Shaleena says, “The brief started off with Sid (Siddharth Anand) telling me what the mood of the  song was because this is in the film. It’s connected to the story of the movie so it’s kind of a part where she is very carefree and both of them were supposed to look like they’ve never been presented like this before.”

She adds, “SRK is supposed to look like he is not supposed to be in the film and she is, of course, is supposed to look her sexiest best. I think what is great about Sid is that he gives me the brief and lets me take it from there which is very important in any relationship where you trust the other person. He had given me a lot of freedom and put a lot of trust in me which is why all of us were able to give our best to this film.”

Shaleena further adds, “I was also eager to make this song look like nothing you’ve ever seen before. I wanted the clothes to be very different from what you would see in a song like this. Even the swimsuits she is wearing, colors we’ve used. I wanted to do something which hopefully will be relevant for a long time. Even for Shahrukh, we’ve been able to do a little anti-fit, cool shirts and gave him a lot of accessories. He is presented as a guy who throws his clothes on together but in a very sexy way, like made it look like we’ve unbuttoned his shirt. The attitude with which both of them have worn their clothes is very chill and easy.”

Shaleena says the song is looking this hot because she also had SRK and Deepika’s magnetic personalities to carry off these clothes!

She says, “I also could not have asked for two better actors to dress because there are no two people who carry clothes off better than they do. We did not approach it as a dance number, but what’s great is that we looked at it as a mood where two people would be wearing clothes as they stepped out to go for a party. All this was incorporated in the song which was really nice for me so the clothes were still real that a girl or a guy can wear on a normal basis. So it was a bit of elevated casual fashion for me.”

Pathaan is India’s biggest ever action spectacle for audiences. The visually spectacular Yash Raj Films’ action extravaganza, Pathaan, is part of Aditya Chopra’s ambitious spy universe and has the biggest superstars of the country Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in it. The adrenaline pumping, visually extravagant film is set to release on Jan 25, 2023 in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Produced by Desi Lion Records, Lyrics by LOVE, music by Notorious Jatt. Video was shot in the UK, based on a love story which follows the path of both girl and boy love relationship.

In 2021 we saw MILAN’S release produced by award winning producer Aman Hayer, ‘BAI CHAMKILA’ which proved to be a international success. 

2022/2023 will see MILAN take the music industry by storm with releases with major music producers and performances at events and festivals.

MILAN Q & A

1. What skills have you learned that will help you in your singing career?

- I have learnt how to effectively do ‘Riaz’ on the harmonium which in my opinion is probably the best skillset needed further my career.  To add to this, any new song that I take on I ensure that I know the lyrics inside out before coming to the studio as this confidence comes through on the vocals.  Once the song is mastered, I then know where to breathe and where to push the emotion on the song.

2. What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?

- I have always had a keen interest in music since a very young age, my grandfather used to listen to legends like Kuldip Manak, Mohd. Saddiq, Amar Singh Chamkila, and this inspired by goal to become a Folk/Bhangra singer.  I started off as a dhol player playing at events and then went on to DJ, but I felt that my true passion was to become a singer.  I am very proud of my Punjabi heritage and background and enjoy promoting it to others who perhaps are not that in touch.  All these factors had a role to play in my decision to become an entertainer.

3. What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?

- I would definitely classify myself as a Punjabi Folk singer.  From a young age I have idolised singers like Amar Singh Chamkila ji and Kuldip Manak Ji, who became my inspiration in singing.  Listening to the power and passion in their voice has always pushed me to be better and to follow in their footsteps.

4. What has been the best performance of your career so far?

- My first album ‘Fatal Fuzion’ released back in 2007 and for years after that I performed at Mela’s and shows but the one that always pops into mind is Leicester Mela.  There must have been over 1000’s of people there and they were amazing.  I got a great reaction for a then ‘new artist’ and the buzz was amazing.

5.What first got you into music/singing?

