Sridevi... An Timeless Beauty

Family, friends and fans across the global are in mourning during, what can only be described as a truly dark period of time, as Indian cinema has lost one of it's finest actors. The shock of such a saddening passing, the iconic actress Sridevi passed away on 24th February 2018. Sridevi was attending Mohit Marwah's wedding in Dubai, along with husband Boney Kapoor and their daughter Khushi, who flew back to Mumbai the day before the tragic passing. 

The forensic report said that Sridevi had fallen into the hotel bathtub and after losing consciousness, drowned. The case was then handed over to the Dubai Public Prosecution, so the legal procedures could be completed. Although initially the family had said that she died of a cardiac arrest, the forensic report did not mention a cardiac arrest and has stated the cause of death is Drowning.

The UAE authorities have now closed the case and released Sridevi's body to be taken to India, finally. Her body will be kept at Celebration Club in Andheri from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday so that fans and celebrities can pay their respects. The funeral procession will leave for the Vile Parle Seva Samaj crematorium at 2pm and the last rites are expected to be performed around 3.30pm.  

The 54 year old veteran leaves behind an amazing legacy within the Indian Cinema, has she recently completed 50 years in the industry, strongly remain an idol to girls across the global. From the beginning of her career, Sridevi's women centric movies, reshaped cinema and gave her the platform to be an iconic feminist role model to her peers and fan alike. 

Since the news of Sridevi's passing, friends and industry colleagues have been expressing their grief and condolences though various mediums of Social media. 

Actor Amir Khan tweeted:

“I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the untimely and tragic passing away of Srideviji. I have always been a huge fan of her work. Equally I have always been an admirer of the grace and dignity with which she conducted herself. My heartfelt condolences to everyone in the family. I join all the millions of her fans in mourning her demise. Ma’am, we will always remember you with love and respect."

Actress Priyanka Chopra tweeted: "Ye Lamhe , ye pal hum har pal yaad karenge.. ye mausam chale gaye toh hum fariyad karenge.. #RIPSridevi I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP"

Actor Jackie Shroff tweeted:

"Deeply saddened and shocked to hear about the untimely demise of #Sridevi ji.. my condolences to the family. R.I.P"

Husband, Boney Kapoor has released an official statement:

“Boney Kapoor, Jhanvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor and the entire Kapoor, Ayyappan and Marwah family is deeply bereaved and shocked with the untimely loss of Sridevi Kapoor.

They thank the entire media for their prayers, support and sensitivity during their time of grief. 

Late Sridevi Kapoor’s body will arrive in India tomorrow. We will update you on all further information as and when it’s available to us. 

Request you to kindly reach out to us on everything related to this and we urge you to please not call the family for information on the same.”

A timeless beauty, the very epitome of elegance, class and grace, you are now an angel in the sky.. May your soul rest in an eternal peace. 

Sridevi Kapoor: Gone, but never forgotten..x

Mucho Pyaar :o) x

Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards 2018: An Insider's Insight

Sunday 18th February 2018 saw the wedding industry's finest services gather for the 2nd Britain's Asian Wedding Awards Ceremony. Hosted by Oceanic Consulting and presented by Greenleaf Catering and Event Management, the winners were acknowledged, announced and awarded in a grandiose manner during the exquisite black-tie event, held at the equally extravagant Sheraton Grand London, Park Lane, in the heart of London. 

For the second year running, Oceanic Consulting, the UK's leading ethinc consulting company, spoke with us about their thought process and pursuit of the awards. It began with the simple vision to recognise and reward the creativity and commitment of all those companies that help design the couple's dream day and bringing it to life, by going the extra mile and beyond. Recently having been shortlisted at the Asian Media Awards 2017 for their talents and work in the Marketing & PR Sector, Oceanic Consulting have taken this simple vision to a national celebration level, having been responsible for such prestigious events across the country, including the well known English Curry Awards and English Asian Business Awards, to name a few.

