IN PICTURES: Stars of TV, film and radio honoured at third Asian Media Awards

The star-studded ceremony sponsored by the University of Salford was hosted by Sky News presenter Jannat Jalil  and took place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate.

Ranvir Singh was named as the Media Personality of the Year 2015.

In 2015 she has been seen on ITN News as well as Good Morning Britain and also fronted a number of investigation pieces tackling issues ranging from the refugee crisis to drink driving.

She said, “'I'm bowled over to have been given this award, it came as quite a shock! I've seen who has received it in previous years, which adds to my delight, I'm so grateful.
 
“When I was growing up, watching Zainab Bedawi on the news was mesmerising. These days there are more of us around, but there's still much more diversity needed behind the scenes and in senior editorial roles.

Director Waris Hussein presented the Outstanding Contribution to Media Award to former BBC producer Tara Prem.  It came on a night as the awards also celebrated 50 years of Asian programming on the BBC.

Speaking on stage Tara said, “Thank you. I am overwhelmed to come at the end of an evening of such talent.

Siraj Datoo with the University of Salford Young Journalist of the Year Award

Celebrated actor Roshan Seth was honoured with the Sophiya Haque Services to British Television and Film Award.

The Asian Media Awards Best Investigation category in 2015 featured ground-breaking work tackling controversial subject matters from across the globe. The recipient of the 2015 award was Leslee Udwin’s film ‘India’s Daughter.’ 

BBC Current Affairs Editor Kavita Puri was presented with the Manchester Metropolitan University and Routes in Languages North West  Journalist of the Year award.

The highly contested University of Salford Outstanding Young Journalist of the Year award was won by Siraj Datoo, Political Reporter with the website Buzzfeed.

Tara Prem on stage with Waris Hussein

ITV Meridian’s Sangeeta Bhabra was named Regional Journalist of the Year. ‘Slave Wives’ a report by BBC Newsnight won the TV  Report of the Year  2015 award.

Anita Anand was  named  Radio Presenter of the Year, whilst the  Noreen Khan Show on the BBC Asian Network was named  Best  Radio Show.

Accepting the award Anita said, "Can I just say what an honour and privilege it is to win this.
"This is one of the best events of the year because you meet so many people you haven't seen for a very long time.

"I see faces from my broadcasting past, but more importantly faces of the future.
"There is so much young talent in this room tonight.

"We have a wonderful team of girls who make this programme. It is an all woman cast. For somebody who is an ardent feminist, it's girl power! Thank you very much indeed."

The BBC Asian Network picked-up their third consecutive AMA in the Radio Station of the Year category. Media Moguls and Star Plus also picked-up their third AMA in their respective categories.

Sabras Radio who celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2015 was named AMT Lawyers Regional Radio Station of the Year.

The Sabras team with the AMT Lawyers sponsored Regional Radio Station Award

Natasha Mudhar beat-off strong competition to win the Media Professional of the Year accolade.

Asad Shan was  named TV Presenter of the Year and Desi Rascals  named  Best TV Show. Leeds based newspaper Asian Express won the very first award on the night Publication of the Year Award.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson with Sangeeta Bhabra

Rakhee Thakrar’s portrayal of Shabnam Masood in Eastenders saw  her presented with the Best TV Character Award.

Accepting the award Rakhee said, “Thank you so much! It’s a real honour.

“There are so many people that make Shabnam Masood, starting with Dominic Treadwell- Collins our exec, and his fantastic story team including Alex Lamb who brought her back with the richest history. 

“And the writers who give me some cracking scenes.

“My fellow actors Nitin Ganatra and Himesh Patel, Davood  Ghadami  and Lacey Turner who all add to her nuances. 

“It’s a real joy to play her. Thank you so much!”

Kavita Puri on stage with Dr Sharon Handley

In the Online section Amena Beauty, known more  commonly as Pearl Daisy was named  Carter Law Solicitors 
Best Blog whilst DesliBlitz.com picked-up their second AMA for the Cleartwo Best Website in two years.

Parle Patel was presented with the Best Video Channel Award for Planet Parle. He was presented the award by commedian Tez Ilyas.

The evening was also saw tributes to Sunrise Yorkshire's Shaida Akhtar and Punjab 2000's Tony Singh Pabla.