Asian Business Awards: Bestway Group named Asian Business of the Year
By Eastern Eye StaffNov 20, 2021
ONE OF BRITAIN’S leading wholesale companies won the coveted top award at the Asian Business Awards, hosted by Eastern Eye, on Friday (19).
Bestway Group was named Asian Business of the Year at a gala event held at the newly opened Londoner in Leicester Square.
Founded by Sir Anwar Pervez and his school friends, the group runs not only the country’s second largest wholesale chain but also the Well Pharmacy Group as well as Pakistan’s second largest cement business and the country’s third largest bank.
It grew from a single wholesale depot in London to a business whose revenues are now in excess of £4 billion.
In all, 10 awards were presented on the night as the Asian Business Awards returned to their pre-Covid format after pandemic lockdown restrictions last year.
Shailesh and Kalpesh Solanki launch the Asian Rich List with GP Hinduja.
Topping the list were the Hinduja family with an estimated wealth of £27.5 billion, followed by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal and his son Aditya (14.2bn) and mining magnate Anil Agrawal of Vedanta (7.5bn).
Some 400 guests, among them powerful politicians, multimillionaire entrepreneurs and captains of industry, gathered in a Covid-safe ceremony to celebrate the best of Asian businesses at the Londoner, a luxury hotel in central London, owned by leading Indian hotelier Jasminder Singh.
The Asian Business Awards are hosted by the Asian Media Group, which publishes Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat news weeklies as well as the Asian Rich List and the GG2 Power List.
It was the first awards event hosted by AMG after pandemic restrictions were lifted earlier this summer.
AMG managing editor Kalpesh Solanki said, “For 23 years the Asian Business Awards has been seen as the most significant and important way of recognising and encouraging excellence in the Asian business community.”
Noting the impact of the pandemic on people and communities, he said, “Businesses big and small have played a vital and integral role over the past 18 months.
“So it’s our duty to shine a light on these businesses and ensure we collectively applaud the great work of entrepreneurs.
“It’s important we pull the country and society out of these severe times and play our part in rebuilding the economy.”
Britain’s best Asian businesses were recognised on the evening as an array of awards were presented.
Sir Anwar Pervez’s son Dawood collected the Asian Business of the Year Award.
Ritu Sethi, senior partner of The Sethi Partner Solicitors, won the Businesswoman of the Year, sponsored by the Royal Mint. Her commercially successful firm is respected in the industry for the range and quality of its legal work.
Ritu Sethi (in sari) of the Sethi Partner Solicitors, won the Businesswoman of the Year.
Hovis CEO Nish Kankiwala, who has wide experience in running some of world’s biggest food and drink companies, was named The Asian Business CEO of the Year.
Nish Kanikwala of Hovis was the Asian Business CEO of the Year.
India-born Kankiwala is known to spend three weeks every six months visiting Hovis’ factories where he talks to colleagues, seeking their feedback.
Westminster Development Services (Hinduja Group) won the Restoration of the Year award for its work on the Old War Office, which will open as a Raffles Hotel next year and which also is marketing 85 private apartments as OWO Residences.
Sun Mark Limited, an export major with a portfolio of leading own brand products was the winner of the Asian Business Food and Drink Award 2021. Founded by Lord Rami Ranger, it has won many prestigious accolades, among them the Queen’s award for enterprise.
Sun Mark won the Asian Business Food and Drink Award 2021. Lord Ranger’s son-in-law Sunny Ahuja collected the award.
Lord Ranger’s son-in-law, who is in charge of the daily operations of the company, collected the award.
One of India’s best-known banks and a familiar name to most of the community in the UK, the State Bank of India, was named the Asian Business Bank of the Year. Throughout the pandemic, the bank remained open as an essential service and also provided its customers seamless service through its online operations and mobile app.
The Asian Business Property Developer of the Year Award was presented to Westcombe Group, which specialises in taking on Grade II listed buildings – converting schools, hospitals and army barracks into luxury accommodation.
Star Pacific, is one the fastest growing FMCG export wholesalers, was the winner of the Fast Growth Business of the Year award, supported by OakNorth Bank.
Since its establishment in 2010, Star Pacific has worked with some the world’s biggest grocery companies to export more than 500 product lines from its base in Hayes, Middlesex.
Indian industrialist Anil Agarwal, chairman of the Vedanta Foundation and the Anil Agarwal Foundation, was presented the Asian Business Philanthropy Award.
Anil Agarwal Foundation was presented the Asian Business Philanthropy Award.
The group is involved in charitable initiatives relating to education, health, ecological projects, sport and culture. Agarwal’s Healthy Villages Campaign, backing his Nand Ghar scheme, aims to improve rural healthcare centres and eradicate malnutrition, provide education and vital welfare services in India.
