Global music phenomenon, Zayn Malik, Bollywood superstar, Shah Rukh Khan, renowned fashion designer John Rocha and cricket legend Kumar Sangakkara were among the big winners at the fifth annual The Asian Awards a global celebration of Pan Asian excellence, on April 17th at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. Fashion icon, Gok Wan hosted The Asian Awards, in Partnership with the British Asian Trust, and saw an exclusive performance from the cast of Gurinder Chadha’s upcoming West End extravaganza, Bend It Like Beckham – The Musical. The event itself dazzled with an array of A-list celebrities, dignitaries and influencers, including Zayn Malik, Mila Kunis, Gary Linekar, the Hinduja Brothers, Naughty Boy and Shah Rukh Khan. Picking up the award for Outstanding Contribution to Music, was Zayn Malik, who propelled to stardom with One Direction and is now one of the most influential music artists of our time. Bollywood icon, Shah Rukh Khan won the Outstanding Contribution to Cinema award, while co-founder of China’s largest e-commerce business, Alibaba Group, Jack Ma, won the Entrepreneur of the Year award, collected by Molly Morgan, of Alibaba Europe.
To receiving the award Shah Rukh Khan said, “I am extremely humbled and honored to receive this award. I say this very often that my stardom belongs to most South East Asians who reside abroad who have made the Indian cinema and me known around the world. I congratulate all the winners at the Asian Awards as well. There is so much talent around Asia and so many achievers, whether is was Dr Amar Bose, the Hinduja Brothers or Zayn Malik. I am glad to have been a part of such a wonderful celebration of hard work by people in difference field but similar passion.”
Prolific Sri Lankan batsman, Kumar Sangakkara was awarded with Outstanding Contribution to Sport; the Outstanding Achievement in Science & Technology went to experimental particle physicist, Sir Tejinder Singh Virdee and the Outstanding Achievement in Television award went to comedian, actor and broadcaster, Sanjeev Bhaskar.
The illustrious Hinduja Brothers were awarded as Business Leaders of the Year; while Gopi Gopalakrishnan, President of World Health Partners, which has helped several million patients around the world, won the Chivas Regal Social Entrepreneur category.
Acclaimed designer, John Rocha, picked up the award for Outstanding Achievement in Art & Design and the coveted Founders Award was presented posthumously to Dr. Amar Bose, founder of Bose Corporation, for his remarkable contribution to technology. His daughter Maya Bose flew in from California to collect the award. Launched in 2010 by Paul Sagoo, entrepreneur and Founder of the Lemon Group, The Asian Awards, in Partnership with the British Asian Trust has quickly evolved into one of the world’s biggest celebrations of Asian excellence. Paul said, “We are absolutely thrilled with the staggering success of The Asian Awards this year and the remarkable level of support we’ve received. From Prime Minister David Cameron to global superstars like Zayn Malik and Shah Rukh Khan, joining us for this superb gathering of some of the world’s most inspirational and powerful people.”
“I’m so proud of the way The Asian Awards are evolving. They have truly grown into a voice for the Pan Asian community to celebrate its own success – as well as become a way to share the stories and achievements and lives of these great people with the world, to inspire the millions of us who strive to be the best we can.”
Previous winners at The Asian Awards include Sir Ben Kingsley, Jackie Chan, Sachin Tendulkar, Bruce Lee, Sir David Tang, Freddie Mercury and Ahmed Kathrada who was jailed alongside Nelson Mandala on Robben Island in the fight against apartheid.
The panel of judges is made up of key business people, cultural leaders and eminent political figures, led by the prominent Asian entrepreneur Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea. Judges include, Michelle Mone OBE; Philip Bernie, BBC’s Head of Sport; Gurinder Chadha, Film Director and Matthew Freud, CEO Freud Communications.
#TheAsianAwards @iamsrk pic.twitter.com/YTgDzhYcPV
— The Asian Awards (@TheAsianAwards) April 17, 2015
#TheAsianAwards @iamsrk accepts his award pic.twitter.com/rp1RZhjZpu
— The Asian Awards (@TheAsianAwards) April 17, 2015
