Blog Style - Asian Sunday & Style

DJ Dal drops his first remix from his debut mixtape

News

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February 9, 2015

By Ninder Kaur

Internationally acclaimed DJ Dal releases his debut mixtape ‘In The Mix’ with his first track Jatti featuring Punjabi singer Harjit Harman.

Dal, who is known as one of the Kudos boys has been in the music industry for nearly a decade. He began DJ’ing with his friends and learnt about music, mixing, dj’ing and studio work.

The West London lad, whose Dj-ing skills have allowed him to travel the world, aims to recreate sounds from popular Punjabi and Bollywood songs to make them into dance floor anthems.

“My job is to make everyone dance. After dj’ing for ten years and seeing what the crowds like I had a vision to recreate, refix popular songs to make them more dance floor friendly. It’s been fun working on this mix tape but it’s just the beginning.”

In The Mix, which is a ten track mixtape, features the biggest names in Bhangra including Jazzy B, Mickey Singh, Sharry Mann and many more.

The remaining tracks will be released over the next few months.

Dressing for the Perfect Valentine’s Date

News

Ninder Kaur

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February 9, 2015

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By Ninder Kaur

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the nightmare question burgeoning on everyone’s mind is – What shall I wear? Well look no further because we’ve got it covered.

Women’s Guide

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to dress up. So if you’ usually found in a pair of jeans and tee, then why not switch it up and think about romancing your other half with a more feminine look.

The Fancy Date

Head to toe chic is what you should be aiming for. Nothing quite says romantic than a candlelit dinner in a swanky restaurant, being serenaded by some romantic music in the company of a loved one.

If this is the date on the cards then I suggest that you dig deep into your wardrobe and pull out all the dresses, jewellery, shoes etc that you’ve had stashed and saved away for that special occasion. There is nothing the date demands more than all of the above.

The most important tip I can offer you is to wear a dress or skirt. Anything from a figure revealing, waist clinching, strapless piece should do the trick. Although you might feel like your “too dressed up” that excuse shouldn’t stop you from looking drop dead gorgeous. That’s right ladies, wearing a dress or skirt will definitely show off our sexy and feminine side. You will notice a big difference in the reaction you get from your man.

Team your outfit with some strappy stilettos, or some pointed court shoes. Finish the look with a clutch bag and a statement necklace then bam you’ll definitely be turning heads… and not just your partner’s.

The Casual Date

If you’re one the lucky ones that has managed to avoid the overrated fancy dinner date then good on you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to every effort to look just as good to those that are. For a more chilled out date, opt for a pair of fitted trousers with a sheer blouse. A simple outfit like this will look sexy and effortless. Remember to pay attention to the fit as anything too tight or too loose could go horribly wrong.

Team your outfit with some comfortable wedges, ankle boots or flats and hey ho you’re good to go.

If tailored trousers are not for you, then go for a pair of your go-to jeans or leather pants, teamed with a cute top and a statement necklace. This will look equally as fab.

Top Tips

Although you can never go wrong with an all black outfit try be adventurous for this special day.

Spice up your look with some colour, but remember just because it’s Valentine’s, you don’t have to whip out all the hues of red. After all you don’t want to look too tacky and cliché. Turquoise and coral seem to be particular favourites for many men, but choose a colour that compliments your complexion and then you’re good to go.

Men’s Guide

It’s Valentine’s Day, where the heightened expectation to look good in order to turn heads equates to one of the toughest times for a man. You’re trying to balance what makes you feel comfortable, the expected dress code and ensuring you dress to impress, all at the same time. Well it needn’t be a nightmare.

I took a trip to Threads, a men’s designer clothing store in Bradford to see what menswear they could offer to anyone struggling to find the perfect outfit. Take a look to find out how to achieve the look of love.

The Fancy Date

If you’re doing something a little less casual this Valentine’s Day like the 3 course dinner in a high-end restaurant, then sorry guys you will have to up your game and swap casual for classy.

Nothing says classier more than a suit. When you’re forking out money to eat at a fancy restaurant you need to look the part. A ladies’ opinion of a man triples as soon as he puts a suit on so make sure you’re suited and booted and dressed to the nines.

