THERE'S MUCH ADO ABOUT JADOO

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Dharmesh Lakhani, owner of Bobby's restaurant, with Madhur Jaffrey and MP Keith Vaz in a scene from Jadoo

There's much ado about Jadoo

by David Owen

Excitement is building ahead of the world premiere in Leicester of a film showcasing the city’s vibrant Indian community and famous cuisine.

Stars of the much-anticipated foodie comedy Jadoo, shot on location in Belgrave’s Golden Mile, will walk the red carpet on Tuesday, September 3.

Tickets are now on sale for the exclusive screening at Showcase Cinema de Lux, in Highcross.

Jadoo, which means “magic” in Hindi, stars Harish Patel, of Run Fatboy Run fame, and Kulvinder Ghir, who appeared in Bend It Like Beckham.

Leicester-born writer and director Amit Gupta said: “I’m so happy my home town is hosting the premiere of Jadoo.

“It will be a very special evening and I’m so happy that the people of Leicester will have the chance to attend and experience the Jadoo magic.”

Jadoo follows two chef brothers, Raja and Jaqi, who have a nasty fall-out which sees them rip up the family recipe book – one left with the starters and the other the main courses.

Setting up rival restaurants on opposite sides of Belgrave Road, it is left to Raja’s daughter to help them reconcile their differences in time for her wedding feast.

The film includes dozens of cameo and walk-on performances from Belgrave residents.

Dharmesh Lakhani, owner of Bobby’s restaurant, plays a judge in a cooking competition alongside Leicester East MP Keith Vaz and actress-chef Madhur Jaffrey.

To see a trailer for the film CLICK HERE

PREMIER BOOST FOR CULTURE BID

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Premier boost for culture bid

by Alan Thompson

The UK premiere of a film shot in Belgrave will take place in the city in September – giving a boost to Leicester's City of Culture bid.

Jadoo, which was filmed on the Golden Mile in March last year, was given its international premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February.

Now, the colourful comedy, which tells the story of two brothers who open competing restaurants in Belgrave Road after they each inherit half of their mother's recipes, is coming to the city.

Its director, Amit Gupta, was born above the Chaat House restaurant, in Belgrave Road.

Still owned by his family, it appeared in the film, along with Exotica, a restaurant further up the street.

People and businesses who were filmed – including Leicester East MP Keith Vaz – will get the chance to see themselves on the big screen at an as yet unnamed, cinema in the city – unless they've hit the cut ting room floor! Rajesh Pabari, owner of Shiva Shakri Foods, in MacDonald Road, off Belgrave Road, whose shop was used for a scene, said: "They spent about half a day filming a scene about the brothers buying ingredients.It will be interesting to see it, I'm looking forward to it."

Mr Vaz, who plays himself judging which of the brothers cooked the best food, said: "I actually haven't seen it yet but I am very much looking forward to it coming out.

"It was great fun filming and I hope people will go to see it and enjoy Leicester on the big screen."

Mr Vaz has been invited to a private screening of the film when it comes out in September. City assistant mayor and Belgrave ward councillor Manjula Sood said:"I think this will be a great boost for Leicester's city of culture bid.

"It will raise Leicester's profile and put the city on the map"I've known Amit, who directed the film, since he was a little boy, born and brought up in Leicester, so I'm very proud.

"The producers have asked me if it would be possible to banners up across Belgrave Road and I am going to speak to the council's festivals and events team. Jadoo's Associate producer, Farhana Bula, said: "We wanted to be able to tie in the UK premiere with Leicester's bid to become City of Culture.

"The exact date and venue are to be finalized."

MERCURY OPINION: GOLDEN MILE GATEWAYS ARE A GREAT IDEA

This is from the Mercury Opinion column in today's Leicester Mercury:

Golden Mile gateways are a great idea

Belgrave traders have raised the idea of large Indian-style gateways to mark either end of Leicester's Golden Mile. It would create a landmark in a similar way to the Oriental arches in Manchester's Chinatown. Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby is enthusiastic about the idea and would support it if the traders were to pay for it themselves. That last point touches on the issue of how this would be funded and that does not appear to be entirely clear yet.