The Britain's Asian Wedding Awards Ceremony identified, acknowledged and celebrated the imagination, innovation and sheer determination of all those industry favourites, which were the peoples choice, following a public voting poll beforehand. All those nominated were then invited personally. 

The evening opened up with a range of creative canapés, piquantly presented by Greenleaf Catering and Event Management, which was made up of mini lamb burgers, pizza samosas and aloo tikki chaat baskets, accompanied with mango juice, lychee juice and a magical mojito cocktail, which was my personal favourite!

The Ceremony was opened by The Dhol Squad, getting the audience exhilarated and excited for the evening ahead. We then saw Irfan Younis, CEO Oceanic Consulting take the stage and welcome all the guests. Younis spoke about how exciting it was to see the Asian wedding industry expand, develop and thrive, month upon month and year upon year. He also spoke about the number of people taking on their passion as a profession, full time, standing as a testament in itself, on the influence and impact upon the overall economy, from the industry itself. He concluded by congratulating all the nominees and winners. Sammir Saroya, Greenleaf Catering and Event Management, then took the stage and spoke about the honour of presenting the event was, even though this meant they had to take themselves out of the running for an actual award! Saroya went onto elaborate why this was an easy choice; to give someone else the chance to win! 

With the audience eased and relaxed onto their tables, with fellow friends and professionals, the stage then welcomed the Show Hosts for the evening, the rib-tickling Tommy Sandhu and stunningly successful Sheila Gordhan who kept the audience constantly entertained with their back and forth banter, skilful talents and engaging interaction. Sandhu went to explain that along with the award winner, a second award would also be given to those who came a close second to winning, or to those whom it felt deserved the recognition of being awarded a Certificate of Highly Commended.

Following the first half of the awards ceremony, an amazing array of starters were served to the tables, with the Greenleaf Catering and Event Management staff constantly on hand and foot, keeping items refilled, appeasing all palettes and carting to everyone's needs. Each table was filled plentiful amounts of Chapali Kebabs, Fiery Chicken and Allo Papri Chaat, served with an assortment of chutneys. 

Following a short interval break, Sandhu and Gordhan took back to the stage to host the second half of the awards, breaking up the ceremony with a random request by Sandhu, putting skilled singer/songwriter Gordhan to sing a song which would be identifiable to each category in the second half of the ceremony! Although completely on the spot, Gordhan delivered divinely, filling the entire venue with her harmonious hums; a true delight indeed!  

Following the last awards, the tables, with the Greenleaf Catering and Event Management dishes flowed onto the tables of hungry guests, as everyone devoured the delicious dishes, which included Butter Chicken, Karahi Lamb, Chilli Paneer, Saag Aloo and Shahi Daal, all accompanied with Naan baskets, Salad and Raita. Though admittedly the dish that really tickled my tastebuds was the Kabuli Pillau, which was an Afghani style pillau rice dish, garnished with sweet peppers and raisins, definitely going on top 10 favourite list! Following the great meal, the deserts trio continued to impress with something for everyone; Beetroot Halwa, Malai Kulfi and Kheer, all presented in such a manner that I almost did not want to spoil the look...almost! 

With the nominees and winners all interacting, partaking in photos and everyone having thoroughly enjoyed the event and evening, the night started to wind down and eventually saw the last guests head homewards at the end of the midnight ball. 

Congratulations again to all the nominees and winners.

A special thanks to Oceanic Consulting for inviting Dynamitez 

to provide your Official Event Media coverage. 

