Superstar thanks his fans for box office bonanza Riding high on the success of Bollywood blockbusters “Gabbar Is Back” and “Baby”, international superstar Akshay Kumar says it feels really great to be appreciated by your audience and fans. ‘I am just so overwhelmed with all the love that people shower on me. I don’t know what to do… how to return their love. The more I try to give back, the more it multiplies. It is just unbelievable. They recently put a huge garland on my film’s poster. I want to say that I love them all’, Akshay told India’s leading national daily Hindustan Times recently.
Akshay has been flooded with calls and messages from not just his fans but also from politicians, who congratulated him for taking up the issue of corruption in his latest project “Gabbar Is Back”. Akshay firmly believes that because the film was received well by so many fans, the social message in the film has also reached many people. “I do hope we all become anti-corruption at a personal level and instead of harassing a guy who jumps the ¬signal, we put those involved in ghotalas of ¬billions in the dock. Most of the ¬incidents in Gabbar… are based on ¬real-life incidents” … the international icon was quoted as saying to Hindustan Times.
Running strong for the fourth week, Gabbar is Back is a mass entertainer where the actor plays the role of a vigilante. The film carries a strong message against corruption where the actor throws in some power-packed punches. Gabbar is a story of a common man, Ajay (Akshay Kumar) wronged by the establishment, who starts the Anti-Corruption Force (ACF) that aims to track down and cease the corrupt strata of society.
Akshay Kumar is India’s most bankable star and according to many close to Akshay, both professionally and personally, the secret to the actor’s enduring appeal, ongoing and recent box office success and longevity is his winning formula for choosing commercially viable films and his no-nonsense, ultra-professional approach towards his work. Akshay Kumar is one of the few stars in India who has consistently given a break to first-time directors, producers and newcomers.
The international superstar has two other high profile films lined up for release later this year – Brothers and Singh Is Bliing
Gabbar is Back is on general release internationally.
BOLTON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Wigan manager Uwe Rosler during the Sky Bet Championship match between Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic at Macron Stadium on November 7, 2014 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
By Ayyaz Malik
Update 16:40pm Uwe Rosler has been confirmed as Leeds’ new Manager
News: 10.56 am Former Wigan and Brentford manager Uwe Rosler is set to become Leeds’ new manager. The former Manchester City striker who lost his job at Wigan would replace Neil Redfern who has been publicly been called a ‘baby’ and a ‘weak man’ by Leeds’ maverick owner Massimo Chellino.
Speculation has been mounting on the former Bradford midfielders future as manager of Leeds United ever since his trusted assistant Steve Thompson left earlier in the season, a story which here at Asian Sunday we covered earlier in the season.
Ever since that point speculation has been increasing, in the midst of the dismissal of Thompson, Redfearn did say he ‘wasn’t sure’ of his position and if he will stay on as Leeds United manager. If as expected Rosler does become the Leeds manager, the German will be Leeds’ fifth in the last five years . The job at Elland Road will see Rosler back in management after losing his job after losing his job in Wigan in November.
A press conference is expected at 15:00 GMT today 20th May to confirm the expected appointment.
MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 11: Had coach Luis Enrique looks on during a FC Barcelona training session on the eve of the UEFA Champions League semi final second leg match against FC Barcelona at Allianz Arena on May 11, 2015 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Bongarts/Getty Images,)
The Spanish title race turned race which at one stage was a three horse race, turned out to be a predictable race in the end. Barcelona and the two Madrid sides (Real and Atletico) were all fighting it out to be the ‘top dogs’ in Spain.
Until christmas this was very much the case as all three sides were winning and the gap at the top was very small – but fast forward few months where there were a few key injuries to Real’s star players and slowly but surely that would see the end to their hopes.
As for Real’s city rivals Atletico too many dropped points meant there title race and title defence ended prematurely in comparison to Barcelona . Despite Barcelona winning the title under their manager Luis Enrique with a 1-0 win over defending champions Ateltico – and being on course for a treble, Spanish football is under the spotlight for issues which are away from the sporting field.
This Barcelona who stand to be the the Barcelona second team to get a treble in their manager’s debut season after Pep Guardiola. Now though they find themselves caught in a battle of a different type. For so many years Barcelona and Real Madrid have enjoyed the bulk of the TV revenue that has come in for the rights to screen matches on specialist sporting TV stations. Now that is about to change as the other clubs in La Liga have voiced their frustrations of the monopoly that Real and Barca have enjoyed.