- Listening to my grandad’s old Kuldip Manak records.  I used to try and mimic his voice and style and really appreciated the talent he had which led to me being interested in releasing music of my own.  I’ve been a keen bhangra fan since as young as I can remember and have collected many Bhangra cassettes/records over the years.  It’s also this passion/hobby that lit the creativity within me.

6.Who inspired you to become a singer?

- I was heavily inspired Kuldip Manak Ji at first, and then Amar Singh Chamkila, both of which were great folk singers of their time.  The tone in their voice and the style that they presented their music to the audience always had me captivated and later on led me follow in their footsteps – albeit early stages.

7.How would you describe the song’s that you typically create?

- I would like to believe that the songs that I create have an element of folk in them mixed with the current style of music.  Bearing in mind that as an entertainer your fanbase and what the audience wants counts the most as they are the ones that make you into who you are.  Hence why in this day and age in the UK you cannot purely be a folk singer without the addition of urban/western elements.

8.What is your creative process like?

- Whenever I am on the hunt to create new music or looking for inspiration for my next track, I always refer back to the legends Chamkila and Manak.  Something in their music always leads me to want to re-create a similar flavour and bring back a lost sound or vibe.  Once this process has been kick started it’s only a matter of time that western influences creep in.

9.Who would you most like to collaborate with?

- In the past I have had the pleasure to collaborate with legends such as Aman Hayer, I now look to collaborate on a vocal level with some of the female vocalists making their mark in today’s music.  I already have a duet song written and would love to have Gurlez Akhtar on the track, or perhaps the likes of Sudesh Kumari, Parven Bharta, Amrita Virk etc..   I am always looking for that old school folk touch from the bygone era.

10..If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

- I am an avid fan of Babbu Maan and in today’s music culture I love his style so it would be him.  Otherwise in Punjab am I close with the Legend Ranjit Mani and given the opportunity would love to open a show for him.

11.What is one message you would give to your fans?

- To never forget your Punjabi culture and roots, this is something I strongly promote.  If you don’t know how to speak your mother tongue, learn it, it’s never too late.  It is something that made my family proud and friends shocked at the level of knowledge I have, whether it be where certain pinds are in Punjab or how to explain something fluently in proper accent.  Keep our mother tongue alive!

12.What is the most useless talent you have?

- Talking continuously without taking a breath to get my point in on an argument!

13.Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

- 100%! Pehle Lalkare Naal, Tere Tille Ton, Sajna de Naal Dhoka.. You get the drift! 

14.What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

- I would probably be a professional dhol player, I do miss the beat and creating new sounds.  It’s a shame I am now out of practise, maybe one day I will get back into it.

15.How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

- Very harshly! I guess everyone is talking about piracy and downloading, since the internet boom the whole listening culture has changed.  Simple things like going to your local Cassette/CD shop to buy a new album are a thing of the past.  People can now get tracks on their smart phones, both illegally and legally, and it always hits the artist in the pocket, it is a shame.

16.What is your favourite song to perform?

- Probably one from my debut album ‘Fatal Fuzion’ called Reshmi Rumaal, it was a cover of Amar Singh Chamkila’s song.  The vibe in that track just makes you want to dance around the stage and give the best performance ever!

17. Which famous musicians do you admire?

- I believe talented musicians like Bhota Jagpal, Suki Chand, Kam frantic, Tubsy have so much skill and creativity it’s hard not to admire what they have done for UK Bhangra.

18.What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

- Multiple speeding fines in the past?

19.What is the best advice you’ve been given?

- Never give up, even if you fail and fail again the statistic of doing great the next time always gets better.

20. If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

- Favourability and Greed, unfortunately as with any profession it’s kind of who know and how much money you have that will get you anywhere.  Rather than pure hard work and rising above the ranks.

21. What’s next for you?

- I have just come back from India and shot another music video and recorded vocals for another track which I am preparing for release straight after this one, should be a banger!