In order of Ceremony:

The Winners and Highly Commended of Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards 2018: 

(1. Winner 2. Highly Commended)

Best Wedding Outfit Designer:

1. Dina Kashap London (London)

2. Nikaz Asian Couture

Best Wedding Planner:

1. Saheli Events (London)

2. Kenza Creations 

Best Entertainers:

1. Eternal Beats (London)

2. Absolute Bollywood

Best Florist: 
1. Bellapetals (London)

2. Petals of Madina

Best Transport Provider:
1. JD Prestige Cars (London)

2. London Chauffeuring 

Best Mandap Provider:

1. Exquisite Mandaps & Decor (London)

2. Avari Events

Best Stationery Provider:

1. Doves and Peacocks (London)

2. Shaadi Cards

Best Event Decorators:

1. Mistique Events (London)

2. Diamond Wedding

Cake Designer of the Year:

1. Cake Boulevard (Essex)

2. Asian Wedding Cakes

Traditional Jewellers of the Year:
1. Mangla Jewellers(Bradford)
2. Minar Jewellers

Best Groomswear Supplier:
1. Ziggi Menswear (Birmingham)
2. Shalini's Wedding Supplier

Outstanding Wedding Supplier of the Year:
1. Calibar Roadshow (London)
2. Mehwish Amla

Best of London:
1. Marjans Bridal (London)
2. Sapphire London

Specialist Asian Wedding Supplier:
1. Nargis Collections (London)
2. Pagh Wala

Creative Jewellers of the Year:
1. Kyles Collection (London)
2. Roots Jewellery 

Asian Clothes Boutique of the Year:
1. Janan Luxury Fashion (Bradford)
2. Memsaab

Asian Wedding Sweets Supplier of the Year:
1. Barfia London (London)
2. Anand Sweets 

Creative Make-Up Artist of the Year:
1. Nadia Hussain Makeup Artistry (Ilford)

2. Lubna Nazir

In order of Ceremony:

The Winners of Britain’s Asian Wedding Awards 2018: 

Banqueting Suite of the Year:
North: Al Maidah (Manchester)
Midlands: Prestige Suite (Birmingham)
South: The Willows (Ilford)
Overall Winner: The Willows (Ilford)

Wedding Caterer of the Year:
North: Yasin Catering Ltd (Leeds)
Midlands: The Five Rivers Group (Walsall)
South: Maharaja London Ltd (London)
Overall Winner: The Five Rivers Group (Walsall)

Henna Artist of the Year:
North: Samira Mehndi (Leeds)
Midlands: Henna by Ameena (Coventry)
South: Lal Hatheli (London)
Overall Winner: Lal Hatheli (London)

Wedding Boutique of the Year:
North: Burooj (Manchester) 
Midlands: Sindoor Boutique (Coventry) 
South: Kian-e Haute Couture (Luton) 
London: to Raishma (London)
Overall Winner: Raishma (London)

Wedding DJ of the Year: 
North: Rewind Entertainment (Manchester)
Midlands: Kikli Roadshow (Leicester)
South: Divine Musiq (London)
Overall Winner: Divine Musiq (London)

Photographer of the Year:
North: Bhavna Barratt Photography (York)
Midlands: Photos By Abhi (Derby)
South: Apresh Chavda Photography (London)
Overall Winner: Apresh Chavda Photography (London)

Videographer of the Year:
North: G6 Media UK (Manchester)
Midlands: Dream Studio (Nottingham)
South: Cookies Production (London)
Overall Winner: G6 Media UK (Manchester)

Wedding Venue of the Year:
North: The Bradford Hotel (Bradford)
Midlands: Hagley Hall (Worcestershire)
South: Boreham House (Essex)
Overall Winner: Boreham House (Essex)

Hair and Make-up Salon of the Year:
North: Amna's Hair and Beauty Salon (Bellshill)
Midlands: Selina's Salon (Leicester)
South: Tina's Hair & Beauty Salon (London)
Overall Winner: Tina's Hair & Beauty Salon(London)

Freelance Make-Up Artist of the Year:
Scotland: Zazobeauty (Glasgow)
North-West: Coshi Make Up (Manchester)
North-East: Anarkali Hair & Makeup Artist  (Newcastle)
Yorkshire: Saadiya Rahman MUA (Bradford)
West Midlands: Ganga Make-up & Hair(Sutton Coldfield)
East Midlands: MC-Professional MUA (Leicester)
Wales: Farhana Ali MUA (Swansea)
South: Rouge Makeup (London)
Overall Winner: Farhana Ali MUA (Swansea)

Guyfriend; Better than Bae.