To highlight the issue of lack of equality in terms of TV revenue distribution saw Atletico Madrid (last years La Liga champions as a matter of fact be some £400 million in debt). It’s cases such as Ateltico that only highlight the money divide in Spain.
Such was the discontent of the other clubs that the Spanish league was in danger of chaos as strike action was called for – and the possibility of Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey final against Atletic Bilbao being called off was very real, as well as the remaining league games. However such didn’t happen… for now – but according to Spanish football experts, discussions of strike action could be reopened in June as the other Spanish clubs are growing discontent with the money divide from TV revenue.
In countries such as England, revenue is evenly shared and in 2013 in fact Cardiff who got relegated form the premier league that year, earned more TV revenue than 20 time English champions. With facts like that, it’s easier to understand why the other Spanish clubs are taking the action they have taken. What else must be turning Spanish football clubs heads is the eye watering £5.1 billion agreement that the premier league made with TV broadcasters such as BT and Sky.
The problem of TV money in Spain not being fairly distributed in Spain won’t go away until a fair deal is established for all. Football like anything else is based on money – and as they say money makes the world go round!
Following four successful years at the helm, Fatima Patel steps down as Editor of Asian Sunday newspaper and Asian Style magazine due to health issues. Asian Sunday first published in summer 2011 and has gone from strength to strength as the UK’s leading FREE Sunday newspaper.
Fatima’s successor is award-winning communications expert, British TV news presenter, journalist and a former media relations adviser to the Mayor of London, Hasina Momtaz. She will take over as Editor across both titles.
From the beginning, Asian Sunday set a bench mark within the Asian media print industry by offering a publication which focused on issues affecting British Asians living and working in the UK, with a particular vision to reach out to the wider community to offer a platform to learn more about the British Asian community’s interests, aspirations, business and lifestyle in the UK.
Asian Sunday has always been at the forefront of breaking news affecting the Bradford community and the Asian community at large. The publication will now be going national and will be available in over 100 supermarkets up and down the country, as well as airports, train stations and leading businesses and retail outlets.
Hasina advised at the heart of London governance for almost nine years, providing strategic and operational media relations counsel to two of the most well-known, high profile and controversial figures in British politics, Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson. During her time at City Hall, Hasina was part of the press team which led on some of the biggest and most challenging breaking news stories such as the London bombings.
Of the many roles in media and communications, Hasina has been Deputy Head of News and Media Relations for the Local Government Association (LGA) and Communications Business Partner at Transport for London (TfL). She presented a weekly English news programme on a leading British Bangladeshi TV station, bringing the top breaking news stories to audiences across the UK and Europe, written published articles for local and community newspapers in London and has been Director of Media (Executive Board Director) for the British Bangladesh Chamber of Women Entrepreneurs (BBCWE), a membership body supporting female British-Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and creating and nurturing female business leaders of the future.
Speaking about being appointed as the new Editor in Chief of Asian Sunday and Asian Style magazine, Hasina said:
“I’m delighted to take over as Editor in Chief of Asian Sunday newspaper and Asian Style magazine. The new national offering will consolidate and build upon the paper’s existing reputation as THE leading newspaper catering to the needs and aspirations of the Asian communities across the UK and beyond. I want to position Asian Sunday as the expert on the Asian communities across the country covering the full range of issues affecting them from politics to media to finance to the arts and culture to lifestyle, fashion and more. My reporters and columnists will keep the British Asian community updated on the top news stories affecting them as well as keeping them abreast of current thinking and the topical issues, viewpoints and debates that matter to them. By scratching beneath the surface, we will tell them what’s REALLY happening in the British Asian communities.
“There are no areas of British society that the Asian influence isn’t being felt and this influence is set to grow. I want Asian Sunday to be at the forefront of that growth –nurturing and creating the next generation of business leaders, politicians, newspaper owners, artists, entrepreneurs and more”.
She is included in both the “British-Bangladeshi Who’s Who” and the “Brightest 100”, annual publications highlighting the most successful and influential members of the British-Bangladeshi community.
National issues of Asian Sunday will be available from summer 2015.
