ASIAN BUSINESS AWARDS 2003
(25th March 2003)

The annual Asian Business Awards honour the contribution and significant achievements of Asian entrepreneurs in Britain, and acknowledge the important role of Asians in shaping British society today. Eastern Eye newspaper, organisers of the Awards, announced this year's winners at a special ceremony held at the Natural History Museum on 25th March 2003.

The winners of this year's awards were Sunny Luthra, a leading cosmetic dental surgeon who was voted Newcomer of the Year, Firoz Kassam a hotelier who received Entrepreneur of the Year. The Young Achiever of the Year Award went to Minal Vohra founder of Higher Living Ayurvedic food products, and The Business of the Year award was presented to Karan Bilimoria of Cobra Beer. A brand new accolade was introduced this year, The Community Award, to recognise the unique achievements of an individual went to Zuffar Haq, who's hard work and determination has made a big difference to people in Pakistan.

Stars from stage and screen joined millionaires and distinguished guests including, Teresa May MP, Lord and Lady Paul and Lord Dholakia, at the gala dinner, which was hosted by Bombay Dreams star Dalip Tahil and former Miss World, Diana Hayden. The event also saw celebrities including Pal Aron, Archie Punjabi, Cathy Tyson, Rebecca Hazelwood, Lionel Blair, Faith Brown, and Preeya Kalidas among the invited guests.

The evening's performances included a recital by the latest violin sensation, Diana Yukawa and fusion pop band Trickbaby. But it was India's leading folk singer, who stole the show. Bollywood diva Ila Arun arrived in London to perform exclusively at the event. Her sultry dance routine and distinctive voice received a rapturous applause from the audience.

THE WINNERS

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR - SUNNY LUTHRA

Delhi-born Sunny Luthra is known as the 'tooth-whitening king' and has become one of the UK's leading cosmetic dental surgeons. Although still in his early thirties, Luthra's career spans a decade, he has travelled with the Indian cricket team during the 1992 World Cup and also worked as the official dentist for the Chelsea FC.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - FIROZ KASSAM

Firoz Kassam is one of this year's most exciting success stories. He owns the London Park Hotel and is the franchise holder for the Holiday Inn in the capital.

YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR - MINAL VOHRA

Vohra's brand,'Higher Living' offers food products based Ayurveda, a science, which addresses ailments in the body. Higher Living has only been trading for two years, and in this short time the products are sold in health food stores nationwide, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR - KARAN BILIMORIA

Karan Bilimoria is the founder of Cobra Beer, one of the fastest growing beer brands in the UK. Cobra Beer has gone from strength to strength and now has an annual turnover approaching £15 million.

COMMUNITY AWARD - ZUFFAR HAQ

The Leicester-based businessman has rescued outdated medical equipment worth £1million, from the scrap yard and shipped the much-needed supplies to Pakistan. Zuffar's initiative has saved the lives of many individuals and bringing hope to countless others. Zuffar has since set up a charity, the International Hospital Relief Trust to aid his humanitarian efforts.

Click here to read about Asian Business Award Winners 2002.