Having your guy bestie by your side feels great, doesn’t it? After all, he’s someone who you can truly be yourself with and always count on. You feel happy and secure when you are in his company. Yet somehow, at least one person around you, if not more, will feel the need to make it more than that; God only knows why! Hopefully this article will enlighten and highlight just why a Guyfriend is equally as great, if not better, and so important in a gal's life... Platonic relationships can exist and below is why they should, too. 

We have all been in that situation, where we are having boy issues, despite being with a "man", so naturally we turn to the girls and usually end up having a big ole rant. And yes, initially we probably feel so much better, especially when we hear how you are not the only one facing this and that actually Maya in Canada went through worse! However, when the reality and hangover kicks in the next day, the problems are still there. However with your Guyfriend, he can go one step further! Being a guy, he can provide the guy's perspective on your relationship, the issues you may be facing and even go so far as to making helpful suggestions on to how make it up with him. He will allow you to have your rant, but not go on and on, gives you the empathy you need, with a splash of reality, all whilst keeping his patience and cool! And having known you too well, for literally forever, and knowing your relationship probably as well as you, his advise is normally spot on, even if you don't want to really admit it!

Nothing beats getting all dressed up in that amazing dress, which makes you look like you belong at Oscars after party, in those heels which make your legs go on forever and sipping away on your favourite cocktails with the girls. However, let's be honest, how often does that happen! Most of times, you just want slip into this comfy jeans, chuck on your favourite jumper or hoodie and slide into your trainers... For a game or two of pool, a good giggle and drink the night away! And who better to pair up with, than that Guyfriend! You know if you really, really need him, he will do whatever needs to be done, to be there for you, simply for you to whine about work, cry about crap and find fault with family. He will allow you to drink your woes, until he has you in fits of laughter about the most random nonsense, get you food and make sure you are home, sound and safe! The bestest Guyfriends even leave a bottle of water and painkillers by your side!

Most of the times when we try on an outfit, it is very rare that a girlfriend will be negative or really honest about it, especially if she knows you are sensitive, spent ages getting it just right or does not want to spend another hour while you go through your entire wardrobe, again! This is where your Guyfriend differs. He is confident enough, to not only tell you honestly that your outfit is just not working in your favour, but also why and even suggests an alternative, because he knows your wardrobe better than you! 

We all go out and have those bumbling boys who just will not shoo, no matter what. This is where your Guyfriend will come to the rescue, by simply putting their arm round you and whisking you away! They also make the best ever wingmen! You spot a cute guy and somehow they will know someone in his circle, getting chatting and before you know it, you pretty much have the cutie's full background history. They will also make sure the guy knows that if he dare hurt you, mess you about or even think about treating you wrong, life will not be worth living. 

Your Guyfriend is that one man, other than your Father/Father figure, in your life that will never, ever judge you. You could literally turn up in your natural skin, wearing those ripped and raggedy jeans, stuff your face full and then take the worse inhuman selfies ever and he will still be happy to chill with you... And even be seen in public.. Most of the time anyway! This is because he is happy for you to be the real you, without ever judging you.

The best factor of your Guyfriend is the trust between you. You can be at your most emotional, vulnerable and lowest state, knowing you are in completely and entirely safe hands, without him taking any advantage of you, or allowing anyone else too, either. The best part is not only the trust you share, but so do your parents and family. They feel totally at ease when they know you are in his company, making your life easier, too.

So, on this day of St. Valentines, which is full of love and lust, I dedicate this article to all my Guyfriends and hope this will help the rest of you understand just why a Guy Bestie is far better than Bae... Always and forever! Thank you to all my Guyfriends, you know who you are; the best!

Mucho Pyaar :o) x