Asian Standard Bradford 04 - 08 JAN 2021

ASIAN STANDARD / BRADFORD

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF ASIAN SUNDAY

BRADFORD / 02 - 08 JANUARY 2021 / FREE

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BRADFORD’S

MOST

INFLUENTIAL of

2020

Inside

BOLLYWOOD

IN 2021

Find out who are our most influential South Asian’s of 2020 Read Inside from page 6

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NEWS IN BRIEF

US dentist shares toothbrush back that shocks viewers

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NEW MARKET WORK BEGINS IN BRADFORD Work to demolish the former Marks & Spencer building on Darley Street to make way for the city’s new market will finally begin in February.

The demolition was originally due to begin this past Summer, with the market due to open in Spring 2022.

But the Covid 19 pandemic knocked back the scheduled works, and it has now been revealed that the demolition will not be completed until October.

The £21million market will replace the existing Kirkgate Centre Market and Ostler Market, and will feature traditional market stalls as well as cafes, street food vendors, craft ale bars, a stage and seating for almost 500 diners.

There will also be a public square, incorporating the stone arches from the former Kirkgate Market.

At a full Council meeting, earlier this month, the Council’s Executive was asked how the market plans were progressing in the light of Covid 19 and the need for social distancing.

An answer from the Council read: “Covid-19 has impacted on the Council being able to

A dentist in America has shocked social media with his advice on keeping toothbrushes clean.

Suhail Mohiuddin known as Dr M on TikTok has revealed details of the number of germs on everyone’s toothbrush.

According to a study by the University of Manchester a toothbrush is home to over 100 million bacteria. Dr M backs up this study with his video saying “Did you know your toothbrush harbours a ton of germs!! This is how to clean it and keep you healthy.”

Over 160,000 people have viewed the video on social media where the dentist advises how to keep a tooth brush clean.

He advises washing the brush head with soap and warm water daily, making sure to rinse all the soap off properly.

Another way to keep the brush clean is to disinfect the brush.

The dentist recommends soaking the brush once a week in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water Or overnight in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash Many users thanked the doctor for his advice with one saying “I didn’t know I can wash the brush with soap” Another saying “this should be talked about more”

YORKSHIRE AMBULANCE WARNING OVER 999 CALLS

Yorkshire’s ambulance service is appealing to residents to think before calling 999 over the festive period.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) is expecting a significant increase in call volumes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic alongside normal winter pressures.

The easing of rules that enabled people to celebrate Christmas is also likely to have an impact on demand.

The service receives an average of 2,000 calls every day but it is anticipated that on its busiest days on New Year’s Day there could be as many as 800 more calls than usual.

An additional 70 ambulances will be on the road across Yorkshire to cope with these increases. Patients will also benefit from the recent introduction of video consultations which enable clinicians in the Emergency

Operations Centre to gain a better understanding of a caller’s symptoms to help decide on the most appropriate response. This means the service may be able to signpost patients for more

appropriate care without the need for an ambulance response.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of A&E Operations for YAS, encouraged the public to use the service wisely and

warned that unnecessary calls could delay responses to those most in need of emergency help.

He said: “We are always really busy at this time of the year but the pandemic brings a unique set of challenges and our planning is based on being able to respond to reasonable worse case scenarios.

“We always prioritise our response to the most seriously ill and injured patients. The public have a really important role to play in knowing when to call 999 and when another NHS service is more appropriate.

“If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should call 999 immediately. If not, please consider other options such as 111, your GP or pharmacy.”

Genuine 999 calls include chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe loss of blood, severe burns and scalds, choking, fitting/convulsions, drowning, severe allergic reaction, heart attack, stroke and major trauma such as a serious road traffic accident, stabbing, shooting, fall from height or a serious head injury.

LIMITED ASTON MARTIIN CONCORD SUPERLEGGERA The first limited edition of the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition has left production.

The limited-edition vehicle has been made in association with British Airways were sold by Aston Martin Bristol just a runway away from Aerospace Bristol at Filton – the place that is now home to the last Concorde ever to fly and the location at which the British Concorde were manufactured Inside, the new car features more carefully judged design features created to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Concorde. Among the highlights inside are the Concorde logo on the front seat facings; a Mach Meter graphic embroidered on the driver’s side sun visor; a unique headliner featuring printed Alcantara displaying a ‘sonic boom’ graphic; paddle shifters made from titanium from Concorde compressor blades;

floor mats in Terence Conran design pattern; seatbelt buckle badges milled from solid aluminium and bespoke sill plaques.

External alterations include a painted livery using British Airways

Marek Reichman, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda, said of the new car: “It’s only fitting that our great British sports car brand marks the achievement of the incredibly

colours on the roof strake, spoiler and rear diffuser. A black carbon fibre roof sports the silhouette of the supersonic jet.

dedicated, talented and ambitious teams of British and French scientists, engineers, designers and aircraft workers who made Concorde, and

supersonic air travel, a reality in our skies 50 years ago.

“Using the DBS Superleggera as our starting point, and with the support of the talented personalisation experts in the Q by Aston Martin service to draw on, we have been able to subtly and sympathetically enhance and highlight some of the car’s most notable features while preserving the elegance, style and sheer brutish road presence for which the Aston Martin DBS is rightly known.”

The new edition is strictly limited to 10 examples and they are available to purchase through Aston Martin Bristol.

Parts of the proceeds from the sale of each individual car will be donated to the Air League Trust, a not-for-profit organisation that teaches underprivileged children how to fly, or get started in a career in engineering

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undertake and complete structural surveys, which are necessary in order to finalise the building design and ensure that the adjoining buildings are structurally stable when several properties that comprise of Nos 8 to 24 Darley Street are demolished.

The new market will provide a positive regeneration impact and become a key destination in the city centre. It will provide a platform for independent traders specialising in quality fresh foods, nonfood and hot food and beverage each separately zoned and taking place on its own dedicated floor area.

Si Cunningham, Chair of Bradford Civic Society, has highlighted the market scheme, along with the Bradford Live development, as being a potential turning point for the city centre’s fortunes.

He said: “After a very difficult year for the city I’m sure the clearance of redundant shops on Darley Street will provide a much-needed boost.

“The area around Kirkgate is in such a dreadful state now, so it’s encouraging to have this new development to look forwards to.

“Covid has clearly accelerated the demise of the high street as we know it, but has also highlighted the importance of supporting local traders and improving public spaces. Hopefully the new Darley Street market will help with both those things.”

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN LAUNCH PODCAST SERIES WITH CELEB GUESTS

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released their first podcast, in which they reflect on 2020 with a string of celebrity friends.

The podcast series is called Archewell Audio in partnership with the streaming service Spotify estimated to be worth £18 million.

The Sussex’s do not directly talk about their own experiences of 2020 which saw them step back as senior royals and move to the United States instead they got those who they admire to look back on the year.

In the podcast the couple paid tribute to healthcare, frontline service workers, and so many others for their sacrifices.

While at the same time honouring the compassion and kindness that has been witnessed throughout the pandemic.

Sir Elton, Deepak Chopra,

James Corden, Tyler Perry and Chef Jose Andres join the couple as they look back on the year with the guests discussing how they’ve helped their community during the pandemic and what they hope

for in 2021 with the vaccine rollout across the world.

The podcast also features the first words we hear from little Archie - as he says ‘fun’, ‘happy’, ‘new’, and ‘year’.

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US SPACE FORCE NAME RIDICULED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

On the first birthday of the military service, the name for members of the US Space Force has been revealed.

The announcement was made by the Vice President who revealed the service men and women will be called guardians.

Mike Pence said: It is my honour, on behalf of the president of the United States, to announce that henceforth the men and women of the United States Space Force will be known as guardians.

“Soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and guardians will be defending our nation for generations to come.”

The announcement has drawn criticism on social media with the named likened

to the Marvel film, Guardians of the Galaxy and the logo was likened to Star Trek.

The Space Force said on Twitter that the name had a “long history in space operations, tracing back to the original command motto of Air Force Space Command in 1983, ‘Guardians of the High Frontier’.

“The name Guardians connects our proud heritage and culture to the important mission we execute 24/7, protecting the people and interest of the US and its allies.”

Space Force is America’s first new military service since the Air Force was set up in 1947 after World War Two. Its main job will be to protect

US satellites, space stations and future bases, rather than having service personnel fighting battles in space.

Originally, President Trump wanted the Space Force to be the equal of the US army, navy and air force, but instead Congress made it part of the Department of the Air Force.

The new uniform for the space force has also got social media users talking after the announcement with many suggesting ideas of what the uniform could be referencing many outfits warn by those in various space films.

Major Nick Mercurio told Military.com: “The uniform graphic being shared on social media is not an official US Space Force uniform design concept.

“The Space Force service dress uniform is still in development This led to the official US Naval Institute having to clarify on Twitter saying The Space Force uniform concepts trending on social media are not official, but they are reminiscent of the real White House uniforms that were introduced during the Nixon administration.

The Euro-inspired uniforms were dropped and sold to a high school marching band in Iowa.

President-elect Joe Biden has yet to reveal his plans for the Space Force in the next administration.

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WEST YORKSHIRE COMBINED AUTHORITY: NEXT STEP FOR OFFICE SCHEME

BY CHRIS YOUNG, LD Reporter A multi-million pound office development in Bradford will be able to “adapt to postCovid” occupier requirements – according to a new report.

One City Park is a £28.7 million Grade A office scheme planned for the site of the former Tyrls Police Station in City Park.

The plan to build office space on the site was mooted years ago, but this Summer the

plans were given a boost when the Government announced that it was one of several local schemes that would receive millions from its Getting Building Fund – designed to kickstart the UK economy post Covid.

the scheme come to fruition.

Members will be told that the scheme will be one of the first in the region designed to meet the new requirements of businesses that have faced changes due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee next week, members will be asked to free up £1.9m in funding to help

The Authority, made up of the five West Yorkshire Councils, will be providing £7.5m for the scheme through the Getting Building Fund. The rest of the cost will come from a loan

being provided to Bradford Council Public Works Loan Board.

If all of the 5,400 m2 of commercial floorspace is let, then the scheme will create 452 jobs, and 300 construction jobs while the building is erected.

Bradford Council proposed the scheme due to a lack of high-quality office space in the city centre. Available space was said to be either in converted buildings, unsuitable for modern offices, or not of the quality required by major companies.

A report to the investment committee says construction should begin in November, and the project should be completed by December 2022.

It will be designed, built and marketed by Muse Developments.

The report says: “Bradford City Centre lacks high quality office space and has seen the extent and quality of office space generally decline over a number of years.

“These market conditions lead to low property values in the area which leads to a lack

One City Park, Bradford

NEW £5 COIN TO COMMEMORATE QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S 95TH BIRTHDAY On April 21, Queen Elizabeth II will become the first UK monarch to turn 95-yearsold.

In a statement, the Royal Mint said the commemorative coin will depict the royal cypher "EIIR", above the words "my heart and my devotion", in reference to a part of her first-ever televised Christmas broadcast in 1957.