Notwithstanding that potential stumbling block, it is an excellent idea. This area of Leicester is already scheduled for a major change with the demolition of the Belgrave flyover next year. This has caused some anxiety among motorists. However, there are many benefits to the area itself. The Belgrave flyover is an unattractive structure which separates the Golden Mile from the city centre. Its demolition will remove that barrier.

The creation of the landmarks being proposed by the traders would further add to the character and distinctiveness of this area and make it more of an attraction to visitors to the city. It has a fine array of shops and this would help to make them even more of an attraction. One would imagine, however, that landmarks of this nature would be expensive and the crucial issue is coming up with a funding plan. We would love to see this idea get off the ground.

LARGE GATEWAYS PLAN FOR ENDS OF THE GOLDEN MILE

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

The distinctive gates in Chinatown, Manchester

Large gateways plan for ends of the Golden Mile

by Dan Martin

Large Indian-style gateways could be put up to mark either end of Leicester's Golden Mile.

Businesses along the busy shopping street in Belgrave are looking at establishing landmarks similar to the Oriental arches in Manchester's Chinatown.

Traders' representatives have been holding discussions with city mayor Sir Peter Soulsby about the idea.

Sir Peter said: "It is an idea that has come forward from the traders as a way of demonstrating the identity of the Golden Mile.

"They have expressed an interest in getting something at either end which would show people when they are entering what is a specialist shopping area.

"They want something at the city end and something at the Melton Road end.

"I have seen Chinatown (in Manchester) and it looks good. I think something similar could work here.

"There is a precedent for doing this in the city already – the arch at the entrance to the market, though that is much more modest than what is being considered."

Sir Peter said he was enthusiastic about the idea and would support it if the traders were to pay for it themselves.

He said the planned demolition of the Belgrave fly-over, set to take place after Sainsbury's relocates from Belgrave to Melton Road at the end of this year, could allow some sort of new public art feature.He said: "It is an idea in its very early stages."

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of the Belgrave Business Association, said: "We are looking for something that makes people think of India and the subcontinent, but with elements of Leicester and the UK.

"It could well be a gateway and we could then use an image of it as branding all along the Golden Mile. It would be lovely to have something like that.

"We are not certain yet how it would fit in with the road structure or the space available.

"Whatever we do, it will be something that reinforces the character of the Golden Mile and encourages people to visit."

Mr Lakhani said people in the area would be asked what design they would like to see in place. Children at Abbey Primary School have already come up with a series of designs that could be considered.

Leicester East MP Keith Vaz said: "The Golden Mile is a defined area of shopping excellence known across the country and I think it is a great idea.

"It would come into its own at the time of Diwali.

"It is an ambitious idea and I will support it."

Travel agent Dipak Varadia, 51, from Brandon Street, off Belgrave Road, said: "We should definitely do this. At the moment, that big, ugly concrete fly-over hardly says 'Welcome to the Golden Mile'.

"When it has gone, we can replace it with something beautiful."

LAST GASP GO-AHEAD FOR MANGO FESTIVAL

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Last gasp go-ahead for Mango festival

by David Owen

Leicester will host its first ever Mango festival on Bank Holiday Monday after 11th- hour plans came together just in time for the extravaganza to go ahead.

Organisations across the city answered Leicester East MP Keith Vaz's SOS call issued through the Mercury last week.

The politician admitted he cut it fine, but it has been confirmed that Belgrave's Golden Mile will replicate the world-renowned fruit festival held in Delhi every June.

Cossington Recreation Ground will be a sea of yellow and orange, with city residents from all communities invited to come along and join the fun.

In keeping with tradition, four giant ornately-carved wooden elephants will be the centrepiece of the festival, which will include Indian cooking demonstrations, dancing and music.

Mr Vaz hailed the staging of the festival an "organisational triumph" for the city.

"We really had our backs to the wall," he said. "But Leicester has been able to pull this together in just 10 days.