]]> http://asianworldnews.co.uk/home/desi-lion-records-presents-green-eyez/feed/ 0 http://asianworldnews.co.uk/home/interview-with-yasir-hussain/ http://asianworldnews.co.uk/home/interview-with-yasir-hussain/#comments Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:24:10 +0000 http://asianworldnews.co.uk/?p=36121 1. What inspired you to begin a career in the music industry?

My family background is sufi folk music. All my elders were into it so since childhood I had a passion for folk music.

2. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

I sing folk music which is in my roots. My target is to bring along traditional folk with this generations latest music. My song ” Shehar Chandigarh Chale Ae” is normal words but the beat is folk music. Abit like eating saag from a pizza box.

3. How do you feel about “Tappe” being successful?

It took alot of effort but it was also a blessing from above. We spent days, weeks getting ideas for new compositions but as soon as this was released on social media it hit off straightaway with the audience.

4. Who is your role model?

In our genre there isn’t anyone I can really relate too. My role models are people such as Harbhajan Mann, Gurdasmann Ji, Sartaaj Saab, Arif Lohar Saab. These are the people who sang with respect and sang it well.

5. What countries have you toured so far or planning for the future? 

I have toured Canada 2-3 times. Few times in U.K. This is the first time I’m touring with United Punjab, I will be touring Leicestee and Birmingham this time.

6. Apart from music, what do you like doing in your spare time?

I was in the Indian Army for 3 years. I left because I wanted to pursue my career in the music industry, which has been my passion from the beginning. I struggled alot for 5-6 years and now I have been accepted into the industry.

7. What are your goals for the next 5 years? 

I have some good songs upcoming with great composition which will be releasing very soon. I have already been blessed with alot in such a short time. I have been on the Kapil Sharma Show which is shown worldwide. I have reached places I never imagined I could. It has all been possible with my parents prayers. All I can do is try my very best and its upto God where I end up.

8. After your success how have you been treated from the people you have known before your career started?

When there’s hard times no one’s with you but when times are easier everyone wants to be with you.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is beginning their music career?

Everyone thinks you need the best music directors or the best videos released by the biggest company to become successful but I think this isn’t true. It is the social media times, all you need to do is upload everything you can yourself to all platforms and try your best. Also respect your parents and gain blessing.

What made you get into acting industry?

I was bored of modelling, sometimes felt so artificial and cosmetic, so I thought I should discover something different. In 1999 I got an opportunity to act in a tele play and after that I never look back. 

As an actor/director, what is the most challenging role you have ever taken?

Being an actor, the most challenging role was in a film called Lajj, It was a periodic film and the challenge was its outdoor shoot, Which was the toughest I have ever had. Being director I shot my first music video for a British Asian band called Sparkk in two days, which was very challenging.

What event made you consider becoming a director?

During my acting career I experienced so many things, while working with different directors, actors, technicians I observed and learnt so much from them. And if you ask about one specific event which makes me consider myself a director then I would say I was acting for a telefilm and we were in a farm house to shoot a song for that telefilm but that song was not sounding good to me and neither to my co-star and my director she asked me and my co-star that we have to dance as well on this song but we both suggest her rather dancing on this song we can shoot it with some romantic montages, she liked my suggestion and asked me can you direct these montages for me and I said yeah I will do it for you and I did it. And when she edited all those shots, she called me and said those montages came out so good, she was so happy and recognised my effort in concern of our project, she told me that you have a director skills in you. From their its started in me.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grow up?

I always wanted to be a military person, Because I always felt real heroism being a soldier. My favourite toy was a gun, I felt more action and thrill with it.

Describe what your parents were like during your childhood?

 They both had different personalities, and both had one thing common in them they both had a lovely heart, very honest and kind but they were strong from outside.

Where did you grow up?

In Lahore city there is an area called Sannat Naggar, which is very closed to the interior city of Lahore.

Are you in a relationship?

I am in a relationship with my lovely wife.

Describe the best date you’ve ever had?