If you think a suit may be too much or perhaps too mature, then go for a nice shirt (nothing too bold), some tailored trousers and a blazer or an overcoat to battle the brrr. (We all know you’ll end up having to give your partner your coat, so it’s best that you come prepared to show off your true gentleman traits.)

If you are dressing up a bit, then make sure you go all out from head to toe. Have a pair of a black or dark brown dress shoes handy to compliment your attire. After all, no girl wants to be seen with a guy in his Nike Air Force Ones.

The Casual Date

If your date is a more casual one, a trip to the cinemas or a cosy night in then I would suggest picking a good semi-casual outfit. Anything from a nice pair of dark jeans teamed with a chunky knit or polo will offer a strong formal, yet comfortable look. Why not add a leather jacket to your ensemble because when the right man wears one it will have you looking like Beckham in his Belstaff gear. Wow.

But remember guys don’t be sloppy about your outfit, make sure your partner knows that you have made some sort of effort to look good in your appearance.

In terms of colours, black, navy, white, maroon and greys seem to lead the charge this season. If you keep to those colour tones then it’s plain-sailing for you and you will have achieved a sophisticated, clean look.

Ifty is a Retail Assistant at Threads. Here are his menswear Do’s and Don’ts.

Do’s

Don’ts

· Stick to the colours you know.· Be comfortable in what you wear.

· Opt for comfortable shoes.

· If you’re wearing jeans, always choose dark jeans.

· Always try to look effortless.

· Always ask for a woman’s opinion. They are always usually right.

· Take risks in fashion.

· Don’t wear anything too bright, like a bright shirt or bright trousers.· Don’t wear bold prints and try not to look too cheesy.

· Don’t wear sportswear. Although sweatpants and Nike roshe runs might be trending, try to avoid them completely.

· Don’t be afraid to show your personality through the clothes that you wear.

So there’s just a few ways to achieve the look of love this Valentine’s Day and although everyone has their own individual styles, make sure that you come across confident and comfortable in what you wear. Remember to leave a lasting impression and don’t forget to dress accordingly to how you will be spending your day.

Good Luck and I wish you a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

Asians overcoming barriers in football

News
Sports

Aalia Khan

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February 9, 2015

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By Ayyaz Malik

Within the Asian community there has always been negative stereotypes attached with football – and partaking in football at an amateur or professional level. I remember myself, and I am sure many Asian young men can relate to the feeling of wanting to ‘be the next David Beckham or Lionel Messi’. Sadly however for whatever reason many Asian’s have found breaking into mainstream football i.e. football at a professional level difficult.

The problem is an ongoing one and exists in our very own Bradford. Bradford, home to around 140,000 people from the Asian origin appears to be a victim of old stereo types – lack of acceptance, a stereotype which appears to be mainly driven by the first and second generation of the Asian community.

The truth is that lack of acceptance of ethnic minorities is still prevalent today not just in the Asian community. After extensive campaigns such as Kick It Out to promote more of a positive response to football in the ethnic community, John Terry still was found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand and Luis Suarez was also found guilty of racially abusing Patrice Evra. Those are just a few high profile racial incidents which might suggest that these campaigns are not working.

However with all due respect to the first and second generation Asian’s, some may argue that they weren’t really accepted by non-Asians in the beginning – but with hard work and perseverance it can be argued that Asian’s, with their Indian takeaway’s and restaurants, are now a vital part of British life and maybe the economy itself. The first and second generation of Asians demonstrated what the current generation needs to strive for and achieve. Slowly but surely Asian’s are progressing in football, it wasn’t too long ago when a certain Zesh Rahman was captain of Bradford City, Rahman these days is investing his time in Malaysia trying to tap into new talent.

Other success stories of Asian talent, particularly in West Yorkshire, is that of Bradford born Harpal Singh once of Leeds United, Singh who was seen as such a prospect at the time was even compared to former England footballer Michael Owen by then Leeds boss George Graham. Harpal Singh now retired, spent his last years of professional football in the Irish League with Bohemians and Dundalk. Another success story of an Asian player was none other than Adnan Ahmed; Ahmed was a former Manchester United trainee who later went onto play for Huddersfield Town and Tranmere Rovers, just some of the teams the 30 year old has played for.