For an information pack email info@asiansunday.co.uk
Taylor Swift was the big winner at this year’s Billboard music awards.
Not only did the singer premiere her new single Bad Blood – featuring the likes of Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar and Lily Aldridge – but the pop star also took home eight prizes including top artist, top female artist, top Billboard 200 Album, top Billboard 200 artist, top Hot 100 artist and top streaming song.
Swift bags most gongs at Billboards 2015
Luckily for the rest of the artists- Iggy Azalea, Pharrell Williams and Sam Smith, each won three awards, while One Direction, Hozier, Jason Aldean, Enrique Iglesias and John Legend, took home two.
Taylor’s supposedly new boyfriend Calvin Harris also picked up the award for top dance/electronic artist.
The evening which took place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas was hosted by Chrissy Teigen and Ludacris.
Here is the full list of winners:
TOP ARTIST Taylor Swift
TOP FEMALE ARTIST Taylor Swift
TOP RADIO SONG
John Legend, “All of Me”
TOP MALE ARTIST Sam Smith (WINNER)
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ARTIST Calvin Harris
TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST Taylor Swift
TOP LATIN ARTIST Romeo Santos
TOP ROCK ARTIST Hozier
TOP R&B ARTIST Pharrell Williams
TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST Sam Smith
TOP STREAMING ARTIST Iggy Azalea
TOP SOCIAL ARTIST Justin Bieber
TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST Taylor Swift
TOP HOT 100 ARTIST Taylor Swift
TOP NEW ARTIST Sam Smith
TOP RAP SONG Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX, “Fancy”
TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM
Taylor Swift, 1989
TOP DUO/GROUP One Direction
TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST Hillsong United
TOP SOUNDTRACK Frozen
TOP R&B ALBUM Pharrell Williams, G I R L
TOP RAP ALBUM J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
TOP COUNTRY ALBUM Jason Aldean, Old Boots, New Dirt
TOP ROCK ALBUM Coldplay, Ghost Stories
TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM Lecrae, Anomaly
TOP DIGITAL SONG Meghan Trainor, “All About That Bass”
TOP LATIN ALBUM Enrique Iglesias, Sex and Love
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC ALBUM Lindsey Stirling, Shatter Me
TOP TOURING ARTIST One Direction
TOP RAP ARTIST Iggy Azalea
TOP COUNTRY ARTIST Florida Georgia Line
TOP HOT 100 SONG Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO) John Legend, “All of Me”
TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO) Taylor Swift, “Shake It Off”
TOP R&B SONG Pharrell Williams, “Happy”
TOP COUNTRY SONG Jason Aldean, “Burnin’ It Down”
TOP ROCK SONG Hozier, “Take Me to Church”
TOP LATIN SONG Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona, “Bailando”
TOP DANCE/ELECTRONIC SONG DJ Snake & Lil Jon, “Turn Down For What”
TOP CHRISTIAN SONG Carrie Underwood, “Something in the Water”
BILLBOARD CHART ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG GALAXY (FAN-VOTED) Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift debuted her anticipated new video “Bad Blood” last night at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas.
The video,which features Kendrick Lamar A.KA. ‘Melvin Da Great’, sees Swift star in a mini all-female superhero film.
Taylor Swift’s new star-studded cast
The new video, following weeks of social media teases stars a host of well-known actresses, singers and models including Lena Dunham, Jessica Alba, Ellie Goulding and Cara Delevingne to name a few.
The Sci-Fi single is the fourth single from Taylor’s album 1989. The video epic has been produced by Taylor Swift herself and directed by Joseph Kahn and will sure to be a mini summer blockbuster.
NORWICH, ENGLAND – MAY 16: Stewards and police control fans after a pitch invasion during the Sky Bet Championship Playoff semi final second leg match between Norwich City and Ipswich Town at Carrow Road on May 16, 2015 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
Norwich joined Middlesbrough in the championship final as they over came their derby rivals Ipswich 3-1 on the day and 4-2 on aggregate. Norwich who are also known as the Canaries head into the final against Middlesborough – and will be looking to gain an instant return to the premier league after dropping down to the championship last year.
The Canaries who finished above their East Anglian rivals in the regular season were looking to maintain their superiority over their derby rivals this season after coming out on top in the regular league season. After letting a first leg lead slip at Ipswich’s Portman Road stadium – it was Norwich who made the breakthrough from the penalty spot after Christophe Berra handled in the area which lead to the Scottish defender being sent off.