I had this date with my lovely wife, I borrowed a motorbike from my friend and took her in a garden, Although I didn’t have money to buy anything for her. We were so busy in talking and looking each other that we didn’t even bother about anything else. We were so happy that we made it possible.

What is the worst mess you have made in the kitchen?

When one day, I was making chicken pasta and parallel to this was making custard I burned the chicken but now I am fully trained. 

What are the things that you have spent money on and later felt like it was a total waste of funds?

My first camera kit, but now I realise it was not a bad investment.

 What inspires you?

Honesty and Humbleness. 

What does it feel like being a celebrity?

Its Blessing from Almighty.

What can a person do to attract your attention?

Respect and Kindness. Honesty and Humbleness.

What does it feel like being a celebrity?

Its Blessing from Almighty.

What are is the best compliment you received in public?

The best compliment I ever received in public was that I am a real time hero, rather then a Tv or Film.

What is the most memorable and exciting thing you have ever seen in your field/industry?

 All challenges were memorable and creativity always excite me.

What is your dream collaboration?

My dream collaboration is to create such film series with eastern and western content.

What is your future plans?

I am in a process of starting my own production company in UK soon. Under this production company me and my team we will produce and direct video songs, commercial adverts, films, documentaries, series etc.

It feels great. I am blessed to be doing what I am doing and in a privileged position to follow and pursue my dreams.

2. Would you say you have had an easy ride since you have been in the industry?

Definitely not an easy ride. I entered the industry during a tough time, particularly in the UK, where popularity and support for Bhangra music has waned greatly and music sales have plummeted due to digitisation and downloading.
Also, I don’t come from a musical family or have the support network of a big label or musicians and producers around me so I had to learn everything the hard way, on the job as it were. 

3. What have been the lowlights and highlights?

Highlights have been performing at Zee Sandwell Mela, Jazzy B’s Folk and Funky Album launch Party, BACABA Dinner and Dance and UK Bhangra Awards. Winning UK Best Male  Singer two years running at UK Bhangra Awards has also been magnificent. I don’t dwell on the low points, I glance over them and stay positive. I’m too busy with various strands of my life with still training hard, working as an Emergency doctor, making music, enjoying spending time with my family and travelling.

4. As any individual with any artistic talent want to better themselves, how have you done that?

I have invested in learning how to sing and dance and invested in exercising and maintaining a strict diet to keep fit and slim whilst performing. This journey requires constant self reflection and to be honest about your weak areas and try to improve over time. Nothing happens overnight!

5. How do you feel you have changed from your 1st track to now?

My first tracks were more soulful folk songs which were deeply imbibed with Punjabi culture. Over time I have experimented a lot more with different genres and tried to make my stuff more commercial so that it appeals to wider audiences. I certainly know all about how the music industry works as I have been on a steep learning curve!

6. This nicely leads us onto you latest  release WARRIOR, this is totally different from any of you other releases, tell us how this track came to flourish?

We wanted to ride the current trend of hardcore old school hip hop that is all the rage in Punjabi music at the moment but we wanted to give our own take on it and express it in our own way. As a proud Sardar, I had often considered doing a powerful track that would exalt the fighting spirit of Sikh Warriors as that seemed like a perfect topic to match this genre of music. We were very happy with the track and impressed by how powerful and emotive it was. We wanted a big budget video to do justice to a song and topic of this calibre.

7. The video looks outstanding, How did the thought factor and story board come together for the video?

It was entirely the creative genius of Rimpy Prince. We wanted it to be a big action packed video but at the same time, despite being about Sardars, we didn’t want the track to be a religious or patriotic song. We wanted to represent the martial prowess of Sardars through fantasy and fictional story telling so that it would appeal to a wider audience.

8. What was it like working with Rimpy Prince again?

Always a pleasure. You learn so much when you work with the best. You can always rely on them to pull the goods out of the bag.