And in a year which showed the important role carehomes play, Angel Care/MS Care plc won the Care Home Operator of the Year, with Sandip Ruparelia, managing director of the company, collecting the award.
Ruparelia and his family run some the country’s leading care and nursing homes, including a purpose-built home for elderly Asians in Harrow, north London.
B&M CEO Simon Arora, Bestway’s Dawood Pervez and Vedanta’s Agrawal also took part in a panel discussion to talk about the impact of the pandemic and how businesses play a vital role in communities.
Guests at the event gave generously to Pratham, an education-focused charity in India.
Tributes were also paid to Ramniklal Solanki, who founded Garavi Gujarat, and who passed away in March 2020.
His son Kalpesh said, “We miss him dearly. He was a true pioneer; a leader and a heavy weight in his field winning accolades for his journalism.
“He received honours from the Queen - both an OBE and CBE, but his biggest honour was to help thousands of people and more importantly he gave us a voice. Not just a voice but one that was respected and heard.”
BBC presenter Nihal Arthanayake hosted the event, where sponsors and supporters included the Koolesh Shah Family Foundation, OakNorth Bank, The Londoner Hotel, Royal Mint, The Westcombe Group and Zee Entertainment UK.
To purchase a copy, see www.easterneye.biz/ARL/subscribe/ or via email Saurin Shah saurin.shah@amg.biz or by calling 0207 654 7737.
A London street has been turned into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series
Locals in Upminster say they were not told filming was for the HBO remake
Some residents fear being “bombarded with wizards” while others are thrilled
Cast includes Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout
A quiet street in east London has been transformed into Privet Drive for the new Harry Potter series, but locals are unhappy they were not properly informed about the filming. Springfield Gardens in Upminster, chosen to double as the boy wizard’s childhood home, has left neighbours divided, with some welcoming the attention while others worry they will be “bombarded with wizards.” The HBO production, part of a major reboot, has already brought cameras, drones and fans to the area.
The new Harry Potter series stars Arabella Stanton, Dominic McLaughlin and Alastair Stout Instagram/harrypotterhbonotofficial
Why is Harry Potter filming in London’s Upminster?
The new Harry Potter series, commissioned by HBO, is reimagining J.K. Rowling’s story for television. Springfield Gardens, a 1930s Tudor-style street in Upminster, was selected to represent Privet Drive, where Harry spent his early years with the Dursleys.
Filming began in June, with drone shots and cameras set up across the residential area. While residents received letters about filming, many say they were not told it was for Harry Potter, which has fuelled frustration given the global scale of the franchise.
What have residents said about the Harry Potter filming?
Local mother Katie, 42, said she was shocked to discover her home featured on Harry Potter fan pages without her consent. “We just saw some cameras outside, they never said what it was for. We are going to get bombarded with wizards,” she told the Telegraph.
Her husband Wayne added that he only realised their house was being used after work colleagues showed him press coverage. “Some guys from my work were like ‘look, they have picked the new Harry Potter house’ and it was my home. At no point did they say it was Harry Potter, so it was a bit of a shock,” he said.
Some neighbours, however, welcomed the project. Sue Baldwin, 63, a self-confessed superfan, said: “I am Harry Potter mad. We love to go to Disneyland to see all the Harry Potter stuff. My grandkids love the films so when I called my daughter to tell her, she thought it was amazing.”
The Harry Potter reboot becomes the most expensive TV show ever Amazon
Who stars in the new Harry Potter series?
The television reboot has introduced a new cast to play the beloved trio. Arabella Stanton takes on the role of Hermione Granger, Dominic McLaughlin will play Harry Potter, and Alastair Stout has been cast as Ron Weasley.
British actor Nick Frost has also been spotted during filming, transformed into Hagrid. The production is expected to run for several years, with each season covering one book from the seven-part saga.
How are residents preparing for Harry Potter fans?
Since the news broke, fans have already started visiting Springfield Gardens to take photos outside the houses. Some residents have joked about selling Harry Potter merchandise, while others worry about safety and privacy as crowds grow.
One father living on the street said: “We have already had people outside after dark when we have two young kids, which is very strange. I think it is a mixed bag, some people are excited, and some are concerned.”
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Justin Bieber makes surprise entry at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles
Justin Bieber makes unexpected appearance at an Indian wedding in Los Angeles
Bride and guests left delighted as the pop star mingled and posed for photos
Videos and pictures of the moment spread widely online, with fans praising him
The singer recently released his new album Swag featuring multiple collaborations
Pop icon Justin Bieber surprised an Indian bride at her wedding in Los Angeles, turning her big day into an unforgettable celebration. The Justin Bieber wedding surprise quickly spread across social media, with photos and videos showing the star smiling, mingling with guests, and posing with the bridal squad. His warm gesture has been hailed by fans, with many calling it the best wedding gift ever.
