Following the success of the now two-year-old Bradford Edition, publishing group I & E Media launched the London Edition of media title, Asian Sunday, at the House of Commons on Tuesday 29 October. The milestone occasion was witnessed by a high-profile guest list of London and Bradford MP’s, VIP’s, dignitaries and influencers across the media and business sectors.

International celebrities were honoured by Asian Sunday and Members of Parliament for their respective contributions to the global entertainment industry. Kareena Kapoor Khan, a fourth-generation actress who is the reigning heartthrob of today's generation and one of the rare actresses who has won critical as well as popular acclaim, was honoured by Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP; while Bradford-born Kimberley Walsh, singer-songwriter, model, television presenter, actress and band member of Girls Aloud; and Dynamo, AKA Steven Frayne, Dynamo: Magician Impossible were honoured by Rt Hon David Ward MP for Bradford East and members of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Additional attendees included Yasmin Qureshi MP, David Anderson MP, Lord Sheikh, Lord Browne and Cllr Rabia Bhatti. 

Speaking at the event, Kareena Kapoor Khan said, “United Kingdom really feels like a home away from home. It’s one of my favourite destinations to film a movie… everyone is so helpful and so kind. I am so happy I have made it here and thanks to everyone who has been a part of it.”

Kimberley Walsh said, “I am from Bradford and was brought up in Bradford. It is a multicultural and diverse city and has really shaped me as a person. It has made me incredibly grounded in this industry that I have chosen to be in. I have always been very proud coming from Bradford and this is a huge honour for me.”

Dynamo said, “Many people when I was younger, when I told them I wanted to be a magician, they told me to get a proper job. But thanks to all the support I got in Bradford, I made it. It’s where I started doing all my tricks. I was in the school playground doing magic but then later on I developed my skills and decided to take it to Bradford Town Centre… performing magic there to get tips for my mum, for food. With this support, I was able to take magic all over the world, even to India now. “

Supported by British Airways, Event Partner, Asian Sunday London’s official launch celebrated integration and bridging the gaps between ethnicities, communities, businesses and locations, echoing the ethos of the newspaper. Founded by I and E Media Managing Director, Fatima Patel, Asian Sunday newspaper has established itself as a benchmark publication – the UK’s first free Sunday paper; the first Sunday title across the UK Asian media sector; highlighting news that focuses on South Asians living and working and their lifestyle in the UK and sharing this insight with the wider community by distributing the newspaper free; and the first UK Asian newspaper to be solo-owned by a female.

Fatima Patel said, “Asian Sunday started as a passion in Bradford just a little over two years ago. I set out to create a publication that was diverse, inclusive and spoke about the real and not stereotyped issues surrounding the South Asian community living in the UK. Little did I know that what started off as an experiment today has become the most diversely read newspaper in Yorkshire. Asian Sunday has always been an avid supporter of good work and ethics. Today, as we celebrate our launch ceremony at the House of Commons, we want to use this platform to honour those who have helped put our city on the global map with their work in the music and entertainment industries, but also commend the work of Asians living abroad, in particular the new generation who are breaking stereotypes.”

Asian Sunday London will be delivered to over 20 tube stations across London, in addition to supermarkets such as Tesco, Asda and Morrisons, retailers, businesses and to a further 20,000 door-to-door households. Over 250,000 newspapers will be distributed per month, with a potential readership generated in excess of a million monthly readers.

From a business perspective, Asian Sunday’s London launch will help further link businesses and build bridges between the North and South. As well as creating job opportunities, links will be further cemented by the introduction of northern businesses to the South and vice versa, building a network that will make it easier for people to connect. British Airways was proud to partner the London launch and support I & E Media, as an airline that is also building bridges and connecting communities and enterprise. The launch of their three, daily flights between Yorkshire and London has seen a huge growth and exceptional support from the South Asian community. The route celebrates its 1st anniversary from Leeds Bradford Airport on 10th December.

Asian Sunday London debut issue will be distributed on 10 November.