The home side at this point must have thought they had this tie wrapped up – but Norwich allowed the 10 man visitors Ipswich back into the game as Tommy Smith levelled from close range. Just like in the first leg, Norwich after having the upper hand allowed their rivals back into the contest – but this time Norwich managed to regain control of the match.
Goals from Nathan Redmond and Cameron Jerome eventually killed off the contest as Norwich’s hopes of an instant premier league return remain intact. As for Ipswich defeat at this stage means next season will be a 14th straight season in the championship and a seventh play off semi-final defeat in eight.
The win for the Canaries means that they will play Middlesborough who easily swept aside Mark Warburton’s Brentford 5-1 over two legs. Boro who finished third in the regular season after a mini slump outclassed a Brentford side that seemed a bit overawed by the occasion – but despite being over rawed in such a match the Bees deserve credit for having such a great season as there wouldn’t have been many who would have expected the London side to finish where they did.
The championship final will be played as Wembley on 25th May which will see Middlesborough who finished third in the regular season take on Norwich who finished fourth.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 15: Steven Croft of Lancashire celebrates hitting the winning runs off the last ball with team mate Jordan Clark during the NatWest T20 Blast match between Lancashire and Leicestershire at Old Trafford on May 15, 2015 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
By Ayyaz Malik
Nottinghamshire produced arguably the performance of the night as they beat defending champions Birmingham Bears by eight wickets in the first round of matches of the Natwest T20 tournament. The 20/20 tournament format which has been a global phenomenon will see English county sides go head to head in regional groups such as the North section and the South.
The tournament which will be spread over three months sees the likes of world class players such as Brendan McCullum and Shahid Afridi bless the English T20 game. There were several matches being played such as Surrey vs Glamorgan and Gloucestershire vs Middlesex – but the headline of the night surely was Nottinghamshire’s win over defending champions Warwickshire.
Warwickshire who go by the name of Birmingham Bears for this event are the defending champions of this event and are able to boast of a very strong batting line up – but that made little difference tonight as Notts came out on top in this one. The experienced Luke Fletcher was the chief tormentor as his spell of bowling put Birmingham bears in real trouble at 52-4.
At this point the Bears were in serious danger of crumbling – but some valuable contributions from captain Varun Chopra who scored 80 and Laurie Evans who chipped in with 35, allowed the defending champions to get to 140, a score which always seemed not enough – and so it proved.
Nottinghamshire who boast of having Alex Hales in their ranks, went about their run chase in brutal fashion. Hales who has been overlooked for England of late was in particularly in an unforgiving mood. The 25 year old Hales who was once ranked the number one T20 player in the world reminded the world of what he can do.
Alex Hales who confirmed that he will join up with Indian premier league side Mumbai Indians, blasted a quite brilliant 86 off 43 balls which included eight sixes. Mumbai Indians star Haleshelped Nottinghamshire Outlaws win this match at a canter as the Outlaws won with five and a half overs to spare.
Elsewhere lasts years beaten finalists Lancashire won their opening game against Leicestershire in what can only be described in rather fortuitous fashion. The Lightning who opened that campaign at home were initially on the back foot in this encounter.
Leicestershire who have seen changes in in their coaching staff for this season started this one in impressive fashion. The Midlanders who have won this tournament in the past managed to score 100 runs with in 13 overs for the loss of just two wickets.
Under the cosh and maybe starting to look void of ideas, Lancashire were in need of some inspiration and luck – which came in the form of the good old Manchester weather. The visitors who were cruising and looking in complete control at that time, lost their momentum after the rain break.
After being in a position of complete supremacy Leicestershire found that wasn’t the case anymore as they collapsed from 106-3 to 131-7. Due to the bad weather this match was reduced to 15 overs a side so maybe Leicestershire had some hope – but the momentum was with Lancashire after their bowling performance, or so you thought.
In what was proving to be a difficult match due to the deteriorating conditions saw Lancashire slip to 57-4. The home side at this point still just about had the advantage in this one – but the scoreboard and the decreased overs meant, this one was never truly over until it’s over.