As impressive as it was for those players to be playing at such a level, the need for the emergence of new Asian talent is very strong. New talent needs to surface from the Asian community and the perception of football in the Asian community needs to change – it needs to be seen that football is doing something for the ethnic communities, particularly Asians, as there are very few Asians within in the sport. Asians need ‘A voice in football.’

The Bangla Bantams however are looking to change that. The organisation which is based in Bradford is run by Chairman Humayun Islam. Islam’s organisation Bangla Bantams is unique as it is the only organisation of its kind, which Islam happily points out. Islam said “Bangla Bantams is a multicultural supporters group, one of the first Bangladeshi supporters group in the UK, and it’s a social group through the Football supporters Federation. It is all certified and what we are trying to do is integrate more youths to not only play the sport but also take part in supporting the local football club.”

Islam goes on that “By supporting the local club they will want to interact more and want to play football further. Any Asian youth coming through who plays football will want to support the local club Bradford City. This is why it was set up and because there are so many barriers for Asians to overcome in football.”

Islam says that the Bangla Bantams will be attending Bradford City games together so that people who want to support the club do not have to go on their own “If they feel scared to do so.” This will allow the members to feel “Safer.”

The future plans for the organsation are to “Be part of the Bradford City supporters group and attend their meetings and represent the community by explaining what the issues are and what needs to be done further. It’s not just about going to Bradford city but we can go to other football matches too and represent the Bangle Bantams community.”

The efforts of Humayun Islam deserves a lot of credit, the Asian community has been crying out for an organisation like Bangla Bantams to give Asian’s a voice in football. With football looking to ‘expand its brand to Asia, Asian players are needed to do that for the ‘sake of the brand’.

Organisations such as Bangla Bantams will help raise awareness and hopefully the amount of Asians playing professionally. Despite the rapid growth of Bangla Bantams they will still need more time to grow – and the relevant support. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day.

TABS organsation needs community support

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Sports

Aalia Khan

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February 9, 2015

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TABS organsation needs community support

The love of cricket is shared amongst many, especially South Asians. Whether it be playing or watching the sport, or supporting a favourite cricket player South Asians are known to be extremely passionate about cricket.

Four friends; Tahir, Abu Bakr, Bilal and Shoaib also share this same love and passion. They began the Tabs cricket club, named after the initial letters of their names, in August 2013. Since then the cricket club has been running rather successfully and they currently have on board 35 players registered for their senior cricket team and 15 players for their junior’s cricket team.

Despite the rising success of the club, funding and support is still required to help them grow and develop. As such the Tabs organsation have already received support from MyLahore and Janan and 30 families have supported the organsation with their children playing for them, but they say “There are still insurmountable obstacles in our way and in order to overcome these we request the leading Businessmen, Entrepreneurs and Inspirational personalities to step up and be part of a motivational dedicated and community support organisation. With our hard work and your support we are 100% sure this will be a successful venture leading to success.”

The Tabs organsation, which stands for friendship, love and unity, started as a Cricket club to engage the community in a healthy activity. They have cricket teams playing in tow of the top cricket leagues of West Yorkshire. And they have three ECB qualified coaches to deal with cricket coaching for senior and junior teams. They say “Our main objective and aim is to take part in different competitions and win the titles in order to accommodate as many willing and desiring individuals and youth players in our club and affiliate them with the beautiful sport, Cricket.”

By only focussing on the cricket they would have narrowed the choices for youngsters with different set of skills and likeness. This is why TABS started junior and senior football teams. On the team there are 14 registered players in the senior team and they are working on their athletic teams to take place in 2015-16.

Tabs have participated in senior and juniors marathon races last year with seven participants from the club. Since then they have changed the name from TABS Cricket Club to TABS Youth club to open up different dimensions. This will help them to encourage youngsters to participate in sports and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The find out more about the club head to their Facebook page – Tabs Cricket Club.

UK’s first GreenLine Mile encourages Bradfordians to start running

Aalia Khan

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February 9, 2015

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UK’s first GreenLine Mile encourages Bradfordians to start running

By Aalia Khan

The UK’s first GreenLine Mile launched in Bradford on 4^th February. CEO of UK Athletics Chris Jones was present to launch the GreenLine mile alongside Manningham community members and local representatives from the Council and Bradford Athletics Network.

