Lord Jeffrey Archer, Former world boxing champion Amir Khan, Editor and publisher-in-chief of Asian Voice, CB Patel and Actor and Producer, Nitin Ganatra, OBE
Event Producer, Pratik Dattani
Juggy D performing at the 2022 event
Bollwood Singer, Kanika Kapoor winning an award in 2023
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer
Dr. Selva Pankaj
Muay Thai boxing champion and Captain of the British Muay Thai Team, Ruqsana Begum
London is preparing for one of the most dazzling nights of the year as billionaires, celebrities, sports icons and business leaders gather for the 23rd Asian Achievers Awards, the UK’s premier celebration of British Asian success across society. With the combined net worth of attendees expected to exceed $30 billion, this year’s ceremony promises to be as glamorous as it is meaningful, highlighting the individuals and families who have helped redefine Britain’s cultural, business and social fabric. The event is scheduled to take place on Friday, the 19th of September at the Park Lane Hilton, reinforcing its reputation as the UK’s longest standing and most prestigious platform recognising British Asian contribution across the arts, business, politics, sport and community service.
A Night of Recognition and Legacy
Since its launch in 2002, the Asian Achievers Awards has been widely regarded as the gold standard for recognising South Asian excellence in Britain. Over the past two decades it has honoured entrepreneurs, community leaders, creatives and professionals who have not only excelled in their own fields but also uplifted communities across the UK. In 2025, the scale of the event remains formidable. Organisers received more than 500 nominations, a testament to the breadth of South Asian talent shaping modern Britain. After careful deliberation, the judging panel, drawn from across law, business, entrepreneurship, public service and the media, announced a shortlist representing the community’s dynamism and diversity. This year’s categories include Arts and Culture, Businessperson of the Year, Community Service, Entrepreneur of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Media, Professional of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year, and Woman of the Year. Among the shortlisted names are Neerja Birla, billionaire philanthropist and education pioneer; Frank Khalid OBE, owner of West London Film Studios and Chak89; Indhu Rubasingham MBE, artistic director of the National Theatre; Sunny Gill Singh, the first British South Asian referee in the Premier League; and Selva Pankaj, Sri Lankan-born co-founder and CEO of Regent Global.
Celebrating South Asian Resilience
For Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG, the advisory firm behind the Awards, this year’s event is not just about glamour but about recognising the resilience and creativity of British South Asians. “While Britain faces global economic and political headwinds from multiple sides, South Asians have again showed their resilience and ability to contribute to building the nation,” he said. “They have created jobs, innovated, broken down barriers and enriched the cultural fabric of our country. They show what can be achieved if South Asians work together and inspire each other to do better.”
Political Leaders Unite in Praise
The significance of the event was underscored by messages of support from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described British Asians as “a driving force behind much of the social, cultural and economic innovation we see in Britain today.”
“You represent so many of the values that help our communities thrive, ambition, hard work and inclusivity, to name just a few,” he said. “It is wonderful to see so many British Asian change-makers being recognised 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 added: “This event is a celebration of the contribution you make across every sector of society, from business and public service to science and the arts.” Sir Ed Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, also congratulated nominees: “What a pleasure it is to offer my congratulations to all the nominees at the 23rd annual Asian Achievers Awards. Your dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to us all.”
A Star-Studded Guest List
The ceremony will draw a star-studded roster of attendees, including actors Kulvinder Ghir, Shobna Gulati and Karen Johal, international dancer Karan Pangali, and muay thai world champion Ruqsana Begum. Sports pioneers will also be represented, with appearances by Michael Chopra, the first British Asian to play in the Premier League, and referee Sunny Gill Singh, already among the shortlisted nominees. The business community will be out in force, with Tony Matharu, billionaire hotelier, in attendance, alongside the Solanki family, co-founders of B&M and owners of Taj Foods, as well as leaders of Brightsun Travel, Star Tours, and the executive team from Malabar Gold & Diamonds. With such an influential guest list, the evening will be as much about networking and influence as it is about recognition; a space where the present and future of South Asian Britain converge.
An Evening of Entertainment
The programme will feature a blend of music, comedy and cultural performance. Nitin Ganatra OBE, star of EastEnders, will co-host the ceremony alongside Sky News presenter Anila Dhami, while Nileeka Bose, choreographer for Marvel’s The Eternals, will oversee the red-carpet arrivals. Entertainment highlights include a live set from Indian-Canadian singer Raghav, whose debut album Storyteller sold more than 1.4 million copies and produced several UK top 10 singles. Stand-up comedian Eshaan Akbar, known for his appearances on the BBC, ITV and Netflix’s Sex Education, will provide comic relief, while a special table performance is expected to surprise guests. Adding a philanthropic dimension, Thomas Forrester of BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip will lead a charity auction in aid of Parkinson’s UK, with a target of raising £200,000 for research and support services.
Organisers and Partners
The Awards are organised by EPG and supported by high-profile partners, including State Bank of India (UK), Hill House Interiors, and think tank Bridge India. Their involvement underlines the event’s status as both a cultural celebration and a serious platform for dialogue between British and global South Asian communities.
The Broader Impact
Beyond the red carpet and glittering performances, the Asian Achievers Awards underscore the deep-rooted role of South Asians in shaping Britain’s present and future. Entrepreneurs continue to create jobs, artists push cultural boundaries, and professionals in law, medicine and education drive progress.
The platform is particularly significant for younger generations, offering role models across sport, theatre, media and business. Shortlisted names such as Sunny Gill Singh and Indhu Rubasingham serve as examples of how South Asians are breaking barriers and broadening opportunities in fields where representation has historically been limited. At the same time, the fundraising element ensures the Awards remain tied to philanthropy, emphasising that success is measured not only in financial terms but also in community impact.
Now in its 23rd year, the Asian Achievers Awards has grown from a pioneering initiative in 2002 into a cornerstone of Britain’s recognition calendar. Over the decades, it has celebrated grassroots heroes and billionaire leaders alike, creating a legacy that bridges generations. As the 2025 ceremony unfolds, new icons will be crowned, but the true achievement lies in celebrating the collective journey of Britain’s South Asian community, their resilience through adversity, their innovation across industries, and their contribution to a more inclusive and prosperous nation. As Prime Minister Kier Starmer emphasised in his message, the Awards ultimately reflect values of “ambition, hard work and inclusivity.” It is those values, organisers say, that continue to define South Asian Britain today.