"EIIR" stands for "Elizabeth II Regina".

The 2021 coin collection will also mark the 250th birth anniversary of novelist

Walter Scott, and the 75th death anniversary of author HG Wells.

Scott, who wrote the novels "Waverley", "Rob Roy" and "Ivanhoe" and is considered as one of Scotland's most famous figures, will be celebrated with a 2 pound coin.

Meanwhile, Wells, who wrote "The Time Machine" and "The War Of The Worlds", will be commemorated also on a 2 pound coin, with a depiction of images from the two novels.

Meanwhile, the 75th death

anniversary of inventor John Logie Baird, famous for his early prototypes of the television, will be commemorated on another new 50 pound coin.

In the statement, Clare Maclennan, of the consumer division at the Royal Mint, said that this year's commemorative coins marked "some of the biggest anniversaries in 2021", with each coin "a miniature work of art" designed as "a treasured keepsake or gift".

The coin set will be available to purchase on the Royal Mint website.

One City Park view from above of commercial investment.

“One City Park will be well placed to adapt to ‘postCovid’ occupier requirements due to the early stage of design. An up to date market assessment suggests that demand remains strong and provides practical recommendations on how to design One City Park to reflect likely office space requirements post Covid.

“There remains a lack of appropriate supply within Bradford and throughout the sub-region.

“The project will generate significant wider economic

benefits, including apprenticeships, business growth and significant wider regeneration benefits.

“The scheme potentially represents very good value for money. However, it is recognised that the delivery of the job outputs and any subsequent benefits will depend on the successful letting of the floorspace in the completed development.

“The scheme could potentially deliver wider qualitative benefits, acting as a catalyst for the wider people centric regeneration of the city centre along with other investment in the area.

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BRADFORD’S MOST INFLUENTIAL SOUTH ASIANS OF 2020

As part of our annual compilation of key influencers and movers and shakers of Bradford District, we bring to you our most influential South Asian’s of 2020. 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 Bradford’s South Asian community. Following an extensive survey with our readers and members of the Bradford community the difficult task of whittling down the list to the final 20 (10 men and 10 women) 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 focuses on men and women from all sectors of business, politics, sport, achievement and contribution to society and here they are:

1.

Osman Khan

Osman Khan, fondly known as Oz Khan, has over twenty years’ service with West Yorkshire Police holding various uniform and detective roles at Bradford, Leeds, Kirklees and Force Headquarters.

He has been a strategic firearms commander, public order commander and Multi-Agency Gold Incident Commander.

After a successful role as District Commander at Bradford, in May 2020 he was promoted to the role of Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, making him one of the only persons of colour in West Yorkshire Police’s Chief Officer Team.

A proud Bradfordian, Oz, is perhaps one of the highest ranking, officers from a Muslim Pakistani background and intends to use his influence to increase representation in the police force.

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Naveed Khan

Naveed founded Enkahnz, a car vehicle body repair and car customisation business in 2003, and through creativity, grit and dedication has taken his brand into global destinations, with clients in places such as Dubai, Germany, LA and Hong Kong.

Just before the pandemic hit, Naveed had spent the last few months travelling the globe and customising the world’s best cars for his A-list customers: fans include model and actor Omar Borkan, car collector Don Casanova and sibling vloggers Mo Vlogs and Lana Rose, as well as boxer Amir Khan and other high-profile individuals.

Using his extraordinary eye for design, style and individuality, he takes vehicles – from everyday models to supercars – and gives them a unique makeover so they really stand out from the crowd.

What makes Naveed even more special is his passion and commitment towards giving back to the community. In the past we’ve seen Naveed take on charity projects, but more recently when coronavirus hit our communities, Naveed didn’t hesitate to step up and be there to help our frontline staff and vulnerable members of the community.

He immediately transformed one of his Range Rovers into a Covid-19 response vehicle, and set out to deliver food parcels, PPE kits and even help frontline workers with vehicle repairs.

Dr Amjad Pervez

Amjad founded Seafresh/Adams in Bradford over three decades ago and it is now one of the largest groups of independent specialist catering, food and cash and carry groups in the UK. Alongside establishing his own family empire, Amjad used his business experience and influence to help support Asian Businesses in Bradford and across the region by establishing Asian Trade Link in 1999 and later joined the LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) to continue having a voice for enterprise on a wider level.

Amjad also committed much of his time to education and helped form the Rainbow Trust, who run Rainbow Primary Free School. After winning many accolades and contributing to several boards, Amjad was head hunted by Jumpstart Pakistan to take on the role of chairman and support entrepreneurs across the globe.

For his contribution Amjad was recently awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford

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Jasbir Singh Athwal DL

Jasbir, came to the UK at the age of four to attend his father’s funeral.

He and his family made Bradford their home and went on to become shopkeepers. Following success growing his family run corner shop to an enviable property portfolio, Jas, (as he is fondly known) was afforded the title of Deputy Lieutenant (DL) in 2014. He is also Vice Chair of Welcome to Yorkshire, Chair of Kala Sangam, a trustee of Children’s Air Ambulance and Leeds Care.

Jas, also has a passion for golf and rugby and has been instrumental in using his influence to create opportunities for the South Asian community in both sports.

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Inayah Sher

What began as a way of honouring her late father, a Bradford woman’s street cleanup project has snowballed into a social pressure group within a matter of weeks.

She then set up door knocking rallying support in local areas in BD4, BD7, BD8, BD9 where there were severely neglected streets. Motivated by Inaya’s humble intentions of honouring her father’s legacy her story has unwittingly transformed into grassroots movement demanding social change.

Bradford 4 Better begun in April 2019 and now has The group have led on campaigns to keep streets clean, fireworks nuisances, reckless driving and even the culture of drugs.

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6.

Imran Hussain MP

Imran Hussain is the Labour MP for Bradford East, who is very proactive and is always on call for his constituents.

While qualifying as a barrister he began his career in politics in 2002, when he was elected as a Labour councillor for the Toller ward. In 2008, he was elected as Deputy Leader of the Council’s Labour Group. In 2010, when Labour took control of the council, he became Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and remained in that position for five years until the 2015 general election when he was elected to the House of Commons as the Member of Parliament for Bradford East.

Mr Hussain remains hugely influential for Bradford, as he continues to challenge the issue of equality and representation. Last year he exposed, following a freedom of information request the ‘abysmal BAME representation in Bradford’s top jobs’

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Amir Hussain

Amir is chief executive of Bradford based Yeme Architects. He is also a Board Member of the Leeds City Region LEP as well as being a Panel Member of the Business, Innovation and Growth Panel and the Land and Assets Panel. In addition, Amir is also involved in Bradford’s Place Marketing Panel, aimed at creating an inclusive, visionary brand narrative that aptly reflects an exceptional post-industrial city.

Amir has won many accolades and awards for his extensive work involved in design-led regeneration of challenging sites across Yorkshire and London. Amir is a keen supporter of grass roots community involvement. Being a school Governor, Amir is energetically involved in school attainment improvement activities particularly aimed at underachieving pupils.

Dr Amir Khan

Dr Amir Khan is a Bradford born and bred GP and partner at the Ridge Medical for. After studying Medicine at Liverpool Medical School, he returned to his home city to work as a fully qualified GP. Aside from being popular with is patients, Dr Khan shot to fame in the popular Channel 5 programme GP’s Behind Closed Doors.

He and mama Khan have gained a huge following on social media and this has helped Dr Khan use his platform to help provide useful health advice, particularly as we are facing one of the biggest health challenges of our lifetimes.

Dr Khan has been using his influence to help with national as well as local campaigns to keep people informed and safe from Covid-19

8.

Ishfaq Farooq

Ishfaq Farooq is one of the Directors of the award winning My Lahore chain of restaurants.

Ishfaq helps manage five restaurants in Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham and London. Along with revolutionising British Asian cuisine and growing the successful My Lahore brand Ishfaq has used his influence to help serve the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Where others struggled with logistics in getting food to the most vulnerable in our communities, Ishfaq was able to deploy his team to implement a slick logistics operation which was The young businessman has also been a vocal voice for the Asian hospitality industry on various media platforms and has also used his links to create a network of support for others in the same industry, proving that unity is truly the way forward in dealing with an international catastrophe.

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Humayun Islam

Humayun is a respected and proactive member of Bradford’s Bangladeshi community.

The proud Bradfordian started his career in mental health services and then moved into working with ex-offenders. He has always been passionate about giving back to the community and therefore it was no wonder he progressed onto becoming the Chief Executive of BEAP, a local community group, established to focus on meeting the needs of the local community in Manningham.

Humayun has also help establish award winning sporting clubs such as Shapla FC and who can forget the very famous Bangla Bantams.

Covid-19 has been particularly hard on the communities living in the inner-city areas, particular those from BAME backgrounds and living in poverty.

Humayun has really shown leadership by stepping up to the challenge and ensuring that all resources are utilised to ensure he and his team are there during such unprecedented times.

11.

Kamran Rashid

Kamran is the brains behind 30 Chapel Street, who have been instrumental in attracting major international events to the city, building a community of interest in innovation for social change. Working in partnership with organisations including TED, the Royal Society of Arts and Red Bull the group helping raise the profile of social enterprises in Bradford.

In addition to this Kamran and his team have been successful in creating the first ‘Impact Hub’ for Bradford, securing £6.6m to develop programmes to tackle inequality in the area through boosting the social economy.

It will give the city access to a global network of more than 100 Impact Hubs across 50 countries worldwide including Tokyo in Japan and San Francisco in the USA.

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Adeeba Malik, CBE

Adeeba Malik is the deputy chief executive of Bradford based QED Foundation, which works with ethnic minorities to eradicate poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.

She has extensive experience of working with public, private and third sector organisations on equality and diversity projects. She also has led projects in Pakistan in particular pre-departure programmes.

She is listed in many power lists which include the Top 100 Pakistani Power List as well as in the Top 50 Powerful Muslim Women. In 2004 she was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for her services to ethnic minorities and businesses. In 2015 she was awarded the CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for her services to interfaith and community cohesion.

As well as holding numerous ministerial and non-ministerial regional/national board level appointments in the UK over the last two decades, Adeeba has also advised on many Government, both local and national committees, with her most recent work being the Race Disparity Report.

Adeeba recently helped launch YAYA – Yorkshire Asian Youth Awards, and joined in the 50 year celebrations of QED.

13.

Naila Zaffar DBE

Dame Naila Zaffar arrived in Bradford at the age of 12, she was immediately put into the bottom set at Fairfax secondary.

Her Pakistani heritage severely threatened her potential to succeed at school because, she says, teachers made assumptions about pupils because of their backgrounds.

After college, Dame Naila got her first job at Newby first school, moving to Atlas first school a year later. She did postgraduate work at Bradford College teaching PGCE students but missed contact with children and went to Feversham first as a deputy head before becoming head at Copthorne first, now Copthorne primary, since 1992.

Copthorne, where 97 percent of pupils do not speak English as a first language became an outstanding school, with inspectors praising its “strong team spirit where everyone’s contribution is valued”.