9. Not forgetting Popsy, he has produced majority of your major hits, what was it like working on Warrior with him?

It was great fun as always. Our previous material was Desi Bhangra. It was a refreshing change to switch genres completely and to do a heavy hip hop style track. Popsy and I are a great partnership and we love working together and giving life to new ideas and concepts. Popsy never fails to deliver!

10. How was the Warrior concept put together?

It was put together by Rimpy and Prince. The story is about a foreign lady reading a book about a heroic warrior that is played by myself. She is reading the story where an army of Sardars are taking out some generic bad guys in true kick ass fashion. In the end I appear magically from the book she is reading and surprise her.  It’s a simple story and the focus is definitely on the performance, the screenplay and cinematography. A special Phantom Camera was brought in especially from Mumbai in order to film the show motion shots. I believe it’s the first time that such a camera has been used in a Punjabi Music Video shoot.

11. Where was the video shot?

In was shot at film studios in Panchkula and around the Mohali area. Lots of green screen filming was used in the studio as well. It was an amazing atmosphere… like being on a big Hollywood film set. My family are always present at my shoots. On this one, my dad ended up tying turbans on 30 of the actors! He thoroughly enjoyed it though….!

12. Was it hard filming some of the scenes?

Yes there were lots of rain scenes and it was tough being hosed down by freezing cold water again and again. Even harder than that was when we were performing the fire sword stunts. It was very dangerous twirling a sword around covered in a flaming petrol soaked rag and having someone jump over it in wet and slippery conditions. It’s amazing that no one got hurt during the shoot.

13. 2020 is definitely going to be the year for your appearance in the film Taish releasing this year, how did you get the opportunity to work with director Bejoy, what role do you play?

I was put forward by UK Premier PR which is my PR company that also carries out casting for Indian films shot in the UK. They sent my pictures over to Bejoy and he said that this is the guy he wants for the role. It was great fun and a great privilege to work alongside such a celebrated director and to play such a gritty and intense role in a movie. I think that both Bejoy and the other cast members such as Jaswinderpal Bhullar were impressed with me and gave me lots of compliments and encouragement.

14. You are a full-time doctor and a singer, how do you fit your singing career into your busy schedule?

I work as a locum doctor at weekends and during the weekdays I focus on music. I am on the go 24/7, working all hours and trying my very best to make the most of my life and turn my dreams into reality 

15. When you are working do you get your fan’s recognising you?

It is inevitable that people will recognise you as I have been releasing for about 4 years now. I always try to work away from areas with high Asian populations as it has happened a few times and I always feel a bit embarrassed and awkward because when I am working as a doctor I’m in a completely different role and project a different persona entirely to that of a singer or a performer.

16. You are doing some collaborations with some major people in the industry, can you share or give our readers some hints?

Yes I don’t want to say too much but there is a big collaboration with Deep Jandu and Karan Aujla coming up very soon and there is plenty more after that as well. I guess you will just have to wait and see what I pull out next. I do like to surprise my fans!

17. For 2020 what is are your ambitions and goals?

Release more songs, perform at more gigs and events, take on more acting parts. Avoid eating chocolates, ice cream, drinking red bull and most importantly have fun.

18. When will we be hearing your next release, can you share something about the track with us?

We just got the Censor Certificate for it which I thought could be problematic. That’s all I can give away…you will have to wait and see. You won’t expect it at all… that I can guarantee!

What is Vitally Vegan?

The concept behind Vitally Vegan was to produce a brand with a completely eco-friendly product, that wouldn’t harm anything or anyone and to provide a highly nutritious supplement to be added to your breakfast whether it be porridge, pancakes or your post-workout smoothie.

What does live ethically mean to you?

To live ethically means not to harm, or exploit another living soul and to respect the planet we all share.

What other products, would you consider launching, in the near future?

We have a few ideas for what we would like to add to our range and always keen to hear feedback from our customers as to what new products they would like to see added to the brand.

What are your products made from?

