All-Star Line Up Appears at Mela ’06
Mela ’06 (17 – 19 November) sees top Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Kajol and Ajay Devgan, along with British Asian talents Rishi Rich, Juggy D, Jay Sean and Hunterz, appear throughout the weekend. The three day event is the largest ever Asian lifestyle experience staged in the UK and is the final event of British Asian Week (13 – 19 November). Featuring the very best of Asian culture, from fashion, beauty and shopping, to business, music and entertainment. The Bafta goes Bollywood stage gives visitors the chance to meet critically acclaimed Bollywood couple Kajol and Ajay Devgan, along with super successful heartthrob, Saif Ali Khan.
They’ll enjoy live and exclusive interviews with the stars and see the ‘Best of Bollywood’ with film screenings hosted by Bafta throughout the event. The ‘Entertainment Theatre’, in association with BBC Asian Network, showcases performances by the very best of British Asian talent, alongside Asian stars from around the world. Hunterz, Hadiqa Kiani and Ali Zafar are performing a brand new track created as a unique collaboration specifically for Mela ’06, whilst the Rishi Rich Project headlines each of the shows. Feisty female rap artist, Hard Kaur, is getting the crowds going with her sassy style and Paul Chowdhry, one of the most popular Asian comedians in the UK, offers a hilarious look at multi cultural diversity in contemporary Britain. Mela ’06 also showcases exclusive screenings of ‘BAFTA Goes Bollywood’ events, including interviews with Aamir Khan, Karan Johar and Preity Zinta; Shah Rukh Khan in conversation with Gurinder Chadha and a BAFTA tribute to Yash Chopra.
The 'Ultimate Opportunities' Theatre, in association with Lloyds TSB / ICICI Bank India Banking Service, provides a superb opportunity to hear from British Asian icons and role models from the worlds of music, business, media and film as they share experiences and advice about making it in their chosen fields. Armed with knowledge from the experts, visitors can explore the ‘Opportunities’ zone and meet exhibitors offering everything for the budding entrepreneur or those in need of career and finance advice. The ‘Ultimate Fashion’ zone will see the latest stunning collections from Mumbai brought to the international fashion catwalk in Birmingham.
Visitors can buy next season’s ‘must have’ fashions and see the winning design from this year’s Young Fashion Designer of the Year competition. For those preparing for their big day, a visit to Mumbai can be saved with a visit to the Wedding Pavilion – one lucky bride will be given the chance to win the ultimate wedding makeover, including a personally composed song by Niraj Chag, a honeymoon in the Caribbean, first dance lessons and a gorgeous wedding outfit by Sequinze & Banwait Brothers Co. The perfect place to plan your perfect day. Visitors can get a makeover, learn classical and modern Bollywood dance moves and receive expert make-up tips in the Health & Beauty Pavilion. Alternatively they’ll enjoy a reflective visit to Mela Wellbeing, where visitors can have one-to-one consultations with astrologists, yoga experts, mehndi artists and spiritualists.
Why not experience the authentic sights, sounds and smells of India whilst bartering with traders in a specially created Indian Bazaar. The ‘Ultimate Food’ Cookery Theatre, in association with the Easter Media Group and Zaikha, gives visitors the chance to pick up new tantalizing recipe ideas from a host of experts. Set within Masala Junction, where visitors can buy first class ingredients and cookware from leading culinary suppliers, the Cookery Theatre will features leading British Asian and international chefs performing cooking demonstrations, along with a competition for budding chefs with a live final cook-off at the show. An event not be missed, the all-new Mela will be a true and genuine celebration of all that is fabulous about traditional and modern Asian life.
Tickets are priced £15 and can be bought at the NEC – visit www.necmela.com for more details.
