By Aneesa Malik
Stepping out of her BBC Asian Network show, Noreen Khan was chosen as Asian World’s delightful guest for the April issue of Date a Star. With her insightful topics of discussion and heart-warming chats, Noreen was inundated with requests from fans hoping for such a fantastic opportunity to get to know her better. But it was 34- year-old Robert Judd from Essex who stood out from the rest.
Robert never thought he even had a chance, applying on the off-chance. But the reason he wanted to meet her was: “The offer came around to meet Noreen Khan, and I thought why not. It’s nice to meet someone who is in the public eye; perhaps someone who has such an influence on British culture. I would like to know what goes on in the mind of someone on par with the same thing politicians do, because she has so many listeners.”
“I do listen to BBC Asian network quite a lot. I think- as a non Asian- it’s important to understand the cultures of the minority, rather than the other way round.”
Before the date, it was apparent that Roberts’ anticipation was rising. He explained: “I am really nervous about meeting her; it’s having that butterfly feeling in my stomach that doesn’t help!”
There was just one thing he was eager to ask her: “I just want to find out about her love for horses; perhaps she can even teach me.”
Arriving at the restaurant- not in a horse as Noreen may have hoped- but a chauffeur driven Bentley (courtesy of Grand Occasions) the anxious Noreen met her date in the stunningly quaint Hajees Spices restaurant.
After a couple of snaps, the gorgeous pair were left alone for a quiet evening filled with a delectable 3-course- meal and the company of each other. It was during her cup of Pakistani tea, when Noreen mentioned her initial thoughts on the date. She rather openly said; “My first response to the date was a no! But my colleague persuaded me round, saying it will be a laugh. I’m always up for a laugh, and it was just a bit of fun.”
So, the date was over and it was time to part their ways. Noreen enthusiastically said: “It’s been a lovely evening; the food was great and Robert is lovely.” As for Robert, it was a great opportunity to explore Noreen’s personal life- from her inspiration for her talk show, to the troubles she faces being the youngest in her family. He said: “I’ve had a great time meeting her and I felt very comfortable talking to her.”
It was thanks to the efforts of the extremely generous Hajees Spices restaurant, on Stratford Road, which provided the setting for such a fine dining experience. Their extensive menu allowed our guests to choose and enjoy an appetizing meal, whilst being surrounded by irreplaceable decor and ambience.
The date would be nothing without transportation with a little style. And that is exactly what Ferhaan Mirza from Grand Occasions brought. His Bentley allowed the couple to relax and enjoy scenic views of the city as they pulled up at the restaurant. Being escorted back from the restaurant, in such a luxurious manner, was the perfect end to the date.
If you would like to be in with a chance to Date a Star, then write to us at: artist@theasianworld.co.uk explaining why you should be the lucky winner.