Our main ingredients are pea and white hemp, and the two combined create a lovely fluffy texture. We also have a superfood complex made up of Maca, Matcha, Seagreens, Acai, and flaxseeds in our powders. Along with Vitamin B12.

Is the packaging recyclable?

Our starter kits come with a lifetime glass preserving jar, to enable you to store your protein powder — a serving scoop made from recycled coconut husks. Our refill bags are made from paper and also our labels, so you can either recycle or pop in your composting bin.

What makes your company different from other vegan brands?

We are all about Ethical Living, our brand and the person behind it is Vegan. We wanted to create a brand and product that does not cost the earth or its inhabitants. We are proud to say we are the first Vegan Protein company to be 100% zero plastic.

How long have you been around?

We launched this year, 2019.

Visit https://vitallyvegan.co.uk/ to check out their products. 

1. What was it like growing up in the town of Luton in Bedfordshire? Where your opportunities to get into cricket limited? 

I was very lucky. I had a cricket club called Luton Town Indians, which was predominantly made up of people from the Gujarati community. My Dad’s best friend taught me cricket and got me involved. Then I went for a trail for under 12s at a school and got in. My team never had a spinner, so I used to bowl there. I was very fortunate to have opportunities come my way. 

1. You’re described as a spin-bowler, how does that differ from seam-bowling? 

Spin bowling is a rotation of the ball, where you put revolutions on the ball by imparting spin from your fingers. Seam bowling is just using seam presentation, going down towards the batsman when you bowl. The seam is rotating behind, and it’s also called fast-bowling as well. 

1. What was it like being recruited by Cricket Australia as a consultant during the tour of India? 

It was a really enjoyable moment. I really liked coaching the players and especially the Tour of India. My mentees did well and really surprised me. 

1. What was the best part of playing for the England Cricket team? 

The best part was my test matches. We won so many games, and it was really enjoyable. 

1. What has the toughest point of your career been so far? 

The toughest point was when I had to keep my place in the team. I found it difficult because my batting and fielding wasn’t great. So I went away and learned how to bowl slow and low on pitches. I had to adapt my game and become a better baller. 

1. What has the peak of your career been so far? 

One of the highlights of my career was our Cardiff Test match against Australia. And also winning matches in India 2012 and Australia, they were all memorable moments so far. 

1. In an interview with the Daily Mirror, you once said you were working on your own version of the ‘Doosra’ (a ball which spins the other way). How successful have you been with the venture? 

I haven’t been very successful at nailing the Doosra, but I can get the ball to straighten. Because I’ve got an orthodox action, it isn’t very easy for me to bowl the Doosra. To do it you need to be a chest-facing batsman and have your wrist facing the batsman as well. I’m a side-on bowler, so it’s different. 

1. In August of this year, you revealed you were in discussions with the Indian domestic team Puducherry, with a view to playing for the Ranji Trophy. How has that been progressing? 

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enter the competition because I’m not an Indian resident. I could have gotten an OCI but still wouldn’t have been able to play. Maybe I need to arrange an interview with Narinder Modi and ask to change the rules! 

1. What have you been doing in 2019? 

I’ve released my self-titled book called ‘Monty-Panesar.’ I’m a radio presenter on Punjab Radio and Live FM. I have a Twitter Channel and general election channel. I also have my own newspaper column; I basically want to become a media presenter when my cricketing days are finished. I do a lot of charity work and act as an Ambassador for Shelter UK as well, where I deliver food to the homeless across the community. 

1. What advice would you give to aspiring British Asian cricketers? 

I would say just follow your passion. If you’re really passionate about something like cricket, then follow it because it’ll help you to get to where you need to be. 

1. What are your plans for 2020? 

I want to get back into playing professionally. I’m going to be training and continuing to get into media presenting and broadcasting on TV as well. 