The GreenLine Mile is a new accessible one-mile walking/jogging loop and it aims to address the barriers people said stopped them from taking part in exercise. The route is the first in the country and will be one of four GreenLines in the district. It will follow part of the well-established Bradford City Runs route from City Park, taking in the developing part of the city that includes the Bradford University campus.

The route has been designed to be easy to follow, instantly recognisable and generally accessible to everyone.

Emma Davenport Area Manager at UK Athletics said “It feels fantastic to be launching the first GreenLine mile in Bradford and I think it’s down to the work of the clubs and the local athletics infrastructure here, and the Bradford athletics networks is one of the best in the country. It’s through their hard work and determination of trying to get athletics up and going within the city, that we are now here launching the green line.

It will encourage more people to start running, particularly the women’s market because we know from the research we’ve done that women like to have a map route so that they know where they are starting and finishing and know that it’s a safe route that they can run round aswel. GreenLine routes have to be a safe and well lit route so there are people around but not too many people that you feel intimated and being watched. I really think it will be a big encouragement for the local people to get out there and get running.”

England Athletics, who are developing a series of GreenLine miles across the country, has invested £30,000 into the project to support the joint work being done by Bradford Athletics Network, Bradford Council and other Active Bradford Partnership organisations.

Cllr Andrew Thornton, Portfolio holder for sport, Bradford Council was pleased for the GreenLine Mile to be launching in Bradford first, “It’s great news for Bradford, here in an urban setting we want to get more people active so having the first GreenLine mile here in Bradford is really good news. It’s a great initiative.

The aim is to make it easier with a marked route and when people see others using it they will feel encouraged to participate and join in with friends and family on a clearly marked route.”

Nigel Harrison Chief Executive at West Yorkshire Sports also added that “It’s the first in the country and I think it is a great concept where people can just follow the route and know that they are doing a mile in a safe manner so it’s great.”

Children, parents, staff and the governor of Midland Road Nursery and Children’s centre were also present at the launch. The children were excited to see the markers on the floor and carried out a walk from one marker to the other.

Sheila Rye Governor at Midland Road nursery and children centre said “I think it’s great, we’ve been wanting to get some money for ages to try and improve the area around midland road nursery and children’s centre and make it a bit more child friendly and walking friendly, because it’s all cars so this is a start and we hope we can do more.”

Roy, a parent whose child attends the nursery said “I think it’s a great idea because not many people do much walking or running so it’ll be great for people to go out and have a walk and also with the maps it will be great for them to learn map reading skills.”

Michael Hunt facilities manager at UK Athletics explained that “If you keep following them you’ll come back to where you started and they are on a safe, well lit route as well as taking in some of the key sites such as the Alhambra.”

There’s a new Jenny on the Block and she’s Punjabi

News

Ninder Kaur

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February 9, 2015

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By Ninder Kaur

Bunty Bains productions and Speed Records have teamed up with Punjabi singing sensation Jenny Johal on her debut single Yaari Jatti Di.

Jenny Johal born and raised in Jalandar began singing at the age of 3. She began her training from Ustad Bhupinder Singh and from there she went on to performing at college festivals, local melas and private events.

Jenny is ready to take the big stage with training and management by Punjab’s finest lyricist,Music Manager Bunty Bains. Bunty is responsible for the lyrics of some of the industry’s biggest hits from Jazzy B’s Mittran De Boot, Mr Pendu by Roshan Prince and Romantic Jatt by Miss Pooja. Bunty spotted Jenny’s talent a year ago and since then has been training her to perform, sing and become a star for tomorrow.

Jenny is not only a talented singer but she also plays several instruments and is also trained in classical singing. Jenny’s grandfather, Shri Joga Singh Joga, is still one of the most respected and known Kavishars in Punjab having released many audio cassettes and books.

There is no doubt that if Bunty Bains is responsible for her debut then she will definitely become a worldwide phenomenon soon.
Yaari Jatti Di is a powerful song that shows Jenny’s vocal talent and is available to download now.

