Oscar-winners and EastEnders stars have rubbed shoulders with X Factor judges at an awards ceremony recognising Asian excellence.
Olympic supremo Lord Coe hosted the Asian Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, central London.
The world’s first Top 100 Most Influential Asians* list was also launched, unveiling President of China, Xi Jinqping in top spot, followed by Indian leader, Sonia Gandhi, Vice Premier of China, Le Keqiang, Indian PM, Manmohan Singh and Rahul Gandhi, who is widely tipped to be India’s next PM.
The ceremony was opened by The Asian Awards founder, Paul Sagoo, followed by a speech by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, MP, who praised the awards and congratulated the outstanding achievements of the winners.
Founder of The Asian Awards, Paul Sagoo said: “This year The Asian Awards has truly lived up to its name, celebrating global Asian achievement in what was a triumphant night.
"We are honoured with the support of our guests and winners, like Sir Ben Kingsley, George Osborne MP, Jiang Jinquing and Linda Lee who joined us for this magnificent gathering of some of the world’s most inspirational and powerful people.
Legendary Indian actor, Anupam Kher was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema. Kher has famously crossed over into western cinema, most recently Silver Linings with Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper, and is a proud ambassador for Asians in world cinema. Prominent playwright, screenwriter, filmmaker and novelist, Hanif Kureishi CBE received the Outstanding Achievement in Art award.
Nicole Scherzinger was awarded with the Outstanding Achievement in Music prize for her immense achievements in global music, while the Outstanding Achievement in Television award went to Nina Wadia for being a strong representative for Asians in TV.
Indian industrialist and Chairman on The Godrej Group, Adi Godrej picked up the Entrepreneur of the Year award; The Business Leader of the Year award went to the current Chairman of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jiang Jianging; while co-inventor of USB, Ajay Bhatt was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Science.
The Outstanding Achievement in Sport award went to Japanese race car driver, Kamui Kobayashi; Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability went to Ravi Ruia, Vice-Chairman of Essar Group; Philanthropist of the Year went to Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys and Social Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Masa Kogure, founder of Table for Two, which aims to end hunger in Africa.
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