Lancashire after bowling themselves back into contention were in serious danger of throwing this match away – but as they say cometh the hour cometh the man. In Lancashire’s case it was their captain Steven Croft who hit a quite brilliant 70 off just 39 balls which helped the Red Rose side claim a win on the last ball.
Across the Pennines Yorkshire who are the kings of longer format of the game, got their campaign underway against Derbyshire with an easy win in the end. Derby who boast of having Hashim Amla in their ranks were by no means pushovers. Despite possessing some impressive batsmen on paper, Derbyshire really disappointed i n this one.
Asked to bat by Yorkshire, Derbyshire were in all sorts of bother after losing six wickets even before 100 was on the board for them. Even an eye catching 18 ball 27 by wicket keeper Thomas Poynton could make much difference as Derbyshire were all out for 128.
Credit for a low Derbyshire score must go to Yorkshire’s bowlers and in particular Matthew Fisher who claimed 5-22 in 3.2 overs.
Chasing what was a low score, Yorkshire got their run chase off to a catastrophic start, Andrew Hodd was bowled out first ball by Benjamin Cotton first ball. The visitors got just the start they needed – and it even got better for the Midlanders as Alex Lees was caught by Hashim Amla off the bowling Mark Footit.
Derbyshire at this point were really sensing that an upset was on the cards (especially the way Derbyshire batted). Sadly though for the visitors captain Andrew Gale and Yorkshire’s man of the moment Jonny Bairstow put on 69 for the third wicket, which effectively killed the game off as a contest.
There was time for Benjamin Cotton to get his second wicket as he had Yorkshire captain caught behind by Thomas Poynton – but the match was effectively over by then. Yorkshire did duly win this one – and they did with some three and a half overs to spare.
In the other matches their wins for Glamorgan, Hampshire and Kent. The T20 blast which has been in the spotlight for low attendances last year and failing to capture the imagination of fans – has got off to a good start this year, here is to hoping for more of the same.
The world-famous artist Sami Yusuf completed a sell-out nine-city tour in the UK, raising money for orphans along the way.
The multi-talented singer and songwriter packed out venues across the country, treating audiences to his self-coined genre of spiritique, which beautifully blends Western harmonics with traditional Islamic arts.
The performances were made even more unique and special with the help of Sami’s musicians, who played traditional Iranian and Asian instruments. Sami took the lead on stage, wooing crowds with his soothing vocal range and mesmerising audiences with performances on a range of historic stringed and percussion instruments.
The popular artist hasn’t been on tour in the UK since 2008, but returned to perform songs from his highly accredited album, ‘The Centre’. Composed, arranged, produced and almost entirely self-performed by Sami, his new songs are tied together by a journey of spiritual discovery, with deep messages about the values of unity, compassion and faithfulness.
The tour was all in aid of orphans worldwide, with Sami partnering with Penny Appeal to help raise funds for vulnerable children. Fundraising on the night highlighted the charity’s unique orphan programme and, through donations and commitments, half a million pounds was raised – enough for 1,076 orphan sponsorships and to build 8 orphan homes.
Aamer Naeem, Penny Appeal CEO, said: “It was a real privilege to work with such an incredibly skilled artist and it was fantastic Sami Yusuf chose to work with Penny Appeal.
“We’ve received some tremendous feedback, with many people amazed at how an international star still does so much for charity. The money raised from the tour will go a very long way to improve the lives of vulnerable children, and so this tour has been a massive achievement in so many ways.”
Yes, That’s right. Garry Singh is back on the scene!!
Garry Sandhu has given fans a sneak preview of his forthcoming single ‘Maa’ -which is set to release very soon!
The new single- ‘Maa’ has been written by Happy Raikoti and produced by Beat Minister. Garry Sandhu have a sneak preview for fans as a special mothers day tribute. The full song will be releasing soon on Fresh Media Records.
Superstar thanks his fans for box office bonanza Riding high on the success of Bollywood blockbusters “Gabbar Is Back” and “Baby”, international superstar Akshay Kumar says it feels really great to be appreciated by your audience and fans. ‘I am just so overwhelmed with all the love that people shower on me. I don’t know what to do… how to return their love. The more I try to give back, the more it multiplies. It is just unbelievable. They recently put a huge garland on my film’s poster. I want to say that I love them all’, Akshay told India’s leading national daily Hindustan Times recently.