Wife of Amir Khan launches new YouTube channel

News

Ninder Kaur

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February 9, 2015

0

By Ninder Kaur

Faryal Makhdoom Khan, the 23-year-old wife of Boxing World Champion and a Silver Medal Olympian Amir King Khan, has launched her own official YouTube channel.
The political science and journalism graduate from New York is an aspiring fashion and beauty icon with an international fan-base. Her YouTube channel and website promises an insight into her fashion, makeup, and lifestyle.

“I’m so excited to be sharing this all with you so enjoy the rollercoaster – from travelling with my world-famous husband to my everyday make-up tutorials,” says the mother-of-one.
Faryal’s makeup has made her famous and followers are constantly asking about her signature style but with the new channel, Faryal is branching out beyond the obvious beauty tips and wants to provide a real perspective into who she is.

“I want people to get to know me instead of judging me and they can get to know how I am through my videos.”
So far, Faryal has managed to upload three videos onto her channel and has already received over 400,000 views.

Despite her very best efforts of creating a YouTube channel to give an insight in to her life, Faryal has received a lot of backlash on social media sites.

One viewer of the video said: “She should never make another makeup tutorial again. She is a talent-less Kim K wannabe.”

Another said: “This was painful to watch. She needs to learn how to blend, her eye shadow, contouring and everything is so harsh.”

However, many fans have bitten back and admitted how they have enjoyed watching the videos.

“I don’t understand why some people feel the need to insult or humiliate another human being. They are just green with envy because she has a great lifestyle.”

“I am obsessed with Faryal and I think her channel is a great idea to show off who she really is. I just hope that it will stop people hating on her for no reason. I am excited to see what type of wife and mother she is.”

Faryal married Amir after the pair met in New York. The couple have a daughter together named Lamaisah who was born on May 23, 2014.

A local lad from Leeds appears on The Voice

News

Ninder Kaur

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February 9, 2015

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By Ninder Kaur

17 year old Harris Hameed was one of the contestants competing to impress the judge’s on last night’s The Voice show.

He sang his version of the One Republic song Apologise, in a bid to make the four superstar coaches turn their chairs.

Talking about the show Harris said: “It was very challenging. It was a personality building experience. You find out a lot about yourself especially being around some of the highest names in TV and media.”

The soulful RnB singer got into music from a really young age having been inspired by family members. His brother is a songwriter and his dad is an Indian and Bollywood vocalist.

It was after spending three years busking around Leeds and Manchester that he decided to audition for the show.

“It was my two friends who auditioned last year that actually told me to give it a go. I went with the mentality I have nothing to lose.”

“I remember saying to my brother-“ I’m leaving if I have to queue longer than an hour”. I just wanted to get out and do some busking around the city.”

Watching back on last night’s episode, Harris said how he was glad that he auditioned because he found the feedback to be really constructive and positive. He also admitted how Will.i.Am was his favourite judge.

“The best thing about the experience is that I am being followed by Will.i.Am on Twitter.”

“The funny thing is, I didn’t actually follow him but he followed me. He must have really liked me if he went out of his way to follow me,” he said.

Despite entering the contest, Harris said how education is definitely a priority for him. He is planning to study music technology at the Leeds College of Music to further his musical aspirations.

He is currently planning to release new singles and Extended Plays EPs) and is working on collaborations.

Early last year, Harris recorded an EP named ‘Paradise’ and received a massive response within the first 18 days of its upload. His latest EP is titled ‘Tailored Thoughts’ and is available for free download on- www.soundcloud.com/harrishameedofficial

Movie Review: Dolly Ki Doli

Aalia Khan

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February 9, 2015

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By Aalia Khan

Runaway bride is taken to a whole new level when Sonam kapoor takes on the role of a con artist in Dolly Ki Doli.

Sonam aka Dolly and her gang consisting of a fake mother, father, brother, grandmother and photographer trap young, eager boys and their families into marrying Dolly. As soon as the wedding night arrives, a few spiked glasses of milk put the groom and his family into a deep sleep allowing the plundering bride and the gang to rob the family clean.

Dolly’s first victim is Sonu Sarawat (Raj Kumar Yadav) who falls deeply in love with Dolly and goes on a quest to find her and make her his even though she has cheated him. Next is Manoj Singh Chadda (Varun Sharma) a complete mummy’s boy who plucks up the courage and argues with his mother to get his wish and marry Dolly.

