Author: AAA team
LONDON, 18 SEPTEMBER 2026: Business leaders, celebrities and sports personalities gathered in London for the 24th Asian Achievers Awards, the UK’s most prominent and longstanding celebration of British Asian achievement across business and society.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said of the event: “For more than two decades, these awards have celebrated the outstanding contribution of British Asians.” He went on acknowledge the ceremony as “such an important occasion in the calendar.”
Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch said: “Britain succeeds when hard work, ambition and contribution are rewarded. I am delighted to see that celebrated tonight.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey said: “These awards are a vital way of celebrating how South Asians in the UK have shown resilience, innovation and foresight to tackle the biggest economic and societal challenges facing Britain today.”
Winners included: Executive Chairman of the Batra Group, Rajiv Batra, who represents 20+ brands, including Hunter, Fila, Reebok and Vera Wang, supplying 5,000+ retailers worldwide; the first Indian Sikh woman elected to the Scottish Parliament Pam Gosal; Founder of Sandea Wholesale and King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade winner Sanjeet Manek; Chief Creative Officer at Bennett, Coleman & Co. Nonita Kalra; former Head of Sports Medicine at Arsenal, Crystal Palace and Liverpool football clubs Dr Zafar Iqbal, founder of one of the UK’s longest-established post-production companies runVT, Balvinder Singh Sanghera; Gaurav Khullar, who has one of the largest private heritage art collections in India; as well as CEO of Curium Pharma, which is valued at over $7 billion Chaitanya Tatineni; human rights and gender justice professor Sunita Toor; one of the leaders in multicultural marketing in the UK, Manish Tiwari; and Founder CEO of Rifco Theatre Pravesh Kumar MBE.
The event was organised by advisory firm EPG, supported by State Bank of India (UK), charity partner Pardada Pardadi, AI firm Lorefully, Entrepreneur Asia Pacific magazine, Fortnum & Mason Concierge, think tank Bridge India, drinks partners Kingfisher Drinks and Indri whisky, and media partners Asian Voice and LycaRadio.
The evening was hosted by actor Nitin Ganatra OBE. Speaking about this year’s programme, Pratik Dattani, Managing Director of EPG, says: “At a time when Britain is facing a continued cost-of-living crisis, frequent changes in government and an anti-immigrant sentiment, our Awards showcase the very best of what our community has to offer. I’m so proud that this event is considered the leading one of its kind in the UK, even after 24 years.”
The night was once again be hosted by actor Nitin Ganatra OBE. The performers included Indian pioneer of Asian-R&B fusion Rishi Rich on stage with Ustad Rafaqat Ali Khan – the voice behind Krrish, Dhokha and unforgettable Coke Studios moments. The BBC’s Man Like Mobeen star Tez Ilyas had the audience laughing with a hilarious a stand-up comedy performance.
The charity partner for the event was Pardada Pardadi that aims to socially uplift and economically empower girls and women in Uttar Pradesh through education, health and hygiene, community development and economic empowerment.
Full list of Winners:
Achievement in Art and Culture
Achievement in Community Service
Achievement in Media
Sports Personality of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Entrepreneur of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER – Nonita Kalra, Chief Creative Officer – Luxury, Fashion and Lifestyle, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.
Professional of the Year
Special Award for Contribution to Media
WINNER – Manish Tiwari, Founder and CEO, Here & Now 365
Special Award for Contribution to Art
WINNER – Gaurav Khullar, art collector
Woman of the Year
Find out more or for media interviews: team@asianachieversawards.com.
