis entered

the octogen that night and shook the entire world after knocking out Stipe in the second round.

Currently, Francis is the UFC heavyweight champion of the world but former training partner, Ciryl Gane is looking to capitalise on the opportunity to face Francis in the next two weeks.

Although Francis is scheduled to face Cirly, Francis is not one to hide away from a big showdown against the boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

Tyson Fury is one of the greatest heavyweights in the modern era and was able to dethrone and defeat Deontay Wilder twice in their fights. The latest fight between Fury and Wilder was classed as one of the greatest heavyweight fights which ended with Tyson knocking out Wilder.

As of right now, Tyson is the heavyweight champion of the world and has never lost a fight.

Tyson hasn’t made it clear if he would ever face Francis but in a recent interview Francis expressed to TMZ about a possibility to get into the squared ring, “It has always been down the line. It’s not

Image: Twitter

Francis Ngannou

Image: Shutterstock

Tyson Fury

something I’m taking my eyes off. I would like to test myself against Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.

“At the end of the day, it’s about throwing hands and I know if I deliver my bombs, I can deliver some damage”.

Whether it’s likely if this fight occurs the trainer of Tyson Fury, Sugar Hill Steward from Kronk Gym has explained, “I can see Tyson facing Dillian Whyte in March”. Sugar Hill Steward hasn’t said much and neither has Tyson.

Tyson is yet to even confirm his interest in fighting Francis but it wouldn’t be a massive shock if we ever saw the fight happen since the last time 2 major sports went against each other was when Conor McGregor stepped into the ring and fought Floyd Mayweather back in 2017.

What are your thoughts of Francis wanting to fight Tyson? Do you think Francis has what it takes to beat Tyson?

SPORTS

10 - 16 JANUARY 2022

MANCHESTER UNITED? MORE LIKE… MANCHESTER DIVIDED?

Page 23

“IT IS SOMETHING I SEE HAPPENING DOWN THE LINE”.

UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, FRANCIS NGANNOU IS KEEN ON A BIG SHOWDOWN WITH BOXING HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, TYSON FURY Page 24

IS AMIR KHAN REALLY FOCUSED ON KELL BROOK IN THEIR UPCOMING FIGHT IN FEBRUARY?

BY MUSHARAF ASGHAR

Khan saying this could mean two separate things. Firstly, is Khan really not that bothered to face Brook or is he trying to make Brook think he’s not bothered about fighting him when in fact he truly is?

The former lightweight champion, Amir Khan is keen on settling the score with his rival Kell Brook next month in February at the AO Arena in Manchester but has also said he’s not bothered if the fight does not happen.

This could go either way which can favour Khan as it would make Brook not train as much. Khan could capitalise on this and defeat Brook.

On the other hand, Khan could take the fight easy considering he has fought tougher fighters in the past and end up losing.

Amir Khan to many is one of the greatest boxers coming out of England but on the other hand, Kell Brook hasn’t really created the type of legacy compared to his rival Amir Khan. Khan at a young age decided to move abroad to branch out and train with world class trainers such as Freddie Roach who was the Hall of Fame trainer of Manny Pacquiao.

Either way, whether the fighters are bothered to compete or not, British boxing fans are eagerly

excited to see who wins the fight between the two.

It’s also surprising that we’ve not heard anything from Brook even though he is fighting Khan.

It could be possible that Brook is really focused on Khan and training vigorously at the gym which he trains at known as the Ingle gym in Sheffield.

What are your thoughts on the fight?

Is Khan genuinely not interested if Brook fights or is Khan trying to make it seem like he’s not interested to allow Brook to put his guard down and not train as hard?

Although Khan has the bigger name, it seems quite unusual to see Khan taking part in so many interviews leading up to fight against Khan. Khan is currently training in Denver, Colorado with his now head coach, Bo Mac. Bo Mac as you might not know is the trainer for Terrence Crawford who is currently considered the best welterweight in the division.

Khan has expressed he is training at high altitude in Denver and as he states, ‘the best shape’ he’s ever been. Khan explained one of the reasons of taking this fight on was because of the popular demand from everyone wanting to see the fight. Khan expresses, “Every-where I went, people just asked me about when this fight would happen.

Maybe it’s not a big fight in the states because people don’t really know Kell. But here, it’s massive

Image: Shutterstock

Amir Khan

and everyone wants to see who is better’.

When Khan was asked recently if he would be upset after months of training could go to waste if the fight doesn’t happen, he said,

“No, end of the day, I know what I’ve done. But having that question always asked makes me want to give back to the fans. But really we’re not bothered. I wouldn’t be that bothered, it’s one of them things”.

Image: Screen Grab

Kell Brook