London: Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, singer Asha Bhosle and Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar were among those honoured at the second Annual Asian awards here last night.
Lord Coe, four time Olympic medallist, hosted the glittering ceremony to recognise outstanding public achievement by those with direct family origin from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh or Pakistan.
Ravi Shankar, 91, was awarded the Fellowship Award in recognition of his work in bringing Indian music to the West. Anoushka Shankar, his daughter, also a sitar player and composer, collected the accolade on her father's behalf as he
is on a tour in US.
Melody queen Asha Bhosle was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award, while Bollywood star Akshay Kumar was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Cinema. Other winners included Freddie Mercury, lead singer of Queen, who was recognised for his outstanding musical achievements on the 20th anniversary of his death.
Mercury, who was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, was a Parsi, whose parents were originally from Mumbai. Members of his family and Queen guitarist Brian May collected the Founders Award on his behalf.
Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan won the outstanding achievement award in sport. Amir Khan, Pakistani origin and the youngest British world champion boxer got the People's choice award.
Outstanding achievement in television award went to Meera Syal and the outstanding achievement award in music was won by Jay Sean. Anand Mahindra, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra and Mahindra, won the business leader of the year award.
Home Secretary Theresa May opened the ceremony and Prime Minister David Cameron, in a video address, heralded the winners' contribution to the economy and culture.
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