Justin Bieber makes surprise entry at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles Instagram/justinstournews
What happened at the Justin Bieber wedding surprise?
A clip shared by a fan page showed Bieber walking into the wedding venue unexpectedly, leaving the bride and her guests visibly thrilled. The video carried the caption: “Justin Bieber surprised a bride for her wedding in Los Angeles, CA.”
For the occasion, the Canadian singer kept his look relaxed in a plain white T-shirt and blue shorts, paired with a bold blue fur jacket. The bride dazzled in a traditional green saree, accessorised with gold jewellery and kaleeras tied to her wrists. The mix of Hollywood cool and Indian tradition clearly gave the ceremony a unique charm.
How did fans react to Justin Bieber at the wedding?
The candid footage of Bieber chatting and taking photos with the bridesmaids quickly drew attention online. Admirers flooded social media with heartfelt comments. One wrote, “He’s the sweetest.” Another said, “She is so lucky – best surprise and wedding gift for her.”
A different fan gushed, “SO CUTEEE OMGGG she’s so lucky! @lilbieber I don’t even have a man but come to my wedding pls.” Some even joked that they would have cried if they were in the bride’s place. While many praised his kindness, a few questioned his unusual choice of outfit for the occasion.
Has Justin Bieber attended Indian weddings before?
This is not the first time Bieber has been part of an Indian wedding celebration. In 2024, he performed at the sangeet of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai. The high-profile event also saw international stars Rihanna and Katy Perry perform.
The Los Angeles appearance, though far more casual, showcased a more spontaneous side of the pop star and delighted fans who are used to seeing him only on global stages.
Beyond weddings, Bieber recently made headlines for his return to music. On 11 July 2025, he dropped his seventh studio album Swag without prior notice. The album features collaborations with artists including Gunna, Druski, Dijon, Lil B, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, Eddie Benjamin, and gospel legend Marvin Winans.
The unexpected release has been widely discussed among music followers, with fans praising the fresh sound and diverse guest appearances. The wedding surprise, combined with the album’s release, signals a busy and memorable phase for the star.
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Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain
Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.
Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra
Is Jee Le Zaraa cancelled?
During an interview, Akhtar addressed whether the film had been dropped altogether. He said:
“I would hate to say that it’s shelved. What I will say is that it’s put on a back burner. It is a film that will happen. I don’t know when it will be. But it’s too delicious a script.”
He added that extensive pre-production work, including location scouting and music recording, had already been completed, confirming that the creative groundwork for the film is in place.
When asked about the previously announced cast, Akhtar admitted that he could no longer comment. “I can’t comment on the cast on that anymore,” he said, hinting that the lineup featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt may not be final. The uncertainty around casting has been one of the biggest reasons behind the prolonged delay.
Industry reports previously suggested that the global work commitments of Chopra and the packed schedules of Kaif and Bhatt created significant challenges in aligning dates for the shoot.
The delay has been attributed primarily to calendar clashes. In an earlier interview, Akhtar explained that conflicting schedules were the main hurdle, especially after the Hollywood actors’ strike disrupted Chopra’s availability. “We just have issues with dates,” he said, adding that the film seems to have “a destiny of its own.”
Since then, speculation has grown over whether the trio of stars originally attached will still be part of the project, but Akhtar’s recent remarks confirm that while the cast may be uncertain, the film itself remains in motion.
Fans await clarity on whether Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif will reunite on screen in Jee Le ZaraaGetty Images
What is Jee Le Zaraa about?
Jee Le Zaraa was announced in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of Akhtar’s debut film Dil Chahta Hai. It was promoted as a female-led road trip drama, echoing the friendship themes of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The script has been co-written by Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, with production under Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films.
When it was first revealed, Chopra described the film as “a celebration of sisterhood and friendship,” sharing that the idea emerged from her desire to create a Hindi film headlined by three women. The initial announcement, featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt together, created huge excitement among fans.
While Jee Le Zaraa remains on hold, Akhtar is currently focusing on Don 3, which will star Ranveer Singh. The film is expected to begin production once Singh completes his current projects.
Akhtar is also preparing for the release of 120 Bahadur, a war drama in which he plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led Indian troops at the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The film is slated for release on 21 November.
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Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi met Russian president Vladimir Putin and Chinese president Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China.