Dame Naila, continued to make her mark in the education sector and became an Ofsted inspector, served on the ruling body of the General Teaching Council for England (GTC), and also worked as executive head at Lapage primary.

She has been instrumental in shaping education attainment levels specifically within the South Asian communities in Bradford. Dame Naila currently is the headteacher at Rainbow Primary School

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Sabbiyah Pervez

Sabbiyah Pervez is a proud Bradford journalist, reporting as a Communities Reporter for BBC Look North. Her journey in journalism began in 2014, when she was selected as a Creative Access intern to train with the BBC Look North team in Leeds, an opportunity which allowed her to share her insight on stories ranging from grooming in Rotherham, to terrorism to election campaigning. Due to her commitment dedication and trust from the South Asian communities at the end of her internship, she was offered a role as Communities Reporter.

Today Sabbiyah is perhaps one of the most influential and trusted regional journalists by the BAME community.

Before becoming a journalist Sabbiyah Pervez starred in the Channel 4 show Make Bradford British

Naz Shah MP

Naz Shah was elected at the 2015 general election as the MP for the constituency of Bradford West after her selection as the Labour Party candidate and gained the seat from George Galloway of the Respect Party with a majority of 11,420 votes.

Naz Shah has since been re-elected twice and is holds the position of Shadow Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

She has also played a major part in helping amend legislation for Jewish and Muslim burials during the Covid pandemic.

Ms Shah has also achieved legal success in challenging and receiving an apology from Leave.EU over a social media post.

Further to these milestones, Ms Shah has her own TV show on British Muslim TV

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Aqsa Mushtaq

Aqsa Mushtaq is our youngest most influential woman in Bradford. She has helped young women of South Asian background believe in dreams by securing a place with Italian football Napoli.

The 22-year-old kick started her football career with her hometown club Bradford City Women as a teenager, before going and impressing out in America.

After netting 13 times in 17 games last season for Lenoir-Rhyne University in North Carolina, Napoli decided they liked the look of the goalscoring winger and signed her up. Aqsa is now living her dream of playing football at professional level across the globe. She is sure to influence change among other South Asian women in the field of sports.

17.

Zahra Niazi

Zahra is the Programme Lead for Bradford Council on the Integration Strategy communities programme, which runs under Bradford For Everyone.

Born in Pakistan in Chakwal, and raised in Bradford, Zahra is deeply committed to the city and its people; and expresses this through championing diversity and equality. Zahra graduated from the University of Bradford in 2001 in Interdisciplinary Human Studies and completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration in 2008.

Zahra set up her first social enterprise, The Tickhill Centre, in 2006 to support and inspire young people to reach their potential, launching the youngest Nasheed band in the world. The Centre delivers numerous projects and caters for over 100 children and young people per week.

However, Zahra’s passion for entrepreneurship runs deep. Having started her first business at the age of 12, she now provides consultancy on project and programme management having experience of supporting programmes of up to £49m and providing business training, sharing her own expertise in supporting over 100 start-ups, growing businesses and developing network organisations.

Zahra’s work as won her places on many boards along with the recent Bradford Council Service for Excellence Award demonstrating leadership, personal style as well as the positive impact she had on the people she works with at all levels.

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18.

Bushra Sheikh MBE

Mrs Bushra Altaf Sheikh is a Senior Probation Officer for the West Yorkshire Probation Trust.

She was awarded an MBE in 2013 for services to Probation Work including Ethnic Minority communities and for charitable service across Bradford.

Along side her work for the Probation Trust, Bushra is a long-term volunteer for the Imran Khan Cancer Appeal charity, raising thousands each year.

19.

Prity Farooq

Prity Farooq is the owner and founder of Prity: the award-winning beauty salon offering a high end, spa, hair and beauty service in Bradford. Prity’s impeccable service teamed with its ever-evolving range of products and services have made it a success and it continues to grow bigger and better.

Born in Calcutta, India from an early age Prity had a creative flair for Business and Art. She honed her skills whilst training in New Delhi, learning ancient herbal and Ayurvedic remedies which she planned to bring to the Western Market here in the UK. She has since been working as a hair and beauty therapist in the UK since 1991.

Prity’s debut into the beauty industry came about when she opened her successful flagship branch on Legrams Lane in 2005. Since, she has received much recognition for her highly maintained business standards of hygiene and the practice of her signature beauty treatments. Prity Hair, Beauty & Spa has won numerous awards, one of them being the Customer Excellence Awards for three years running.

Despite Covid affecting businesses like Prity’s undeterred she has continued to keep herself committed in growing her business, by diversifying and offering a range of high-end injectable treatments. One of her other achievements has been to acquire an exclusive partnership with Bollywood star Sunny Leone to sell the stars range of products at her business.

20.

Ruby Bhatti OBE

Ruby Bhatti OBE has been recognised for her services to young people and housing. Award winning Ms Bhatti is a board member of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust and Dixons Academies Trust, and also has more than two decades of experience as a solicitor.

She was previously chair of the BME Housing Association, is a non-executive board member of Carlisle Business Centre, and also sits as a nonexecutive director in the social housing sector for Incommunities.

She is also a governor at four schools and used to work for TRACKS Education, providing learning for children with medical needs which prevent them from attending mainstream school.

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MAKE YOUR NEW YEAR SPARKLE This winter Sparkling Bradford is here until February to inspire you to make the most of the Bradford district, enjoy brilliant local experiences and support your local businesses.

out how to enjoy virtual events from your armchair, or perhaps tune in and enjoy a podcast. If you’re looking to pop some culture into your weekend, we’re your first stop.

worth a visit. However, there are both small and large retailers across the district waiting to inspire you.

New Year is often a time to make resolutions and plans for the year ahead, and we want to ensure your new year sparkles with ideas, activities and experiences, whether you are staying at home or wanting to get out and about.

The Great Outdoors

Remember markets and pop-up events happen across the district and online, and Sparkling Bradford will keep you up to date.

Our website is packed with ideas and suggestions.

Our team work hard to find new ideas and hidden treats to help you discover unique experiences on your doorstep, remember our winter message is, whatever your winter wishes, there’s a warm welcome at Sparkling Bradford.

Our Sparkling Bradford campaign focuses on five key themes, with something for everyone!

Be Inspired If you enjoy visiting art galleries and museums, find

Winter is a great time to explore and enjoy our beautiful countryside. Be prepared, wrap up warm and there’s nothing to stop you. Along with our iconic landscapes, the Bronte and historic Ilkley moors, there are many other ways to enjoy the outdoors - download the Bradford Heritage Trail, discover the peaceful Leeds Liverpool canal or explore your local park.

Shop Local With some amazing shopping locations around the district, if you are not already shopping locally, now is the time to start.

Haworth, Ilkley, Saltaire and Bradford are well known for their thriving independent stores and they are always

Download the LoyalFree App and find discounts and offers from businesses in Bradford and Ilkley.

Eat Local Our cafés, bars and restaurants are fantastic, and they need your support.

Be tempted by takeaways, alongside your usual choices many of our enterprising bars, cafes and restaurants are offering take out options. Or maybe now is the time to do your research and build your wish list, plan some tasty

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treats for when our local favourites are ready to open their doors once more.

Sparkling Bradford was launched with a Christmas campaign in 2018 and has since become established as a great place to check out what is happening. The campaign aims to support our tourism, hospitality and retail businesses, and we encourage businesses to contact us to help us shout about what they have to offer.

Your Bradford This year we’re celebrating the ‘people who make Bradford sparkle’. Every week we feature a Bradford resident who has been nominated as someone who has provided some sparkle to our lives this year. You’ll find their stories on our website and you can make your nominations @VisitBradford.

We want you to be involved, #SparklingFriday is where you can share your sparkling suggestions, shout about your favourite local businesses and where you can find inspiration from others as we spread sparkles

across the district through our social media.

Sparkling Bradford is a partnership campaign, with VisitBradford, The Broadway,

Bradford, Bradford Business Improvement District (BID) and Bradford Council which encompasses the whole Bradford district.

You can follow SparklingBradford on Instagram and through the VisitBradford Facebook and Twitter pages. Or visit our website www. sparklingbradford.info

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RACE ACROSS THE WORLD WINNERS FROM BRADFORD MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN BRAZIL Race Across the World winners Emon and Jamiul have updated viewers on how they spent their prize money, one year on from being crowned champion.

The uncle and nephew team joined in the BBC series, which saw pairs try and get from Mexico City to Argentina and won the £20,000 cash prize mere seconds before their competitors.

However, shortly after winning, they revealed that they would be donating most of the cash to charity, after being touched by the poverty they saw across South America, while on the race.

Emon, from Bradford and Jamiul, from Oldham, are uncle and nephew who had been reunited after 10 years apart. They were reunited at a family gathering and decided to sign up for the show together as a way of

Uncle and nephew Emon and Jamiul Choudhary

regaining a relationship.

Speaking about signing up for the race the pair said Emon: “My nephew motivated me to do this challenge – since we have rekindled our relationship, it would be a fantastic journey to go on with him and I wouldn’t do this challenge with anyone else. I was a very active explorer back in my twenties, but I’ve recently become lazy in my lifestyle. I also want to do this before starting my own family. I’m very competitive – I don’t believe in coming in second, I don’t do losing. I am in it to win it.”

Jamiul: “My main motivation to do this competition is to rebuild a relationship between myself and my uncle. To learn from one of my oldest role models, and understand what it takes to have a winning attitude and boldness. I like to think that

I’m capable of doing whatever it takes to get what I want in terms of working hard and

taking risks, but finishing first isn’t necessarily the focus for me, I’d rather make meaningful relationships. I have always done things with a support system to keep me from falling, so I believe this trip will push both me and my uncle in ways we have never experienced.”

A year on since the show was shot, Emon and Jamiul have posted a video update, showing what good they’ve been able to do for those in need.

In a video, Emon and Jamiul updated fans and told them where they had put the cash.

Emon said: ‘We met some lifelong friends made some crazy memories. We were

taken back by the poverty that we’ve witnessed in South America, in particular the poverty that we’ve seen in Brazil, on the streets where we witness kids sleeping rough. It shouldn’t be like that.

‘So when we won the race, me and my nephew knew exactly what we wanted to do with the money and vowed to donate at least half of it towards helping kids on the streets of Brazil, and in South America.’

Jamiul added “The initial plan was for us to go out there after the show had been aired to show you guys how that money would be spent towards helping these children,’ However, because of the

Covid pandemic, they were unable to go out.

Instead, the pair teamed up with local charity São Martinho who help the children and families on the street with food, shelter, clothes and even education.

The children that are helped by the charity regularly send videos and messages to Emon and Jamiul that are seen in the video.

The pair were overwhelmed by messages from Brazil as they could see the difference their winning donation had made.

