Billionaires, celebrities, sports stars, and business leaders gathered in London on Friday, 19 September, for the 23rd Asian Achievers Awards, the UK’s premier celebration of British Asian achievement in business and society.
The Awards received over 500 nominations from across the UK, cementing their status as the most prestigious and respected South Asian awards in the country. They were founded over 23 years ago by CB Patel, Editor and Publisher of Asian Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
Winners included Neerja Birla (founder and chairperson of the Aditya Birla Education Trust), Indhu Rubasingham MBE (artistic director of the National Theatre), Sunny Gill Singh (the first British South Asian Premier League referee), and Prof Selva Pankaj (co-founder and CEO, Regent Global). Jimal, Nishal, and Devik Solanki were recognised for building the Taj Foods brand, while Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami was honoured for humanitarian work. Simon Arora won following the successful exit of B&M Stores, with Emb Hashmi recognised for her contributions to media and Maulik Darji for leadership in NHS cancer care.
Music producer Rishi Rich received a special award for pioneering Asian-R&B fusion, and radio icon Ravi Sharma was celebrated for 50 years in broadcasting.
Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG and organiser of the event, said: “Britain faces political and economic challenges, but South Asians continue to demonstrate resilience and make significant contributions to the nation. Our winners showcase the best of this impact. For the first time, several shortlisted entrepreneurs had built successful businesses in the UK before moving to Dubai, highlighting a risk to Brand Britain that policymakers must address. I am grateful to CB Patel and Asian Voice for creating this incredible platform so many years ago.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a statement said: “British Asians are a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today. This is why it is wonderful to see so many British Asian change-makers being recognised tonight by the team at EPG, honouring the contribution they in particular have made to public life, community service, arts, culture, business, technology and beyond.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said, “This event celebrates contributions across every sector of society, from business and public service to science and the arts.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added, “Congratulations to all the nominees at the 23rd Asian Achievers Awards. Your dedication and achievements are an inspiration to us all.”
The event was organised by advisory firm EPG, supported by ABPL, State Bank of India (UK), luxury interior decorators Hill House Interiors, drinks partner Khoki United, think tank Bridge India and others.
The evening was hosted by actor Nitin Ganatra OBE and Sky News presenter Anila Dhami, with Nileeka Bose, choreographer for Marvel’s ‘The Eternals’, hosting the red carpet. Performers included Indian-Canadian singer Raghav, stand-up comedian Eshaan Akbar, and Guinness World Record-holding acrobat Klodi Dabkiewicz. Raghav, one of the most recognisable global Indian singers, sold over 1.4 million copies of his debut album ‘Storyteller’, earning a MOBO Award, two UK Asian Music Awards, an Urban Music Award, and four UK top 10 singles.
Full list of winners:
Achievement in Art and Culture: Indhu Rubasingham MBE
Business Person of the Year: Prof Selva Pankaj
Achievement in Community Service: Syed Muhammad Faisal Sami
Special Award for Contribution to Broadcasting: Ravi Sharma
Special Award for Contribution to Music: Rishi Rich
Entrepreneur of the Year: Jimal, Nishal and Devik Solanki
Lifetime Achievement Award: Simon Arora
Achievement in Media: Emb Hashmi
Professional of the Year: Maulik Darji
Sports Personality of the Year: Sunny Singh Gill
Woman of the Year: Neerja Birla