"It has been a magnificent effort and I want to thank the City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, the city council's festival team, the police, Belgrave Traders Association and others for pulling this together at very short notice.

"I am particular delighted that a home has been found for the six elephants that will come especially from India." 

The elephants that could have proved the sticking point, with Mr Vaz appealing for local organisations to provide a home for the giant wooden animals. "A number of local groups, organisations and individuals contacted me offering a home for the elephants," he said.

The four life-size carvings will arrive on Monday, with two 24ft by 12ft giants arriving the following week after the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir temple, on Gipsy Lane, Shreeji Dham Haveli temple, Melton Road, and Leicester City Football Club agreed to look after the elephants.

The Mango Festival will take place from 3pm, with activities for all ages, including cooking with celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, dancing with Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar and a visit by Bollywood movie art director and set designer Nitin Desai.

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of Belgrave Business Association, said: "It's taken a lot of hard work but the fact it's going ahead is thanks to the effort put in by Keith and everyone else involved.''

VAZ HOPEFUL OF A MANGO EXTRAVAGANZA

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Vaz hopeful of a mango extravaganza

City MP Keith Vaz remains confident of staging the country's first mango festival in Leicester – with just 10 days left to get it organised.

The Leicester East MP wants Belgrave's Golden Mile to stage an extravaganza in tribute to the national fruit of India over the early May bank holiday weekend, mimicking the famous International Mango Festival held, in Delhi, every June.

A meeting involving the police, the city council officials and business representatives was held yesterday to discuss plans for the event.

Mr Vaz said afterwards: "I am extremely grateful to the city mayor for the support given to the proposal to have the first mango festival in Leicester.

"If it's going to go ahead, a lot of hard work needs to be done in the next few days. I am optimistic we will meet the deadline. We're not staging the Olympics, it's only a mango festival."

Mr Vaz has arranged the delivery of six giant wooden elephants to Leicester, which would form a key part of the festival.

An appeal was issued in the Mercury on Wednesday for people to look after the elephants in the run-up to the event.

Mr Vaz said: "I am delighted so many organisations have contacted my office and offered to look after one of the elephants.

"We will be having an X-factor style contest, the E-factor, if you like, to consider exactly where to put them, as we have more offers than elephants.

"The collective view is that we have everything we need to make this happen."

Dharmesh Lakhani, chairman of Belgrave Business Association, attended the meeting.

He said: "It is a very exciting opportunity for Leicester. I believe the costs will be met by the mango growers of Maharashtra. The elephants will be something different for the city.

"I think it is a good idea, but there isn't much time to get it organised, just 10 days."

KEITH'S BIG PROBLEM

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Keith's big problem

by David Owen

Keith Vaz faces an elephant-sized headache as he tries to organise the country's first ever Mango festival – in two weeks' time.

The Leicester East MP wants Belgrave's Golden Mile to stage an extravaganza in tribute to the national fruit of India over the early May bank holiday weekend, mimicking the famous International Mango Festival held in Delhi every June.

So far he has not finalised any of the details of the festival, such as what events would take place as part of it.

However, he has arranged the delivery of six giant wooden elephants to Leicester, which would form a key part of the festival.

Now he has just days to find somewhere suitable to display and store the ornately-decorated beasts, which are on their way to the UK from the Indian subcontinent.

Mr Vaz said: "I was approached by people working for the regional government of Maharashtra, in Mumbai, who said they wanted to organise a Mango festival in the UK.

"They have organised a festival in Trafalgar Square and I said 'if you're coming to England you've got to come to Leicester!' They said it was a great idea.

"It would be wonderful to have the focus of the festival in Belgrave and a way of promoting all the fantastic green-grocers in the area.

"These festivals are a celebration of Indian culture and food – and what a coup it would be for us in Leicester to host the country's first mango festival – and before London!"

Mr Vaz now has to finalise the arrangements – including temporary homes for the wooden elephants, which are up to 24ft by 12ft in size.