Despite the Race Across The World being over, the pair have a new ethos ‘to help as many as they can’

02 -08 january 2021 WWW.ASIANSTYLEMAGAZINE.COM

BOLLYWOOD

IN 2021

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FILM FASHION BEAUTY

PRIYANKA CHOPRA PONDERS WHAT 2021 WILL BE LIKE

KANGANA RANAUT BACK IN MUMBAI, FEELS ‘PROTECTED, LOVED AND WELCOMED’

BY ADITYA RANGROO ai city, and on Actress Kangana Ranau t is back in Mumb Shri Siddhivinayak and Devi a Mumb Tuesday offered prayers at e. templ ity I faced for She wrote on Twitter, “The amount of hostil d me, today I standing up for my beloved city Mumbai baffle got their and ji ak ivinay Siddh Shri and devi a went to Mumb med. Jai Hind Jai blessings, I feel protected, loved and welco Maharashtra”. was engaged This comes just a few months after Kangana nment after gover state a rashtr Maha s India’ with n tensio in PoK. comparing Mumbai with ared Mumbai to It all began after the ‘Queen’ actress had comp on to Taliban istrati admin the and ir, Kashm pied Pakistan Occu this, her ing Follow year. this in her social media post earlier nmumbai Briha the by lished demo lly partia was ra office in Band 9. mber Municipal Corporation on Septe

MANOJ BAJPAYEE UNVEILS THE POSTER OF NEW SEASON OF 'THE FAMILY MAN' Actor Manoj Bajpayee has announced the new season of his superhit Amazon Prime Video-based show ‘The Family Man’.

Bajpayee, who is seen playing the role of a middle-class man serving as a world-class spy in the show, shared the first look poster of the second installment of the thriller series.

The poster sees a time bomb being tied to a gift box kept on a table, while pictures of Bajpayee and his co-star JK Talpade are also seen lying near it.

The time bomb's digital meter shows 2021 on it indicating the new year ahead.

Manoj wrote, “Bahot hua intezaar. Aapke liye new year ka tohfa laaye hai. Zara dhyaan se kholna. #The FamilyManOnPrime (Enough of the wait. We have brought the New Year's gift for you. Open carefully)”.

The new season of the show will see Srikant Tiwari (Manoj

Bajpayee) and Sharib Hashmi (JK Talpade) taking on a bigger and deadlier mission.

Ever since the release of season 1, ‘The Family Man’ has received immense love, appreciation, and accolades from across the globe.

The show has been created and directed by Raj and DK and will see Bajpayee and Hashmi reprising their roles along with Priya Mani and Sharad Kelkar.

The series also marks the digital debut of southern superstar Samantha Akkineni in a neverseen-before avatar.

‘The Family Man’ is an edgy, action-drama series, which tells the story of a middle-class man, Srikant Tiwari, who works for a special cell of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The series plots Srikant's tightrope walk as he struggles to strike a balance between his secretive low paying, highpressure, high-stakes job and being a husband and father or a 'family man'.

SONAM KAPOOR STARTS SHOOTING FOR CRIME THRILLER ‘BLIND’ IN GLASGOW Actress Sonam Kapoor has kick-started the shooting for her crime-thriller ‘Blind’ in Glasgow.

Indian film critic and movie trade analyst Taran Adarsh shared the news on Twitter.

He also shared a picture of the clap, which showcased shot 1 to be shot in the day time. He tweeted, “SONAM KAPOOR: CRIME THRILLER STARTS TODAY... Start-to-finish shooting of #Blind - starring #SonamKapoorAhuja -

commences today in #Glasgow [#Scotland].”

“Story of a blind police officer in pursuit of a serial killer... Costars #VinayPathak, #PurabKohli and #LilleteDubey.”

Directed by Shome Makhija, produced by Sujoy Ghosh, Avishek Ghosh, Manisha W, Pinkesh Nahar, Sachin Nahar, and Hyunwoo Thomas Kim, the movie is scheduled to release in 2021.

The ‘Raanjhanaa’ actress in

November this year completed 13 years in Bollywood and shared a poster from her first film Saawariya. Alongside, she wrote, “13 years ago I debuted with Saawariya. Each and every moment in this industry has been a blessing. The good, the bad and ugly have all been intensely cinematic. Thank you India and thank you to each and every filmmaker who believed in me. I’ve been blessed to have worked with the best who’ve pushed me to give my best.”

Actr ess Priyanka Cho pra Jona s is exci ted to turn the page on this year and is hop eful for wha t 2021 will brin g.

Priyanka post ed a selfi e on Insta gram , whe re she is seen spor ting a whit e crop top pair ed with lave nder bott oms . She spor ts a bob and no mak e-up .

He wrot e in the capt ion, “Ref lecti ng. On the last Mon day of 2020. Exci ted to turn the page on this year, and hop eful for wha t 2021 will brin g. Wha t abou t you? ” The ‘Fas hion’ star is curr entl y shoo ting for the Holl ywo od rom anti c dram a, tent ative ly title d ‘ Text For You’.

Written and dire cted by Jim Stro use, the film is an Eng lish rem ake of the Germ an-l angu age film ‘SMS Fur Dich’, base d on Sofi e Cram er's nove l. She co-s tars with Sam Heu ghan in the film.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

AMITABH BACHCHAN APOLOGISES TO A FAN FOR SHARING HER POEM WITHOUT CREDIT

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Superstar Amitabh Bachchan ruled the virtual world of Twitter in 2020 among Bollywood topics. Not to mention, with 44.9 million followers.

Amitabh is the second mostfollowed person on Twitter, after India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The senior Bachchan who is an avid Twitter user, given the dedicated numbering (which gets goofed up from time to time), recently shared a poem on the microblogging site.

However, a fan pointed out that the lines belonged to her and were not credited for the same. “Sir, I am fortunate to have my lines on your wall. My happiness and pride would have been doubled if my name was on your wall.”

Bachchan posted a fresh tweet and replied, “This tweet credit should go to @ TishaAgarwal, I was not aware of its origin ... someone sent it to me, I thought it to be good and posted ... apologies.”

According to

#ThisHappened2020 Twitter report, Amitabh Bachchan among other celebs had the top entertainment tweets of 2020 in India.

In July, Big B took to Twitter to share that he has contracted the novel coronavirus, and that has become the most liked and quoted tweet of the year.

Meanwhile, the actor has a busy year ahead, with a big line-up of films coming up.

He will be seen with Emraan

Hashmi in ‘Chehre’, and also in Nagraj Manjule's ‘Jhund’.

In Ayan Mukerji's ‘Brahmastra’ he shares screen space with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Nagarjuna and Mouni Roy. Big B's upcoming roster also has ‘Mayday’, co-starring Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh, and directed by Devgn.

His other forthcoming release is an untitled film with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone.

IRRFAN KHAN’S LAST FILM ‘THE SONG OF SCORPIONS’ TO RELEASE IN 2021 Late actor Irrfan Khan’s last film titled ‘The Song of The Scorpions’ is set to be released in 2021.

the magician on the big screen for the last time!!!” past which a portrait of the ‘Angerzi Medium’ star is showcased in the video.

India’s film critic and movie trade analyst Taran Adarsh announced this news on Twitter.

The message is played in the backdrop of a desert, which showcases a blow of wind post which Khan’s face close up is shown followed by the announcement of the film release 'Early 2021' is displayed.

He wrote, “IRRFAN'S LAST MOVIE. #Irrfan’s last film - #TheSongOfScorpions - to release in 2021. Directed by Anup Singh. Presented

by Panorama Spotlight and 70mm Talkies.”

Adarsh also posted a short clip that featured a message, “A golden chance to witness

The internationally renowned actor Irrfan Khan passed away in April this year at Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital while battling a rare kind of cancer.

AKSHAY KUMAR WISHES WIFE TWINKLE KHANNA ON HER BIRTHDAY, JOKES ABOUT SPENDING ANOTHER YEAR WITH HER

‘MY GIRLFRIEND ALIA BHATT IS WORKAHOLIC,’ SAYS RANBIR KAPOOR Superstar Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to wish his wife and author Twinkle Khanna on her birthday.

He joked about spending another year making ‘questionable life decisions’ with her.

Posting a picture of them, he wrote: “Here’s to another year of questionable life decisions. But I’m so glad I get to make all of them with you Happy birthday Tina.”

Akshay and Twinkle make a rather unlikely pair but have had a successful marriage. Together they have two children - son, Aarav and daughter Nitara. On one occasion, taking part in a question-and-answer session on Instagram as part of Twinkle’s @tweakindia efforts, they had answered questions from children. One of them was about who was the best cook in their family. Akshay had joked: “I don’t think you even have to say it. It’s me. She can’t even make an

omelette.”

Twinkle, who is known for her sense of humour, had cracked up and said that their son Aarav was the best cook in the family. She had said: “He (Akshay) is a very good cook. He knows how to fry my brains, boil my blood. If you really want to know the best chef in our family, it’s our son. He can make anything, from rajma to pizzas to the most amazing dessert.” Akshay had agreed, adding, “He is the best cook, I am the second-best and she can only cook stories.”

Twinkle had once been asked why she had not changed her last name to Kumar, after marrying Akshay. In her trademark style, she had said, “Why didn't I change my last name from Khanna to Kumar? My answer has always been the same- I am married not branded. I am not a tiny company that a big firm like Godrej has taken over and now I have to change my brand name as well.”

Actor Ranbir Kapoor has finally come out in the open about his relationship with actress Alia Bhatt. The duo has been rumoured to be dating for a while now but never accepted the same in public.

The love bloomed between them when they came together for Ayan Mukerji's upcoming film ‘Brahmastra’. It was also said that the duo was planning to get married this year but the COVID-19 pandemic spoiled their plans.

Now, Ranbir has confirmed that he will be ‘sealing’ the deal soon with Alia Bhatt.

During a recent interview with Rajeev Masand, Ranbir reportedly opened up about how he spent his time in the lockdown. He revealed that while he watched 2-3 films in a day, his ‘girlfriend Alia’ took many online classes.

He said, “My girlfriend Alia is a bit of an overachiever, and she probably took every

class there is -- from guitar to screenwriting. I always feel like an underachiever next to her.

But no, I didn’t take any classes. Initially, we were dealing with the family crisis, and then I got into reading, spent time with my family, and I watch two-three films every day.”

About his marriage plans, Ranbir revealed that if it wasn't for the pandemic, he would have taken the plunge. He said, “I don’t want to jinx it by saying anything. I want to tick that goal very soon in my life.”

On the work front, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen in ‘Brahmastra’ also starring Alia Bhatt, Amitabh Bachchan, Mouni Roy and Nagarjuna. The film also has a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan who will be seen as a scientist.

In the film, Ranbir Kapoor will be seen as Shiva while Alia Bhatt plays his love interest Isha who supports him in his quest for the all-powerful Brahmastra.

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JACQUELINE FERNANDEZ SAYS 2020 HAS BEEN FULFILLING PROFESSIONALLY

KANGANA RANAUT SHOWS HER POETIC SKILLS WITH NEW SELF-WRITTEN POEM ‘RAKH’ Actress Kangana Ranaut showcased her poetic skills again with a new Hindi poem titled, which she posted on social media along with an artistically shot video.