In 2013 Adriano Rausa left his home city of Rome to join the team at Gennaro Esposito’s two Michelin starred Torre

Del Saracino restaurant in Vico Equense. Working under Gennaro, Adriano was able to hone his culinary skill and develop his style in line with Gennaro’s food philosophy which prizes simple, fresh flavour of top quality, seasonal ingredients

Shortly after moving to Milan for the first time, Adriano joined Gennaro to help open the second IT restaurant in Milan. He then took up the position of Head Chef at IT in

London, bringing with him a traditional, unpretentious style of cooking that stays true to his Italian roots. 

In conversation with the chef… 

RG- How would you describe IT in 5 words that sets it apart from other

Italian restaurants

Authentic, cheerful, iconic, trendy

RG-What are the top 5 dishes across the menu you recommend a first time diner at IT should try ?

AR- Scabbardfish 80’s style, Nocellara olive soup with fennel purée and almond is a particular favourite, because of the special balance of the salty olives and the sweetness of the tomatoes and tomato juice in the soup. Other favourites include: the Ravioli capresi, Lamb rack, our signature pizza and for desserts, the Neapolitan babà.

RG- What’s the most popular dish at IT and when you decided to put that on your menu did you envisage it will become a culinary hit? What’s your own favourites from the menu ?

AR-Courgette Tartare is the most popular, but my favourite has to be the Pumpkin Tortelli with, provolone and cavolo nero.

RG- Do you have a seasonal menu too or is it always a fixed ala carte menu? Where does your menu take its inspiration from?

AR-Our a la carte menu will change at the start of next year with the new season. I’m really looking forward to Britain’s seasonal ingredients coming through in the spring, such as asparagus and peas – even though they’ll be coming through a little later than I’m used to in Italy! Our current a la carte is just the start, I’m looking forward to experimenting with the menu going forward in the new year.  We’re expecting to add more scallops and octopus to the menu in January.

The menu inspiration comes from the Italian culinary tradition, so we feature lots of classic dishes such as carbonara and tortellini. We hand make much of our pasta at IT.

RG- Tell us about the interiors and music and how they compliment the meal experience at IT? And what can guests expect from the whole experience when booking a table at the sought after Mayfair IT?

AR- We want a dining experience at IT to be sophisticated but relaxed; somewhere people can have fun but also enjoy seriously good food. This is reflected in the design which has all been done by an Italian design team, who understood that dining should be about pleasure and fun.

RG- What words of advice would you like to give budding chefs who dream of working with big names and brands like yourself and IT kitchen?

AR- To stay firm with their own ideas and beliefs, but to also be flexible and adapt to the restaurant and chef’s particular requirements. What I learned from Gennaro Esposito, that I always pass on to my team, is to have the utmost respect for the raw ingredient. The produce can be as fresh as you like but if you don’t look after it, store it properly and at the right temperature, the ingredient will loose its flavour.

RG- What is it that keeps you motivated in the kitchen and what have been the greatest challenges?

AR- The love for all the products I use, and the satisfaction of knowing when a guest enjoys the final dish. It’s been a big change coming to a new city with new dining habits. And then there’s getting to know the suppliers and a whole new team without my usual brigade. But I’ve really enjoyed the challenge and this opportunity to grow – you learn something new every single day.

RG- What sort of energy do you look to create in the kitchen?

AR- I like a quiet kitchen so that the team can hear each other, communicate and concentrate. We aim to maintain this focus right until the final dish leaves the pass.

Already a legendary name on the Ibiza scene, hugely successful fine dining and

socialising concept, IT, is now set to conquer London. Launched in the heart of Mayfair on 14th November 2019 , this vibrant and contemporary new venue will, in the words of IT founder Alessio Matrone, “give the city a totally different experience where fine Mediterranean cuisine meets the Balearic beat of

Ibiza.” London follows hot on the heels of IT’s launch in Milan earlier this year, which saw Alessio partner with friend and entrepreneur Ferruccio De Lorenzo, with whom he shares a passion for fine food and music. Less than seven months after opening, IT in Milan secured its first Michelin star this November. This accolade speaks to the success of IT’s unique concept, where the Mediterranean spirit, music and late nights in good company are as much a part of the experience as the exquisite food.