With the case of the thieving bride crew growing strong inspector Robin Singh (Pulkit Samrat) is assigned the task of catching Dolly. Robin and Dolly’s own previous relationship is brought out and the question on all the innocent grooms’ lips as to why Dolly has robbed them comes to light when it is revealed that she was also a victim of betrayal.

As is expected the gang do eventually get caught however a typical happy ending is not given to the audiences. The reunion of Dolly and Robin does take place but will he also get conned? The ending was quite realistic and funny, even though it doesn’t leave us with a warm, happy feeling inside.

Sonam got into her character well as a con artist and was on par with Parineeti in dawat e ishq. Her own bubbly character and charm can be seen in her role despite the fact that she is a conniving thief.

Even though there wasn’t a major Bollywood male actor in the film Sonam Kapoor held her own and the three male actors also did a fantastic job as unbeknown, love struck grooms.

The comedy and acting of all the actors made Dolly Ki Doli a must watch and I would give it ****/***** so go on and find out Dolly kiski hai.

The realities of Iranian society

Life & style

Aalia Khan

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February 9, 2015

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By Aalia Khan

Tapestries of the heart; an authentic and powerful novel explores the ever-changing effects of religion and politics in Iranian society, told through the lives of four generations of Persian women, and inspired by the author’s personal experiences.

Nooshie Motaref grew up in Iran but left the country in 1981. She says the change in government and lack of rights for women drew her away from the country she once loved and she decided she could not stay there any longer, “They took away my individual freedom, which was against all my beliefs of the time growing up in Persia so I left the country.”

The book has been inspired by Motaref’s own life as well as her mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers; she says “Iran went backwards instead of going forwards; while I was growing up there we were one of the most modern countries of the world. Tehran the capital was called Paris of the Middle East. And then the revolution happened and they wanted their women to cover up and changed everything.” Motaref believes women were being forced to do something they did not want to do.

The book looks at the lives of three women;

A Persian woman had overcome all odds to leave her country behind. She was flying out of an oppressive dictatorship and into a free world. The ‘Fasten Seat Belts’ sign disappeared with a ding just as Baba’s voice resounded in her ears: “Whatever we do, that is our fate and destiny!”

A nine-year-old girl attracts the attention of a court eunuch, who wants to induct her into the king’s harem. Despite the girl’s tender years, most Iranian families would be thrilled to send their daughters to become concubines of the king, but young Zahra’s devoted mother refuses outright.

In a future generation, Mitra leaves her homeland to study in the United States, returning to Iran with the aim of sharing the new knowledge and western ideas she has acquired and now values. However, when she returns, she realises that Iran has actually regressed and that the government is enforcing a law that requires women to cover their heads. Mitra refuses to abide by this new dictate, and leaves Iran for good.

Motaref wanted to portray to the readers how Iran had changed through the generations, she says The country was first under Islamic rule during her great grandmothers time which then changed to a liberated Iran during her grandmothers time; one in which The king had ordered that women could not cover their heads as it was now against the law. Then during her mother’s time the new king said women could decide whether they wanted to cover their head or not, giving them the freedom. But this freedom was once again stripped away years later when Motaref returned to Iran having completed her education from America.

“The purpose of my book is to show the western readers how people from the other part of the world, especially the Middle East get manipulated by the government or the religious leaders, and every day we have to listen to them about what they want us to do. They are not for bettering but for worsening them” Motaref holds strong beliefs about the running of Iran and believes that Iran should not be completely westernised but the minds of people need to be educated, “The worst thing that can happen to a society is that people just follow their benefiters without thinking about it” She says. She goes on that she does not want Iran to “Forget about the culture or tradition I want them to go forward with the knowledge, education and an open mind.”

Tapestries of the Heart is written for Western readers, partly to educate them on the Middle East and the Islamic faith, from the female perspective. Motaref wishes for readers to “Learn about the society of Iran and how it was modernised. Learn about the regular people of Iran and how people without money can go somewhere and do something. The revolution benefited the leaders not the people.”

Tapestries of the Heart is available online at retailers including amazon.co.uk and can be ordered from all good bookstores.