The video that the star shared shows a montage of her recent hiking trip with the family. The poem uses “Rakh (ash)” as an analogy to express her willingness to touch the sky even after she dies.

“Wrote a new poem called Rakh got inspired while hiking, do watch when you can,” the ‘Queen’ star captioned the post.

Capturing the beauty of mountains covered with snow, in the 41-second long video Kangana is heard reciting “meri rakh ko ganga me mat sagar ki gehraio bahaana, har nadi sagar me jaakr milti h. mujhe hu.. meri raakh ko i chaht a chhun ko asman mai hai.. lagta dar se usey chhu saku.. pahado pr bikher dena.. jab suraj ugye to mai eri rakh ko us saku..m kar n baatei se d chaan to hu tanha mai jb shitij pe chord dena.”

Ganges, every (Translation Do not immerse my ashes into the the ocean. I of s depth the of afraid am I sea. the river meets tains. When moun the on want to touch the sky. Spill my ashes talk to can I , lonely be will I when it, touch can I the sun is up n.) the moon. Give my ashes to that horizo round score The 33-year-old actor recitation runs as the backg video the g, sharin of es minut Within throughout the video. managed to garner more than five lakh views. such selfThe ‘Fashion’ actor, earlier has previously shared Day for her r's Mothe on one written poems like ‘Aasman’ and r. mothe

PANKAJ TRIPATHI SAYS ERA OF SUPERSTARS BEGAN FADING AFTER 1990s Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is all set to play a yesteryears’ superstar in the upcoming film ‘Shakeela’, says the era of superstars started to fade after the 1990s.

style of heroes of that decade.

Flashy gold accessories, bright colours and prints are what embodies his look, which will remind many of the iconic heroes.

He told the media, “The nineties heroes truly were superstars. The era of superstars started fading away after that. These heroes have been heroes not just on-screen but off-screen, too. Every element of their personality -even their wardrobe -- became statements.”

Talking about older fashion, Pankaj said, “The fashion of that time was so peculiar, much like any other decade. That's what we want to embody on screen.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process to get into this look, wearing flashy flamboyant clothes -- a far off thing from a lot of the other work I have done.”

In ‘Shakeela’, Pankaj plays a quintessential South Indian cinema superstar. As a key part to achieve this character, considerable thought went into matching the wardrobe and

VIVEK OBEROI RECONSTRUCTS HIS ENTRY SCENE FROM ‘SAATHIYA’ AS MOVIE COMPLETES 18 YEARS Vivek said, “On this very occasion yours truly has decided to ride his way down memory lane!! Thank you for showering your love to Aditya and Suhani. #18yearsofsaathiya,” he mentioned in the same post and thanked the members who were associated with the flick.

The Shaad Ali directorial movie showcases a love story, by stellar performances from the lead actors - Vivek Oberoi and Rani Mukherjee.

Vivek Oberoi’s romantic flick ‘Saathiya’ has completed 18 years today and the actor has reminisced his memories of the film by recreating his entry scene from the movie.

The ‘Masti’ actor wrote on Intagram, “O humdum

suniyo re...o janiya suniyo re...haha.. cannot believe it's been 18 years...!.”

Along with the post, he also shared a short video clip of his montage from the song ‘Oh humdum soniyo re’ from the movie ‘Saathiya’.

In context to the film,

The movie was also complemented by the melodious music of A.R.Rahman. Released eighteen years ago in the year 2002, the film won some notable awards including Filmfare and IIFA for various zoners.

‘Shakeela’ also stars Richa Chaddha in the title role, and is scheduled to release on December 25 in theatres.

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez is glad to have survived 2020, which turned out to be a fulfil ling year for her, at least professionally.

Looking back at 2020 that saw peop le battling a pandemic, Jacqueline was quoted by the med ia as saying, “2020 has been a roller coaster ride, a year with so much happening globally. However, we have all surv ived and I'm glad all of us are up and running to do our best .”

Even though there was a lockdow n since March, she tried to be at her ‘productive best and make the most of every opportunity’.

“The year has been fulfilling profe ssionally for me with the back-to-back project announcemen ts and post the unlock there has hardly been a day for rest.

I have enjoyed each day of work thoroughly,” said the actre ss, who had shot a music video with superstar Salman Khan during the lockdown.

Stepping into 2021, her resolution for the new year is to be happy and positive.

She further said, “The coming year seems like pretty much the same in terms of shoot schedule s, which means it'll be hectic, but I am looking forward to the year and never wish to stop working, I would rather prefe r to hop from one set to another than be deprived of the joy of shooting.”

Her upcoming projects are ‘Bachcha n Pandey’, ‘Bhoot Police’, ‘Cirkus’ and ‘Kick 2’.

AMITABH BACHCHAN SAYS HE LEARNS ABOUT HIS FOLLY THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA AND FANS Superstar Amitabh Bachchan is currently hosting the hit quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati 12.

During the recent episode, he got candid about social media criticism while speaking to one of the contestants on the hot seat.

While questioning Shivam about his social media presence, Amitabh shared that he uses it to remain in touch with his millions of fans. Shivam says that he uses Facebook occasionally and the 78-years-old actor tends to skip the discussion, but he continues talking about criticism from fans on social networking sites and how it tends to be beneficial sometimes.

The ‘Black’ actor says that there is nothing wrong with being critical about one's work and that he himself is open to it. He added, many times he learns about his folly through the fans via social networking sites adding there's nothing wrong in admitting mistakes when someone is going wrong.

Amitabh himself is not new to social media criticism and his candid confession is noteworthy.

Recently, one of the participants also had a candid one-on-one with the actor about his social media habits. He had shared that it gets late while attending work duties and that is why he often

posts stuff late at night.

“Arrey yaar sojaao kya kar rahe ho tum. Daant dete hain (People say, 'what are you doing,' go to sleep.

They yell at me),” Amitabh shared about his fans scolding him on social media for posting late.

“Gaali waali be dete hain. Aye budhau soja, derr ho gayi bahot (They even curse me. 'Aye old man, it's late, go to bed'),” he further revealed.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

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PROMINENT BOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2020

BY ADITYA RANGROO The events that unfolded in 2020 has been cruel to the entire world, especially Bollywood. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the shootings of films have been halted and subsequently, some of the major releases have also been postponed indefinitely.

Apart from that, India’s entertainment industry has lost some of the noted celebrities and the absence of these stars has created a void that can never be filled.

From Irrfan, Sushant Singh Rajput to Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor, here are the legends who left us in 2020.

Sushant Singh Rajput

29 in Mumbai. The actor had been unwell for a long time and a week before his demise, he was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital in Mumbai city after being diagnosed with colon infection. He had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and had lost his mother in Jaipur just three days before his death.

Irrfan was known for his extraordinary acting skills and was also dubbed as India’s face in the West. Eldest of three siblings, Irrfan joined the National School of Drama after his father’s death. After doing television for years in the 80s, Irrfan found his big break in Aasif Kapadia’s The Warrior.

His career steadily progressed and he went on to deliver memorable performances in films such as The Life of Pi, The Lunchbox, Piku, Paan Singh Tomar, The Namesake, and Maqbool among others.

His last film was Angrezi Medium, ahead of which the actor had shared an empowering video message for his fans, stating that the only choice he had was to remain positive.

Rishi Kapoor It is difficult for Sushant Singh Rajput’s fans and admirers to come to terms with his death. On June 14, the actor was found dead at his Bandra apartment. He was 34. The actor had become a household name with the television show Pavitra Rishta before entering Bollywood. His performance as Manav Deshmukh had touched millions of hearts.

Sushant then made his debut on the big screen in 2013 with the film Kai Po Che. It was the beginning of his amazing and eventful career. He earned praise for his performance in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Shuddh Desi Romance, and Chhichhore, among others. His demise has sparked a debate on social media about the alleged nepotism and favouritism in Bollywood and several celebrities and politicians demanding a CBI enquiry into his death.

Irrfan Khan Legendary actor Irrfan Khan breathed his last on April

Ace Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai at the age of 67 on April 30 following a two-year-long battle with leukemia. The actor returned to India in September 2019 after reportedly undergoing treatment in the US for almost a year. In February 2020, Rishi Kapoor was hospitalised twice due to his health issues.

A third-generation actor, Rishi Kapoor, was the second son of actor Raj Kapoor and grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor.

He began his career as a child artiste in Mera Naam Joker (1970), for which he received

the National Award. As an adult protagonist, his first film was Bobby in 1973. Kapoor went on to act in over 90 films in the next four decades. He was last seen in 102 Not Out co-starring his dear friend Amitabh Bachchan, where the latter played Kapoor’s centenarian father.

Saroj Khan

42 on June 1. The news was confirmed by singer Sonu Nigam, who wrote in a social media post, “My brother Wajid left us.” Wajid’s family in an official statement had said the cardiac arrest was the cause of his death.

Sajid-Wajid had made their Bollywood debut with Salman’s 1998 movie Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. They went on to create chartbusters for Salman’s various films, including Garv, Tere Naam, Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, Partner and more.

Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), Saajan (1991) and in the 1994 blockbuster Hum Aapke Hai Koun…! SPB’s death left the industry and his admirers in dire distress while they consoled themselves saying his songs will live on.

Jagdeep

hilly city of Dharamshala on November 12. The actor was found hanging in the complex when the police reached the spot. While the reason for him resorting to the extreme step is still not known, the Himachal Pradesh police is investigating the matter.

Arya Banerjee

SP Balasubrahmanyam

Three-time National Award winner, veteran Bollywood choreographer, Saroj Khan, passed away due to cardiac arrest on July 3. She was 71.

Khan, who was fondly called as masterji, was admitted to Mumbai’s Guru Nanak Hospital on June 17 after suffering from a kidney condition and was on regular dialysis support.

Khan was born as Nirmala Nagpal.

She joined the film industry as a child artiste, playing the younger Shyama in Nazarana. She eventually became a background dancer in the 1950s. She later became an assistant choreographer and her first break as an independent choreographer came with Geeta Mera Naam (1974). She tasted fame with the song Hawa Hawai from Mr. India (1987).

Her collaboration with Sridevi on other projects like Chandni and Nagina further boosted her profile. It was, however, her collaboration with Madhuri Dixit that transformed the careers of both the artistes.

Wajid Khan Wajid Khan, of composer duo Sajid-Wajid, died at the age of

Legendary playback singer SP Balasubrahmanyam breathed his last on September 25 in Chennai. He was 74. The sixtime National Award-winning singer was not keeping well since August 5 and his health condition further deteriorated on September 24. He was laid to rest with full state honours on September 26.

Balasubrahmanyam, fondly called as SPB, was known for his prowess of singing in 16 Indian languages.

In his eventful singing career spanning over five decades, he has recorded more than 40,000 songs. Though he made his debut in 1966 with a Telugu film, the language was never a barrier for the versatile singer as he lent his voice to songs in multiple languages.