The Mercury was the first organisation in the city to know of the palns.

Mr Vaz has already approached the Mercury about having one of the elephants outside our offices in George Street and is now contacting Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers and large city colleges, such as Rushey Mead School and Soar Valley College.

"This is a bit of an SOS," he said. "I am delighted that the organisers of the first Mango Festival have decided to come to Leicester.

"The elephants are an essential part of the festival but we need to find locations where they can be displayed – and where they will be looked after.

"We are looking for groups, businesses or even individuals who would house and look after the giant elephants for a three-month period.

"I know time is short but it would be such a shame if we missed out on this great opportunity," he said.

Councillor Manjula Sood, assistant city mayor for community involvement and equality, said: "If the festival can go ahead it would be wonderful – much better here than in London!"

The council is organising a "multi-agency" planning meeting to discuss the proposals with Mr Vaz for Friday.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It sounds like an interesting proposal and I have asked our festivals and events team to provide advice and support to Keith to help him with its delivery."

CITY NEARLY ALL SET FOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

City nearly all set for festival of lights

Work to hang more than 6,500 festive lights along the Golden Mile is almost complete.

The Diwali light switch on will take place in Belgrave, Leicester, on Sunday, November 4, marking the start of celebrations.

Lighting engineers have been busy lining Belgrave Road with more than 1,000 metres of decorative lights and garlands.

Councillor Piara Singh Clair, chairman of the council's Diwali working party, said: "Leicester's Diwali switch-on is a wonderful celebration, which is enjoyed by tens of thousands of people each year.

"I am sure this year's celebrations will be as spectacular as ever and I hope that even more people will come and join the festivities on Belgrave Road."

The switch-on celebrations will take place from 6pm until 9pm, with dancers and musicians performing classical Asian and Bollywood entertainment.

Celebrations then move to nearby Cossington Street Recreation Ground, where a firework and laser display will take place from 8pm.

www.leicester.gov.uk/diwali

ENJOY CELEBRATIONS IN SAFETY

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Enjoy celebrations in safety

Worshippers are being asked to follow simple safety tips to ensure a happy Diwali and Navratri.

Police, firefighters and the city council are teaming up to offer safety advice throughout the celebrations, with 10,000 greetings cards with safety messages being posted through letterboxes in the Belgrave, Latimer and Rushey Mead areas of the city.

Firefighters are urging Hindus and other devotees to take care when using candles and flames.

People attending celebrations and visiting friends are being asked to lock their homes and cover up expensive jewellery when out and about.

Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon said: "Each year, thousands of people take part in Diwali celebrations in Leicester.

"Our role is to ensure that they can enjoy this special time without fear of crime.

"Many people will be busy visiting friends and family in the coming weeks. We are urging them to take a few simple crime prevention measures – such as securing their windows and doors every time they leave their home, and being discreet with valuables, in particular expensive jewellery – when they are out and about.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Navratri and Diwali."

Chief Superintendent Rob Nixon launched the campaign with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service yesterday.

Speaking at Belgrave Community Centre, in Rothley Street, police and fire officers advised people not to overfill oil lamps and to be vigilant when out during celebrations.

More than 35,000 people are expected to pack into the Golden Mile for the Diwali fireworks on Sunday, November 4.

Even more will take to the streets on Diwali day, on Tuesday, November 13, for one of the biggest celebrations of its kind outside India.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Steve Lunn said: "Leicestershire has a very diverse population.

" The Navratri and Diwali celebrations are a cornerstone of our Hindu community, so we want to make sure everyone remains safe to enjoy every aspect this period has to offer.

"While the number of fires caused by Diva candles have remained low in recent years, it is through education and awareness campaigns, such as this, that we will ensure this remains the case."

Leicester City Council asked people not to bring fireworks to public celebrations. Diwali is also celebrated by Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Hindu deity Shakti, which starts today.

LET'S BUILD FIRST ASIAN MALL

This letter appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Let's build first Asian mall

The frequent occurrence of often violent robberies in the Golden Mile and the impending improvements to reduce them will probably eventually result in the area becoming a pedestrian-only zone.

