The Zee Mela, NEC 17 – 19th November 2006

The Zee Mela 2006 proved to be a huge success with thousands turning out in flocks. The Zee Mela marked the conclusion to the British Asian Week, a series of fascinating and colourful events to promote the cultural contribution of South Asians to British society.

The Zee Mela was undoubtedly the highlight of the British Asian week.

From top designers featuring the latest bridal designs on the International Catwalk to beauty experts, photographers, wedding planners and caterers –everyone needed to create a magical day was brought together for Mela ’06, an event that celebrated all that is fabulous about traditional and modern Asian life.

This year Pudsey was given a Bollywood makeover as Birmingham celebrated BBC Children in Need at Mela ’06. Joined by dancers from SAPA (School of Asian Performing Arts, Birmingham), Pudsey took to the stage to perform some classic Bollywood moves in front of thousands of visitors attending the UK’s largest Asian lifestyle event. With Pudsey and SAPA performances taking place across the three day event which also hosted many other fund raising activities, from the auction of signed Bollywood Dolls and Bafta Goes Bollywood Programmes to collections and competitions.

Raising funds for this year’s BBC Make it Count Appeal, Bollywood legends Saif Ali Kahn, Kajol and Ajay Devgan joined in the fun, hosting activities to help the BBC in its bid to beat last year’s total of £33.2 million. All money raised was used to support disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

BAFTA GOES BOLLYWOOD ON TOUR hosted Q&A interviews with Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan, Kajol and Ajay Devgan.

Some background to these leading stars which attended….

Saif Ali Khan's film career soared after the 2001 cult hit Dil Chahta Hai (Do Your Thing) and further hits such as 2005's Salaam Namaste (Hi:Hello) established him as one of Bollywood's most bankable stars. Khan seems to have all the characteristics of the contemporary Indian film star and recently received strong critical acclaim for his performance in Omkara (2006).

Ajay Devgan's intensity as an anti-hero set him apart from many male stars of the 90s. His debut role was in 1991's action packed Phool Aur Kaante ( Rose and Thorns). His versatility continued in films that tackled social and controversial issues such as 2002's The Legend of Bhagat Singh. He recently received critical praise for his leading role as Othello in Omkara (2006).

Kajol is one of Indian cinema's most popular actresses with legions of fans worldwide. Since her role in 1995's Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (Brave- Heart will take the Bride), her career has soared with blockbusters such as 2001's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (Sometimes Happiness, Sometimes Sorrow) and 2006's Fanaa (Destroyed In Love). Kajol is known for her reluctance to compromise, carefully selecting her roles.

BAFTA also showcased exclusive screenings of interviews with Aamir Khan, Karan Johar and Preity Zinta; Shah Rukh Khan in conversation with Gurinder Chadha and a BAFTA tribute to Yash Chopra hosted by Sanjeev Bhaskar; as well as hosting contemporary film screenings across the 3 day extravaganza.

Bafta goes Bollywood on tour is part of BAFTA in the Regions, a programme of screenings and events throughout England run in partnership with the regional screen agencies.

BAFTA in the Regions and Screen WM joined up in summer 2006 to celebrate excellence within the moving image in the West Midlands and together we will engage with broader audiences and inspire practitioners within the film, television and games industries and the general public. We will achieve this through a programme of screenings, events and workshops with industry luminaries and BAFTA award winners. Screen WM supports, promotes and develops a sustainable and thriving screen media sector in the West Midlands.

BRIDE OF THE YEAR 2006 COMPETITION

One lucky Bride-to-be and her significant other won an exclusive personalised wedding song by Niraj Chag, a designer wedding outfit, first dance lessons from Hina Dance Co. and the lucky winner is set to embark on an exclusive honeymoon to the Caribbean! The winner was presented the prize from non other than Saif Ali Khan.

The competition invited entrants to explain briefly how they met their partner?

ENTRY TO MISS WORLD!

The search has begun for Miss England 2007 which leads to MISS WORLD the most coveted beauty title/top prize $100,000!

Ashwariya Rai former Miss World became one of Bollywoods highest paid actresses and is now a star in Hollywood.

To represent the multicultural society in England today, organisers of Miss England want to encourage more Asian and ethnic girls to enter the next miss England event

Girls dreaming of becoming Miss England were invited to have their photo taken on the stand and apply at the Mela.

The current Miss England Eleanor Glynn was also on hand visiting the stand during the exhibition and guest photos with Miss England were offered.

Crowds could be seen thoroughly enjoying the varied goings on at the meal, from shopping to eating and everything from entertainment to socialising. It was an array of people from all parts of the community, coming together to make this into a wonderful and highly successful event. We wish the Asian community the best of luck with the coming year and hope their continued vital contributions are felt within the mainstream British community.