Veteran Hindi film comedian Jagdeep, who enthralled millions of Indians through his inimitable portrayal of a variety of characters in his eventful career spanning over decades, passed away on July 9. He was 81. Jagdeep, remembered for his role as Soorma Bhopali in the blockbuster film Sholay, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, appeared in nearly 400 films.

Born on March 29, 1939, in Amritsar, Jagdeep’s real name was Syed Ishtiaq Ahmed Jafri.

He is survived by his two sons, actor Javed Jafri and television director Naveed Jafri. Jagdeep is gone but for countless fans he will forever be Soorma Bhopali, the raconteur of amusing stories!

She made her Hindi film industry debut with LSD: Love, Sex Aur Dhoka and had starred in Milan Luthria’s ‘The Dirty Picture’ where she played the role of Shakeela. She was found dead in her apartment in South Kolkata. Arya was her screen name. Her real name was Debdutta Banerjee. She was the daughter of renowned sitar player Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. This photo was taken in 2010 during the promotions of Dibakar Banerjee’s film Love, Sex Aur Dhoka.

Ravi Patwardhan

Asif Basra Bollywood actor Asif Basra was found dead in a private complex in the northern

The singer had become Salman Khan’s on-screen voice, crooning popular tracks for him in films like

Known for his powerful roles and deep voice, noted Marathi and Hindi film actor Ravi Patwardhan passed away on December 6. He suffered a cardiac arrest. He was 84 years old. He has acted in 150 plays and more than 200 films.

SIX

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

BOLLYWOOD 2021: From ‘83’ to ‘Sooryavanshi’, top 10 movies to look out for

BY ADITYA RANGROO

While 2020 has turned out to be a dark, forgettable year for the Hindi film industry because of Covid-19, there is some hope that 2021 will turn out to be different with a large number of films -both small and big-budget ones- will find their way to theatre screens across India and abroad.

One notable thing about 2020 was how Bollywood quickly moved on as projects were stalled and many jobs were lost during the lockdown. From shootings being halted to postponing release dates, the entertainment industry saw it all and is ready to return to the silver screen with much-awaited projects.

Here are the top 10 Bollywood movies to watch out for in 2021:

3

1

Brahmastra

83

The much-anticipated movie was scheduled to release in December 2020 but the pandemic forced a postponement. After Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, this is Ayan Mukherji’s first project after 7 years. The movie has steller actors starring Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Alia Bhatt. The dates are not confirmed yet but hopefully, it will release hopefully release in 2021, having been delayed for long already.

Directed by Kabir Khan, ’83 is a movie on India’s historic Cricket World Cup win in 1983. The sports drama stars Ranveer Singh in the role of team captain, Kapil Dev, and is slated to release in 2021. It was earlier scheduled to be out in April 2020.

2

Sooryavanshi

The movie is a part of Rohit Shetty’s Singham franchise and was a much-awaited movie slated to release in 2020. Now the makers have decided to schedule it for the first quarter of 2021. The movie has Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in lead roles.

4

Pathan Starring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham, Pathan is slated to release on Diwali 2021. The movie is directed by Siddhartha Anand and the shooting has begun for the action-revenge flick.

FILM FASHION BEAUTY

5

SEVEN

8 Atrangi Re

Slated to release in 2021, the movie is directed by Anand L Rai and stars Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, and Dhanush. The movie will see Khan romancing Kumar and Dhanush in two timelines set in Bihar and Tamil Nadu, according to media reports.

Gangubai Kathiawadi

Another movie that was supposed to release this year, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed biopic is now slated for 2021 if all goes well.

The shooting for the movie resumed in October and stars Alia Bhatt as Gangubai Kathiawadi, apparently one the most dreaded character in Mumbai’s underworld.

9

6 Jersey

Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai

Finally, all the Shahid Kapoor fans can finally sigh in relief. Directed by Gowtam Tinnamuri, Jersey is a Telugu-remake that will release in 2021.

The shooting was wrapped in 47 days during the pandemic. Kapoor will be seen playing the character of a cricketer and will also star Pankaj Kapur.

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Directed by Prabhu Deva, the action-drama got Salman Khan and Disha Patani in leading roles. The shooting was wrapped up in October and most probably will release on Eid 2021.

10

Laal Singh Chaddha

Aamir Khan will return to the silver screen as Laal Singh Chaddha in the Hindi adaptation of the Tom Hanks starrer Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump was released in 1994 and is recognised as a classic. The movie was adapted for a Hindi remake by actor, writer Atul Kulkarni. Previously scheduled for release on Christmas 2020, the film’s release has now been pushed to Christmas 2021 as the shooting couldn’t be completed on time because of the pandemic.

Thalaivi

Starring Kangana Ranaut in the lead role, the shooting of Thalaivi was wrapped up on December 12. Following the pack-up, Ranaut wrote on Twitter, “And it’s a wrap, today we successfully completed the filming of our most ambitious project Thalaivi- the revolutionary leader, rarely an actor finds a character that comes alive in flesh and blood and I fall in love so hard but now suddenly it’s time to say bye, mixed feelings.”.

The movie is directed by AL Vijay and also features Arvind Swami and Prakash Raj.

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FINANCE

Shabab Gulfraz

CHARTERED FINANCIAL PLANNER, AND A CHARTERED MCSI ACCREDITED FINANCIAL ADVISER

Our resident For more infofinance columnist shares hi rmation shab s finance view ab@asianstand s this week. ard.co.uk

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&

PUZZLES Crosswords CROSSWORD Across 1 Greet enthusiastically (4) 3 Sheath for a sword (8) 9 Willingly (7) 10 Inflexible (5) 11 Story or scene of happy innocence (5) 12 Gas essential for life (6) 14 Upper part of the windpipe (6) 16 Polar region (6) 19 Onto dry land (6) 21 Sleeper’s vision (5) 24 Souvenir (5) 25 Guilty party (7) 26 NCO (8) 27 Be afraid (4)

FINANCIAL FRAUD ON THE RISE

Down 1 Awful (8) 2 European country (5) 4 Former name of Sri Lanka (6) 5 Crazy (5) 6 Increase (7) 7 Extinct bird (4) 8 Stringed instrument (6) 13 Curved sword (8) 15 Cattle thief (7) 17 Puzzling question (6) 18 Warning light (6) 20 When expected (2.3) 22 Spooky (5) 23 Part of the eye (4)

Happy New Year So, it has come to light that financial fraud has significantly increased over the last nine months since COVID-19 started.

I went to see an individual last week, whose father has been the victim of individuals calling him from abroad. He is over 90 and receives persistent calls from fraudsters telling him that he has committed tax fraud. This has impacted his health, he is not able to sleep, and as you can imagine his health has deteriorated.

Spot the

5

differences

First and foremost, please please, get rid of idiots immediately if they telephone you. If you give too much away, they will keep calling you, or their so called, business associates will be sold your data. It can happen to any one of us, as scammers are getting more and more sophisticated.

So, this week I have come to appreciate the how to avoid scammer letters providers send out to us, when we request information relating to clients. The scale of fraud regulators etc. have been underplaying, and it’s not a few million as indicated previously, but it actually runs into billions of pounds over the last few years.

If you do get a call from someone from the internet requesting to review your pensions, then please check to make sure the individual referred to you is actually a financial adviser from a reputable firm, and please do not get sucked into anyone that tries to say your pension can be transferred from the current provider to your bank account, abroad etc. I can tell you now this is not possible, and a breach of pension rules. Also, taking the money out in cash is seriously unwise as the only winner is the tax man as you will end up paying up to 45 per cent tax, as well as the fraudster possibly taking the rest.

We also have an increase of fraud relating to government funding, which let’s face it runs into billions again. The bounce back loans have been abused by many, as well as the Furlough payments. I would encourage you to report said individuals to action fraud because let’s face it they are benefiting on the back of a pandemic and taking advantage of taxpayers who will inevitably foot the bill.

I honestly believe the government has been naive, incompetent, and allowed fraudsters to target individuals. I have heard of many stories of people being sucked into paying commission on loans etc.

Let’s hope the reviewers of said loans (once the government finally gets round to investigations) are more competent and get back monies given rather than it becoming a forgiveness loan with no consequences.

ANSWERS SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES 5. The color of the child's T-shirt.

4. The child's sweater.

3. The buttons on his jacket.

2. The button on his pants.

1. The zipper on his blouse.

Disclaimer: Please note views of columnists, do not represent the views of the newspaper.

CROSSWORD ANSWER

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BUSINESS AND FAITH LEADERS UNITE TO DELIVER NEW YEAR MEALS TO STUDENTS While most of us were at home keeping warm during the treacherous and frosty New year break, the VIP (Volunteering Interfaith Partnership) team consisting of members of the community, business and faith leaders, took time out to serve over 150 New Year Meals to students at the University of Bradford.

The Covid-19 crisis has turned many lives upside down for many, including for students at the University of Bradford.

Students are increasingly unable to cover the costs of basic living needs such as rent, food, and heating for their homes.

In a response to deal with the crises, The University of Bradford has launched an Emergency COVID-19 Hardship Appeal to support students who are struggling to pay for essentials as a result of the pandemic.

The VIP team has vowed to support the campaign by bringing together faith, community and business leaders to help students during these difficult times.

Founder of VIP, Javed Bashir told Asian Standard: “Many students rely on family support and part-time work to ensure they are financially stable.

With the restrictions imposed

many job opportunities are no longer available. This has had big impact on students and their families” “Students are telling us that they are increasingly struggling to cover all their living needs, such as rent, food, and heating for their homes. Many of our students come from challenging backgrounds and really value the support we offer at the University of Bradford. So, it’s really encouraging when parts of the community work in partnership with us, to support our student community. I am really pleased to be working with VIP”, added Professor

Zahir Irani, Deputy ViceChancellor at the University of Bradford.

“At the University of Bradford, we recognise that we are living in unprecedented times, but we will not allow the COVID-19 pandemic to jeopardise our students' learning and their life prospects” said Professor Irani.

Unemployment and poverty in Bradford have risen drastically since last March. This is having a direct impact on our students, many of whom depend on part-time work to cover the cost of basic needs like food and accommodation for themselves and their families.

“As lockdowns and tiered restrictions continue to affect the city and university, we are responding by supporting the university with their appeal to enable students who are facing financial hardship get the support they need” said Mr Bashir.

“We encourage the community to support students, who are often forgotten, by supporting the Emergency COVID-19 Hardship Appeal”, appealed Mr Bashir.

Nirmal Singh Sekhon MBE, Chairman of Yorkshire Sikhs Forum, who was also part of the New Year student meal efforts said: “I am a Sikh and Sikhism teaches that everyone is equal and that people living in poverty and suffering should be helped” VIP member, DL and Rotary member Manoj Joshi added: “I am a Hindu, and for Hindus, giving is an important part

of one’s religious duty. Each person has a dharma(duty) towards family, society, the world and all living things” Rev Nathan Javed of GBM Churches, who was also part of this faith group shared the unity with his fellow members and the common factor of giving between all faiths. He said: “I am a Christian, and Christians believe that Jesus taught us to love God and to love neighbour which are the greatest commandments.

