Finalists for the fourth annual Asian Media Awards (AMA’s) were announced this Monday, with five Leicester based names appearing in six of the shortlisted categories.
Celebrating achievement in the areas of journalism, online, print, radio, television, PR, marketing and live events, the AMA’s recognise the growing strengths of British Asian media. Leicester’s accomplishments range from print publications to live stage performances, with some nominees appearing on multiple shortlists.
The first of two names to appear cross category is Raj Baddhan. Station Manager and Drivetime Presenter for Sabras Radio, Raj finds himself a finalist for the Regional Radio Station of the Year award, as well as competing in the Best Website category for his own company, BizAsiaLive.com.
Best Stage Production sees two Leicester finalists appear in the shortlist; the Curve Theatre, nominated for its production of Ishy Din’s play Wipers, and Bring on the Bollywood, written and directed by Samir Bhamra, Artistic Director of Phizzical Productions.
Commissioned by the Curve and co-produced with Belgrade Theatre Coventry and Watford Palace Theatre, Wipers is based on the true story of Khuddadad Khan, the first South Asian Soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his efforts in World War I.
Curve Associate Director, Suba Das, said: “Challenging stereotypes and changing perspectives is one of the most powerful things theatre can do. It’s an absolute thrill Wipers has been recognised by the Asian Media Awards.”
Also produced in association with Belgrade Theatre, Samir Bhamra’s Bring on the Bollywood fuses real love stories of young British Asians with classic British literature.
Samir is also in the running for Best Live Event, thanks to his 14 year involvement with the London Asian Film Festival. Speaking of both nominations, Samir said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to be nominated in two categories in the Asian Media Awards. We are pushing boundaries and overlapping with global cultures through art and films to have a broad crossover appeal.”
In print, Pukaar Magazine, a quarterly publication committed to celebrating the diversity of Leicester, takes its place as a finalist in the Publication of the year Category. Editor, Jessica Challoner-Sterland, said: “It’s wonderful to be nominated for this award. Whether we win or not, to have your hard work recognised alongside other such great contenders is a privilege.”
Finally, ITV News Central reporter, Rajiv Popat received a nomination for Regional Journalist of the Year. Rajiv said: “It’s an honour to be nominated for the Asian Media Awards, which recognises the fantastic work produced by colleagues throughout the country. I’d like to congratulate the other nominees in Leicester, who truly deserve to win. Come on Leicester!!”
The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday 27th October, 2016 at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate. The full shortlist can be found on the official Asian Media Awards website: http://asianmediaawards.com/
By Jennifer Morris