Is there another solution to this problem which, at the same time, gives the city a major tourist attraction?

Shortly, Sainsbury's is leaving its present position and moving to the site once occupied by Thorn Lighting, while the present site will probably be made into smaller units.

Could not – with a lot of thought, discussion, investigation and negotiation – traders turn the vacated property into the first Asian shopping mall in the UK and, possibly, Europe?

The mall would have an area for a restaurant that would supply all types of Asian cuisine and an area separated from the main hall to accommodate insurance brokers, solicitors, financial advisers, travel agents – probably including the visa office secured by Keith Vaz.

It could become a fully comprehensive area for the Asian community.

One of the biggest problems with the Golden Mile is the lack of parking.

This would be solved, as there is a large car park.

Another problem is security, which again could be an improvement on the present situation.

Obviously, the financial side would have to be considered, but even that could be helped by applying for various sources such as the Lottery Fund, the Portas Fund – even the council could help.

There are a lot of Asian entrepreneurs who might even be interested in entering negotiations with Sainsbury's.

Perhaps Ratilal Govins would consider discussing such a proposition, its feasibility and its potential as a tourist attraction, as, apart from Leicester, there are many other areas with large numbers of Asians who would welcome such a project and could become regular visitors to the centre.

Perhaps Mr Vaz would lend his support to such a project.

If it did cause any problems, perhaps the Gandhi statue could be re-sited in the hall or in the entrance to the mall.

If it did not offend, perhaps it could named the Gandhi Centre.

Mr G Wainwright, Oadby

THOUSANDS FLOCK TO LEICESTER'S GOLDEN MILE FOR DIWALI FIREWORKS

From today's Leicester Mercury:

Thousands flock to Leicester's Golden Mile for Diwali fireworks 

Leicester's Golden Mile was alive with colour and excitement as thousands of people celebrated Diwali last night. 

Revellers packed Belgrave Road and Cossington Street recreation ground to enjoy drumming, dancing and an impressive firework and laser display. 

People travelled from all over to join in the celebrations. 

Heena Pathak, 44, of Rushey Mead, went along with husband Nitin, with both keen to see the fireworks. 

Heena said: "Even though I'm local, I've never come out in Leicester for Diwali, but this year instead of sitting at home we wanted to join in with the spirit of things. 

"We've celebrated at home with family, but we wanted to come here and be around lots of people and enjoy some food and drink." 

Jatinder and Nitin Patel, who live in Walsall, were returning to Leicester 20 years after they met as university students. 

Nitin, 40, said: "We wanted to come back and share this with our children so they learn a bit more about their culture and heritage because there's nothing like this where we live." 

Neelam Patel, 18, from Thorpe Astley, was celebrating with her 12-year-old sister Naomi and four-year-old brother Drew. 

She said: "I really like coming here to socialise and see the fireworks. 

"For me Diwali is about eating lots of yummy food, getting together with family and buying presents – it's just like Christmas." 

Suresh Sida, 43, who lives near Hinckley Road in Leicester, said: "It's great to come down and meet up with people and spend time with the family. 

"We've got friends coming here from Northampton because Leicester does Diwali so well." 

Councillor Piara Clair, chair of the city council's Diwali working party, said: "I am delighted we can share our Diwali day celebrations with people from far and wide as well as with many different communities right across the city." 

The Diwali events were organised by the city council and the Leicester Hindu Festival Council and sponsored by 02 for the first time this year. 

At Curve theatre, the festival was celebrated with an exhibition of vibrant sarees. 

The display of intricate garments was curated by family-run Belgrave Road business Anokhi House of Sarees. 

Set against a display of light projections, it shows how the colours and style of the saree has changed from 2,000 BC to today. 

Shop manager Karan Modha said: "I'm absolutely overwhelmed by the interest and very grateful for the opportunity to display our designs. 

"The beauty of the garment is that it fits everyone, and no matter who you are, when you wear it you feel like a million bucks. It's a piece of art."