Charity is not an optional extra, but an essential component of my faith” Mohammed Zubair of Masjid Quba reminded followers of Islam that charity is the third pillar of Islam. He contributed: “I am a Muslim and Zakat, or charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam. It is important that the Muslim community fulfils their charitable duty correctly and does their part in support students at the university” Faiz Ilyas who is a student

at the University told Asian Standard how hard it was on students during these very testing times of the coronavirus pandemic. He said: “Not everyone in the university community has come from a background where they can have access to money from family members. Due to Covid-19 restrictions many students have lost vital parttime jobs which provided an income to pay bills, rent and food while studying too” The VIP team are urging for donations, which will provide urgent support to a student facing real financial hardship, through no fault of their own.

They are appealing for public support which they hope will help struggling students continue their education and fulfil their potential.

To help and donate visit the link https://intouch.bradford. ac.uk/public/donate/donate. aspx

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WHERE YOU SHOP MATTERS: LET’S SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES Browsing through BD9

Independent businesses are the heart of our local communities. Behind every store front, sign or online page is somebody’s dream and even a family’s tradition.

The Covid-19 pandemic has particularly made it difficult on our business community with lockdown guidelines impacting on sales. Asian Standard in partnership with Bradford Council strongly believe in the importance of small independent businesses, as they are the heart of our community and help make Bradford unique from the rest.

By purchasing at local stores across the district – including

on high streets in Bradford, Keighley, Shipley, Bingley and Ilkley – shoppers can support the district economy, help businesses to survive and protect local jobs.

By following Covid-secure guidance, residents can slow the spread of the virus, protect against another wave of infections and increase the chances that Tier 3 restrictions will be lifted.

Shoppers should allow plenty of time for queues and try to avoid the busiest periods if possible.

We all need to get through these tough times and the best way we can help is strengthen our local economy.

We can do this by shopping local. The Bradford business community is counting on us to get behind them.

So, each week we hope to bring you a special feature taking a look at the vast array of local businesses in the city who have some of the most diverse offerings and are keeping our economy running.

This week we browse through BD9, where the famous Lister Park is situated and the busy and bustling streets of

Oak Lane, Toller Lane and Manningham Lane In times of crisis a beautiful bunch of flowers can put a smile on any face. So why not give Lister Park florists a try for all your flower requirements. Lister Park florists is well renowned for their unique and fresh flower arrangements, specifically specialising in flowers for South Asian weddings. With wedding season almost invincible, you can image the impact on the long-standing business.

So rather than go online, check out the extensive range

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of flowers and have a bunch hand-made, to brighten up your living room, or even to send to a loved one to tell them you are thinking of them. It might just be the medicine to help improve mental health.

Further up the long road of Oak Lane, you can never be far from the sights and smells of delicious food.

For fish and chips lovers, you have quite a choice on this road, from the decades old Lister Fisheries to Park Fisheries to Lilycroft fisheries and if you like a bit of spice then there are plenty of amazing choices such as Jungle Grill, Dhesi Grill, Silver Grill, and Mahmoods for some tantalising donner meat, pizzas and burgers, leading onto Lilycroft Road. If you prefer curry, then why not try the award-winning curry counter on Manningham Lane – Food2Go. Here they make curries on the go. You simply choose which curry you want with a choice of accompaniments to choose from, they will pack it and you simply heat and eat.

It’s perfect for those who want a curry in a hurry.

With the weather being a little frosty, it might be the

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right time to invest in a new fireplace, after all, DIY seems to be the trendy thing to do in lockdown. Try out the Gas Centre. A local family run business, which has a vast range of fires and fireplaces for you to choose from. From vintage, to contemporary to a little more tech, you can be sure to find something that suits your style.

The Gas Centre are located on Oak Lane and you can shop online too by visiting their website gascentrebradford.co.uk.

If you’re not looking to redecorate your home features, but have a small DIY issue, then again help is at hand with Oak Lane Plumbing. Here you can not only get all your DIY needs, but if you’re struggling to get a plumber the friendly staff may also be able to recommend a decent tradesman. After all, tradesmen who can recommended is always a good sign.

across Manningham Lane, to continue stretching those legs and do a bit of window shopping. If anything, you might just want to grab your lunch while you’re there.

With a plethora of businesses in BD9 there is sure to be something that you are in the market to buy. So, here’s any idea, talk a nice walk in the beautiful awardwinning Lister Park and then walk-up Oak Lane or

However, please remember people should also follow the Government’s COVID-19 guidance of hands, face, space – frequently washing and sanitising hands, wearing a face covering and allowing at least 2 metres space when

coming into contact with people.

shop safely over this festive season.

Where possible, shoppers should pay by card or contactless as handling cash can spread the virus.

“I encourage everyone to give gifts that give twice – once to loved ones, and a second time to protect local jobs and businesses.

Councillor Alex RossShaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s vital people show their support for local businesses and

“We all need to double our efforts to ensure this is done safely.

“It may take a little bit more

time and effort but following the COVID-safe guidance will reduce infections, hospitalisations and deaths.

“If done properly, this will help us avoid a third spike and bring us all closer to restrictions being lifted and getting back to our old lives which we all miss.”

So, let’s do what we can and shop local and shop safely this festive season

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BREXIT DEAL DONE: WHAT’S IN IT AND WHERE NEXT FOR THE UK AND EU?

BY ANDREW GLENCROSS, Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations, Aston University To misquote Shakespeare, our Brexit negotiating revels now are ended. The tempestuous talks did not lead to a dramatic walkout, even if at times the UK government gave the impression this was a feud worthy of the Montagues against the Capulets.

The negotiators ignored the background noise and succeeded in drafting a dense legal document on which the future of UK-EU relations now hangs.

How the deal came together The UK was adamant throughout the negotiations that it be treated as a sovereign equal of the EU and have its independence respected.

This was particularly important when it came to fishing rights – one of the last issues to be resolved.

There were always two problems with this argument. Firstly, as explained by the Spanish foreign minister – a veteran trade

negotiator – a trade agreement is designed to establish interdependence rather than being an exercise in asserting independence.

Secondly, the EU is simply a bigger beast economically speaking than the UK. This meant Brussels was confident it could weather the disruption of a no-deal separation better than the UK. By refusing to extend the transition period despite the pandemic, prime minister Boris Johnson ensured both parties faced the same time pressure. But they did not face the same level of risk if no agreement was reached.

Hence the real ringmaster of the Brexit deal was Father Time, not Johnson or Angela Merkel, as UK newspapers often reported.

Nevertheless, it looks like the UK government will claim victory by arguing that it is now able to escape the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice while getting tariff and quota-free

WWW.ASIANSTANDARD.CO.UK

access for goods exported to the EU. In a statement immediately following the announcement of the deal, the UK government did just that:

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would lead to potentially restricted access to the single market.

In a press conference on the deal, Johnson reassured “fish fanatics” there would be plenty for their dinner plates, but the

is reviewed on an ongoing basis, depending on the UK approach to financial regulation and data protection. That puts the sector on a much less firm footing than, say, manufacturing.

This is because the deal requires a constant dialogue with the EU over things that can affect the terms of the agreement, such as government subsidies. This is the position Switzerland constantly

major revolt. But his strongest card might be to simply shift the blame to his predecessor, Theresa May, for triggering Brexit without a plan. Meanwhile, Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted

deal means that for the next five and a half years EU-based vessels will continue to enjoy significant access to British waters, during the transition to a final arrangement.

Selling the deal

finds itself in. The Brexit deal requires both sides to submit to a general review after four years to make sure both sides are meeting the requirements.

Hard eurosceptic Conservative backbenchers, who pushed for a no deal, may see this as a

immediately after the deal was announced that “no deal that will ever make up for what Brexit takes away from us. It’s time to chart our own future as an independent, European nation.” So, while one episode in this long drama may be drawing to a close, it seems that

concession too far.

What can Boris Johnson do to overcome internal opposition? His parliamentary majority is sufficient to overcome anything short of a

others, relating to the very future of the UK , are far from over.

The deal … guarantees that we are no longer in the lunar pull of the EU, we are not bound by EU rules, there is no role for the European Court of Justice and all of our key red lines about returning sovereignty have been achieved. It means that we will have full political and economic independence on 1st January 2021.

The reality though – as with everything Brexit-related since 2016 – is far more complex.

In the deal Johnson’s negotiator David Frost liked to argue that the UK just wanted a standard free-trade deal like that between Canada and the EU. In reality, the UK was asking for extras, such as mutual recognition of conformity assessment for goods and mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The EU does not appear to have budged on those.

Brussels was also adamant that the deal required legal guarantees to prevent the UK undercutting the single market by using its new regulatory autonomy to lower environmental standards or employment rights. Johnson agreed in principle to this level playing field idea in the political declaration that accompanied the 2019 withdrawal agreement he got through parliament. Then, later in negotiations, he tried to renege on this pledge. In the end he u-turned again. The deal states that divergence from EU standards

It’s clear that free movement of people has ended, while goods will face customs and regulatory checks. Transport chaos around the port at Dover is therefore still a distinct possibility after January 1 if exporters fail to have the proper paperwork to cross the Channel. Given they have not done this in a generation, there are bound to be difficulties. EU-based hauliers might also opt for caution and in the short–term avoid the risk of getting their lorries stuck in the UK. The UK will also leave the Erasmus higher education exchange programme, which will come as a blow to many students – although the UK now plans to launch its own “ Turing” scheme to offer placements at universities around the world.

Much less clear is the future of the UK’s key export industry: financial services. Outside the single market, the City of London relies on the EU to grant permission to service EU-based clients and sell them banking, accounting, and associated legal products.

This “equivalence” arrangement

The dance is over but now comes the hard sell. Credit claiming and blame avoidance will be the twin priorities for the UK government.

Johnson is bound to play up the sovereignty angle by highlighting

the ability to avoid the intrusion of EU law.

The blame game is where things are likely to get more interesting.

This article originally appeared in The Conversation

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Gulfisha Kabab

Soyabean, Chana Dal Ke Shami

Chef Shaeem

C

hef Shaeem Mohammad Quraishi is a consultant chef based in Lucknow with more than two decades of hospitality experience. He specialises in a range of Indian cuisines from Awadhi, Mughlai, Dum pukht, Kabab, Punjabi, Hyedrabadi and Kashmiri adding a contemporary touch of modern India.

He began his culinary journey at the age of 13, under the guidance of his father, Mohammad Naeem Quraishi, who was very well known for providing catering at high profile weddings and large banqueting events for the who’s who of Lucknow.

Chef Shaeem shadowed and witnessed at close quarters his father’s culinary skills and started working for his father by first learning the art of frying onions – correctly.

He went on to graduate at Lucknow University and then completed his catering diploma from Kohinoor Catering College in Dehradun and followed it up by completing his MBA from Anna Malai University.

After working in international hotels in the Middle East to gain experience and travelling globally to open food festivals and restaurants, Chef Shaeem has returned to his roots in Lucknow where he is at his most comfortable best recreating his father’s unique dishes with his own twist.