IT’s London restaurant, located in a former Dover Street art gallery is a restaurant where London’s discerning  diners can enjoy a mix of gourmet Mediterranean dishes showcasing the authentic

flavours of Esposito’s southern Italy. This restaurant is sure to become a firm favourite, offering an unforgettable taste of Italy’s in Mayfair. 

In addition to a bar and restaurant accommodating over 100 seated guests, there is an elegant semi-private dining room, featuring a dramatic skylight – the perfect venue for private events.

The upper level’s separate space offers all the exclusivity of a members’ club without the need for membership. Entrance is by invitation only and a ban on photography  ensures guests’ absolute privacy.

Similarly to IT’s sister restaurants, music is at the core of the London experience. The venue offers a carefully curated soundtrack which brings the energy of Ibiza to Mayfair with smooth daytime beats and hypnotic evening grooves. In addition to daily DJ sets, IT will host regular events with music from world-class DJs.

Fine cuisine, great vibe, fab music, impeccable service… IT London, Highly Recommended! 

January 2020 will see Priti Sinha compete in Mrs Classic Universe in Sofia, Bulgaria, representing the UK. 

We got the chance to ask her some quick questions below. 

 1. Thank you for taking the time to Interview with us, tell us about yourself. 

I am a full time home-maker from London and been living in the UK for fourteen years.  I am proud to say  I am  also a successful  part time model and  acted in several big banner Hindi films in Bollywood, in past in India.  

2. What makes Mrs India UK different from other competitions? 

It’s an amazing showcase and platform to encourage Asian women to bring their best out. It can provide an opportunity to carry on their charity and mentorship objectives further! 

3. What inspired you to enter the pageant? 

I viewed the program as an amazing opportunity to channelize my energies to carry forward my ideas, and give a public forum to support causes and charities I strongly feel for! 

 4. Please tell us about the process you had to go through to get to the finals 

The Mrs India UK pageant was a 6-month long journey of multiple evaluation and training and mentorship sessions. It enabled a level playing field across all the participants and allowed them to do their best in the final rounds of evaluation. We were assessed for personality, social commitment, communication, public speaking, cat-walk and of course presence of mind! 

5. What were the main judge’s question’s which stood out to you?   

The question which I was posed by the judge was “how will I use this platform and carry the responsibilities it offers further?” 

My response was on the lines that, given the diverse roles and responsibilities of a home-maker and a full time mom, devoted to multiple causes, I am confident of already bearing an invisible crow and hence capable of managing these further responsibilities effectively. 

 6. Which part of the competition was your favourite? 

I really enjoyed the photo shoot and the catwalk sessions as it brought back amazing memories of being in front of the camera and of my past modelling background. 

Of course winning the gold award for the best catwalk was the most satisfying and motivating part as well. 

7. Which part of the competition would you say is most difficult? 

Given that all the participants had put in tremendous effort, the final award and selection ceremony was a bit emotionally demanding as we felt everyone is truly a winner. Hence, calling out just a few was not fair for the other participants who had equally committed themselves to the process. 

8. What was your onstage strategy to win the judges over? 

Presence of mind, good posture and a smiling and optimistic presence. 

 9. Behind the scenes of a competition is a whirlwind atmosphere.  What has been your most nerve wracking moment during the competition? 

Waiting for the final selection and awards evening was a nervous and nail-biting time for most of us, however I was the first one to be called out for a gold-award and that provided a huge relief. 

 10. After returning from Bulgaria what is your main mission? 

My mission would be to get involved in programs supporting Asian women in UK and provide them with ideas and motivation to come out of their shell and take forward their talent and their rich experiences and ideas back into the betterment of the community. 

I also want to take forward the model of taking charity at the grass-root level to enable young children to value the cause of charity as to create a stringer future generation.