Modi pressed for ending the Ukraine conflict at the earliest, reaffirmed India’s long-standing ties with Russia, and discussed trade and border issues with Xi.
Modi, in his address, called the Pahalgam terror attack “an assault on India’s conscience” and “an open challenge to every nation that believes in humanity.” He said combating terrorism is a “duty towards humanity.” The SCO declaration echoed this, with leaders strongly condemning the attack and stressing the need for united global efforts against terrorism.
“The member states strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22,” it said.
“They (member states) expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the dead and the wounded. They further stated that perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of such attacks must be brought to justice,” the declaration said.
2. Modi–Xi meeting on trade and border issues
Modi and Xi agreed to expand trade and investment ties to stabilise global commerce and deepen cooperation to address common challenges.
Modi thanked Xi, the Chinese government and the people of China for the successful organisation of the summit, his first visit to the country in seven years.
Modi said an atmosphere of "peace and stability" has been created on their disputed Himalayan border, the site of a prolonged military standoff after deadly troop clashes in 2020, which froze most areas of cooperation between the nuclear-armed strategic rivals.
3. Modi–Putin meeting on Ukraine and bilateral cooperation
Modi told Putin, “The call of humanity is to end the conflict as soon as possible and find ways to bring permanent peace to the region.”
He welcomed peace initiatives and emphasised a durable settlement. Putin, addressing Modi as “Dear Mr Prime Minister, dear friend,” said Russia and India had maintained “friendly and trusting” ties for decades.
The leaders discussed cooperation in trade, fertilisers, space, energy, security and culture, reaffirming the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
4. Modi–Putin private conversation in limousine
Before their formal meeting, Putin offered Modi a ride in his Aurus limousine.
The two leaders held a one-to-one conversation for nearly an hour inside the car.
Modi later shared a photograph on social media, writing, “Conversations with him are always insightful.”
Modi said India is waiting to receive Putin later this year. The Russian president is scheduled to travel to India in December for summit talks.
5. Xi’s call for SCO development bank
Xi Jinping said the SCO’s “international influence and appeal are increasing day by day.”
He urged members to accelerate creation of a development bank and announced initiatives including scholarships, PhD programmes, livelihood projects and AI cooperation centres.
He also proposed closer cooperation in energy, infrastructure, digital economy, science and green industries.
6. Condemnation of Gaza strikes
The SCO members also criticised the military strikes by Israel in Gaza, noting that they have caused civilian casualties and created a humanitarian crisis in the region.
The SCO also condemned terror strikes in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, including those in Khuzdar and on the Jaffer Express.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.
A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.
The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said more than 1.2 million people likely experienced strong or very strong shaking.
Heavy toll in Kunar province
Near the epicentre in eastern Afghanistan, about 800 people were killed and 2,500 injured in Kunar province alone, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
In neighbouring Nangarhar province, another 12 people died and 255 were injured, he added.
"Numerous houses were destroyed," interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told AFP.
Many Afghans live in mud-brick homes that are highly vulnerable to collapse.
Remote villages cut off
Some villages in Kunar province remain inaccessible due to blocked roads, the UN migration agency said in a statement to AFP.
The Taliban authorities and the United Nations mobilised rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas. The defence ministry said 40 flights had been carried out so far.
A member of Kunar’s agricultural department in Nurgal district said locals had rushed to clear blocked roads to reach cut-off villages, but the areas worst affected were remote with limited telecoms access.
"There is a lot of fear and tension... Children and women were screaming. We had never experienced anything like this in our lives," Ijaz Ulhaq Yaad told AFP.
He added that many people in the quake-hit villages were among the more than four million Afghans who have returned from Iran and Pakistan in recent years.
"They wanted to build their homes here."
Quake details
According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of eight kilometres and was located 27 kilometres from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province.
Both Nangarhar and Kunar provinces border Pakistan. The nearby Torkham crossing has seen repeated waves of Afghan returnees, often with no jobs or shelter.
International response
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences, joining the Taliban government and several nations in offering sympathy.
"I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today," he said.
Aftershocks and frequent quakes
At least five aftershocks followed the initial quake, the strongest a magnitude 5.2 just after 4:00 am (2330 GMT Sunday).
Afghanistan experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.
Nangarhar province was also hit by flooding between Friday night and Saturday, which killed five people and destroyed crops and property, provincial officials said.
In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck western Herat province, killing more than 1,500 people and damaging or destroying more than 63,000 homes.
In June 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake hit eastern Paktika province, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
Ongoing crises
Afghanistan, already facing humanitarian challenges after decades of war, has limited capacity to respond to disasters. Since the Taliban’s return, foreign aid has been sharply reduced, further straining resources.