Asian Standard are delighted to be partnering up with Chef Shaeem to bring our readers some of the tastiest and most unique dishes for you to try at home.

Method In a pressure cooker add soyabean, chana dal ginger garlic paste, black pepper, green cardamom black cardamom, cloves, mace, bay leaf, cumin, black cumin, whole chili, cinnamon, red chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, fried onion and add water mix well and boil it for 4 whistle.

Remove from the heat. The mixture should not be watery it should be able to make ball of the mixture once cooked. Take out all the whole spices. Let the mixture cool down and grind to a smooth paste. Then add coconut, ittar, kewra, rose water , roasted chan powder and coriander leaves and mix well.

Then take a small ball of mixture, make it flat on your plam stuffed cheese and make round patties.

In a non stick pan add oil at medium heat. then shallow fry them in hot oil. Let it fry both the side until it is golden brown.

Serve with any chutney.

Enjoy

Ingredients

• 100 gm. Soyabean (overnight soaked) • 50 gm. Chana dal (overnight soaked) • 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste • 10 no. black pepper • 4 no. whole red chili • 4 no. green cardamom • 2 no. black cardamom • 2 no. javitri (mace) • 2 no. bay leaf • 4 no. cloves • 1 no. cinnamon • ½ tsp cumin • ¼ tsp black cumin (shahi jeera) • 1 tbsp red chili powder • 1 tsp turmeric powder • Salt to taste • 1 drop metha ittar • 4 drop kewra water • 4 drop rose water • 50 gm gm. Desiccated coconut (dry) • 50 gm roasted chana powder • Coriander leaves fina chopped • 1 no. big onion slice fried.

• 2 cup water • Oil for frying • For stuffing • Cheddar cheese

Asian Sunday Online a digital platform, where you can watch new content every Sunday only on our YouTube channel Asian Sunday TV. Join the discussion with Let’s Talk or perhaps join in with some cooking with Simmering Sundays.

If you want to be on the show then email letstalk@asiansunday.co.uk

TUNE IN EVERY SUNDAYS

SPORTS

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SEVEN-TIME F1 CHAMPION LEWIS HAMILTON KNIGHTED IN UK HONOURS LIST Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton added another feather to his illustrious cap after he was awarded a knighthood in the United Kingdom New Year Honours list.

The award comes at the end of an exceptional year for Hamilton in which he

won a record-equalling seventh world title while helping Mercedes to a seventh straight constructors' crown.

Hamilton also matched and then surpassed Michael Schumacher's all-time

record of 91 wins, taking the tally up to 95.

The award, which dates back to medieval times and carries the title 'Sir', is given to a select few for exceptional achievement in any given activity, with

previous F1 recipients including Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Frank Williams, Sir Patrick Head and Sir Jack Brabham.

"Lewis is a true giant of our sport and his influence is huge both in and out of a car.

What he has achieved is phenomenal with still more to come," said Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1's incoming CEO, in an official statement.

"All of us at Formula 1 congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition of his achievements and look forward to seeing more of his brilliance in 2021," he added.

Hamilton equaled Schumacher's record after an astounding performance in the Turkish Grand Prix in November this year, which was also his 10th victory of the season.

DON'T KNOW WHETHER LIVERPOOL WILL SIGN CENTREBACKS: KLOPP Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that he does not know whether the club will be looking to sign a centre-back during the transfer window, despite their injury concerns.

Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are out with longterm knee injuries and Joel Matip is recovering from an adductor problem and as a result, Liverpool is without their three recognised defenders.

Midfielder Fabinho has been filling in for these injury concerns while

19-year-old Rhys Williams made his Premier League debut against Tottenham in December last year.

"We have solutions in the squad obviously, but we struggled still with injuries.

For most of the time with centre-half position, it can happen like this -- when it starts, it does not stop.

We have solutions with the squad but if we can do something in the window, I don't know. It is like that," Goal.com quoted Klopp as saying.

"It is a very difficult transfer

window, as you can imagine.

Not all of the clubs have real money. Just doing something makes no sense. Doing the right thing makes sense. So far, we have really liked what we have done," he added.

Liverpool is currently at the top of Premier League 202021 standings with 33 points from 16 matches.

The side will next take on Southampton later in the Premier League and if the side wins the clash, it can gain a 3-point advantage at the top.

SPORTS

RONALDO OVERTAKES PELE TO BECOME 2ND HIGHEST GOALSCORER EVER AS JUVENTUS BEAT UDINESE Five-time Ballond'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Brazilian legend Pele to become the second-highest goal scorer ever after scoring a brace for Juventus in the Serie A clash against Udinese recently.

Ronaldo netted his 757th and 758th career goal in either half of a 4-1 win as Juventus got back to winning ways in Serie A. Summer signing Federico Chiesa and Paulo Dybala also got their name on the scoresheet, but Ronaldo stole the limelight with his record-breaking feat.

Juventus superstar now sits second in the list of all-time goal-scoring charts in football, only behind Austrian-Czech legend Josef Bican, who had netted 805 official goals in 530

matches between 1932 and 1955. Bican had played for the likes of Slavia Prague, Rapid Vienna along with representing Austria and Czechoslovakia at the international level.

Ronaldo's first-half strike marked the 15th consecutive season he has plundered 20 goals for club and country.

Ronaldo followed that up with an assist and another goal to complete a wonderful individual performance, and he has now scored twice in six Serie A matches this season, a joint-record alongside Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski across the big five European leagues.

The defending champions are at the fifth spot with 27 points in 14 games.

BEIJING 2022 UNVEILS SEAL-CARVING STYLE PICTOGRAMS The Beijing 2022 organising committee BOCOG on New year’s eve, released gala 30 pictograms for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which are inspired

by Chinese calligraphy and seal carving.

which is the first city to host both Summer and Winter Games, and constitute a vivid example of how Olympic legacies are carried on," said Lin, who is also the chief designer for Beijing 2022 emblems.

The pictograms will also have a kinetic form to attract the younger generation to Beijing 2022 and the millennium-old craft, a historic first for an Olympic Winter Games.

The 30 pictograms, 24 for the Winter Olympics and six for the Paralympics, were finalized with the work of half a year before the final appreciation of the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and every International Winter Sports Federations.

"Our earnest hope is to present China's cultural system through these tiny sports logos. The Olympics is a platform for China to express itself, and these pictograms encompass its tradition and modernity," said Lin Cunzhen, chief designer of the pictograms, Xinhua news reports.

When the graver carves into the surface of a seal, chips are presented as ice and snow splashes when the "athletes" move in the

animated pictograms.

craft," he said.

Zhang Mingguan, an engraver and professor with China's Central Academy of Fine Arts, who was in charge of carving out the designs, believes kinetic pictograms add vigor into the traditional art.

The style also brings back the memory of the 2008 Summer Games in the Chinese capital. The emblem for the city's firstever Olympics was a red Chinese seal enclosing a lively dancing figure that resembles the Chinese character "Jing," which means capital.

"Some young people may feel calligraphy and carving are distant, so we want to deconstruct the art form and let them understand the

According to Lin, the seal carving style demonstrates

winter sports' speed and strength and echoes the 2008 Games. This time the design captures the style of the Han Dynasty some 2,000 years ago, which was a golden age in Chinese seal carving. Although the sports logos resemble Chinese characters, they do not have a reference to any specific ones.

"These two designs will imprint on Olympic history the cultural mark of Beijing, Floyd Mayweather

"You cannot catch the sense of the sport without drawing one hundred sketches, and some take even a thousand," recalled Lin, who repeatedly consulted experts in each sport.

Each pictogram has two renderings in Zhuwen and Baiwen. Zhuwen, which literally means red characters, are imprinted by

cameo carved seals while Baiwen, or white characters, are left by intaglio carved seals.

Moreover, the colour red is the 'Glowing Red' from the Games' colour system, which represents the ink paste and goes with the seals, to stay consistent with the look of the Games as well as add a festive vibe to the Games, which will overlap with the Chinese New Year in 2022.

"It's another example of presenting time-honoured Chinese art in a modern way while integrating the quintessence of Chinese culture into sports presentation on the Olympic stage," said Gao Tian, vice director of the culture and ceremonies department.

According to the organisers, the pictograms will be applied in various formats, including event signposting, advertising, communications, TV broadcasting and souvenir design.

2 - 8 JANUARY 2021

SPORTS

SEVEN-TIME F1 CHAMPION LEWIS HAMILTON KNIGHTED IN UK HONOURS LIST Page 30

RONALDO OVERTAKES PELE TO BECOME 2ND HIGHEST GOALSCORER EVER AS JUVENTUS BEAT UDINESE Page 31

PCB AWARDS: BABAR AZAM NAMED ‘MOST VALUABLE CRICKETER’ WHILE FATIMA SANA TAKES ‘EMERGING WOMEN’S CRICKETER’ TITLE AT ANNUAL CRICKET AWARDS Despite the pandemic that forced limited cricket, Pakistan’s premier batsman Babar Azam managed to leave his impact in the few opportunities he got.

Following his brilliance in 2020, Babar was named the ‘Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year’ and the ‘White Ball Cricketer of the Year’ by the Pakistan Cricket Board on New year’s day.

The stylish top-order batsman amassed 338 runs in four Tests at an average of 67.6.

In limited-overs cricket, he was stupendous as he scored a total of 221 runs in three outings at an average of 110.5 in ODIs. In T20Is, he scored 1681 runs at an average of 55.2.

With such numbers, Babar is without a doubt the best player in Pakistan right now.

At just age 26, Babar could certainly make International cricket really exciting.

It was also good to see Women’s cricket being acknowledged with Fatima Sana taking the emerging cricketer title. At just 19 years old, Fatima Sana is one of the youngest members of Pakistan’s squad.

Although inexperienced on the international stage, she has impressed representing the PCB Challengers in the National Triangular T20 Women’s Championship 201920 in Pakistan.

Mohammad Rizwan – who has replaced Sarfaraz Ahmed as the wicketkeeper for Pakistan – won the prestigious Test Cricketer of the Year. He scored 302 runs at an average of 43.14 in 2020.

He also has 12 dismissals to his name in five Tests this year.

Fawad Alam’s brilliant 102 versus New Zealand in the first Test was the ‘Individual Performance of the Year’.

Another big award went to young pacer Naseem Shah who won the ‘Men’s Emerging International Cricketer of the Year’ Aliya Riaz was named the ‘Women’s Cricketer of the Year’.

LIST OF ALL WINNERS: • Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam • Test Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan • White-ball Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam • Individual Performance of the Year – Fawad Alam (102 v New Zealand, 1st Test) • Women’s Cricketer of the Year – Aliya Riaz • Domestic Cricketer of the Year – Kamran Ghulam • Corporate Achievement of the Year – First-ever HBL PSL 2020 in Pakistan • Men’s Emerging International Cricketer of the Year – Naseem Shah • Men’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year – Rohail Nazir • Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year – Fatima Sana