CELEBRITY FASHION DESIGNERS JOIN INTERNATIONAL GALA CELEBRATION

Toronto, ON (January 15, 2014)- 

Celebrity fashion designers Shantanu & Nikhil join ANOKHI MEDIA's roster of talent for the 11th Annual Anniversary Gala on Saturday, February 1, 2014.

Having dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Serena Williams, and Bollywood A-listers such as Amitabh Bachchan, A.R.Rehman, Priyanka Chopra among many others, their sophisticated design aesthetic goes beyond the ramp to the field of cricket, where they have recently designed the highly popular Mumbai Indians Jersey for the Indian Premier League (IPL).  Shantanu and Nikhil's recent collaboration with Adidas also makes them the only Indian designers in the world after Stella McCartney and Yohji Yamamoto to have collaborated on such a strategic alliance. 

"It's a privilege to be invited to ANOKHI Magazine's 11th Anniversary Awards Show Celebration," comment Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra, co-founders, Shantanu and Nikhil.  "It gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude towards all who have helped us grow. This function endorses our belief in what we do and gives us the platform to reach out to those we create for."  

For eleven years, ANOKHI MEDIA has brought talent from across the globe for the Anniversary Gala, which hosts over 1,200 guests from across North America.  Past celebrity attendees have included Hollywood's Freida Pinto, Bollywood's Priyanka Chopra, Musical Sensation Jay Sean, and many more notable guests in media, arts and film.

"ANOKHI MEDIA's journey is indicative of the parallel growth of the global South Asian community," says Raj Girn, Founder, President and CEO of ANOKHI MEDIA.  "The Annual Anniversary gala is our opportunity to host, celebrate and showcase the global accomplishments of our community with an awards show that is a testament to the indelible mark that South Asians have and continue to make, in an all inclusive showcase for all to enjoy."

New to the existing roster of celebrity talent include:

Shantanu and Nikhil, Celebrity Fashion Designers (Delhi, INDIA) "It is a privilege to be invited to ANOKHI Magazine's 11th Anniversary Awards Show Celebration. This gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude towards all who have helped us grow. This function endorses our belief in what we do and gives us the platform to reach out to those we create for." - Shantanu & Nikhil

Anne-Marie Mediwake, Co-Host of CBC News Toronto   (Toronto, CAN) News anchor Anne-Marie Mediwake is the co-host of CBC News Toronto at 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. weeknights on CBC Television. In 2011, Anne-Marie was named the GTA's Woman of the Year at the Consumer's Choice Awards, recognizing the trust she has earned from viewers for her commitment to journalistic excellence and her active community involvement.

Veronica Chail, Host, Bollywood Blvd., OMNI TV (Toronto, CAN) "I'm thrilled to return to the ANOKHI stage to celebrate the beautiful game changers in the global South Asian scene. It's a true honour being one of ANOKHI's esteemed 'Sexy & Successful' alumni and I sincerely want to thank Raj Girn and her amazing team for their invaluable support. I look forward to the fabulous fashion fest that awaits us on the runway thanks to the renowned designer duo, Shantanu & Nikhil. Their delicious creations simply melt my fashion heart!" - Veronica Chail

DJ Jiten (Toronto, CAN) "I have seen ANOKHI Magazine and the ANOKHI awards show grow over the last 11 years to what it is today- what an accomplishment!  Staying powerful and relevant doesn't come easy so I commend Raj and the ANOKHI team for not only staying, but getting bigger every year!  As a returning award Alumni, I am honoured to be a part of this year's event. I look forward to celebrating with all at the afterparty!"- DJ Jiten

Talent already announced: Nazneen Contractor, Actress (Los Angeles, USA) Star Trek Into The Darkness, 24, Revenge "One look into her deeply genuine brown eyes and you can't help but to feel connected to her in the most honest way. I am grateful to have shared the screen with her, but even more grateful to call her a friend." - Necar Zadegan, Actor

Gabe Grey, Actor (Toronto, CAN) Bomb Girls, Lucky 7 "Gabe Grey is ANOKHI because not only is he passionate about deepening his work as a quality actor, but he is equally passionate in his dedication and determination to speak out, challenge and broaden the ways in which South Asians are portrayed in movies and TV."   - Meg Tilly, Actress, Oscar Nominee & Golden Globe Winner.

Jimmy Soni, Managing Editor, The Huffington Post (New York, USA) "There are so many different aspects of Jimmy's personality and character that make him unique, but the one that stands out to many of us is that he manages to combine a passion for new media and all things digital with an equally powerful sense of and appreciation for, history and philosophy. He might be that rare managing editor who is digesting both Mashable and Marcus Aurelius's Meditations in one sitting." - Arianna Huffington, Founder/President/Editor-In-Chief, The Huffington Post

Sangita Patel, Entertainment Reporter, ET Canada (Toronto, CAN)  "I met Sangita a few years ago and she stood out as someone who is incredibly down to earth, approachable and a ton of fun! Fast forward a few years and I now have the pleasure of working side by side with her at ET Canada. One of her many amazing qualities is that she's genuine: what you see is what you get!" - Rick Campanelli, Co-Host, Entertainment Tonight Canada

ALI HASSAN, Comedian, Laugh Out Loud, CBC (Toronto, CAN) "In the 3 years that I've lived in Toronto, I've been able to achieve a number of goals I set out to accomplish in both film and television.  That someone like Raj - who truly understands drive, ambition and success - would recognize that, and have me here as an ANOKHI Awards presenter this year is a real honour." - Ali Hassan

Raoul Juneja, Creator/Content Coordinator V-Mix, OMNI TV (Toronto, CAN)  "Having known Raoul Juneja for many years, I can say his passion for music, art and community are astounding. He has a unique way of incorporating multiple cultures and arts to educate his audience, but also to support the artists in their work. His work reflects the oneness the hip-hop community teaches and he is an incredible asset to the Canadian music and art world!" - Justin BUA, Artist/Author/ TV Host

Culture Shock, World Renowned Fusion Band (Toronto, CAN)  "These guys have a very unique sound. The way they blend English and Punjabi together seamlessly and still keep it relevant to our North American market is amazing. They are very down to earth, humble guys. I look forward to working with them and releasing our first collaboration together . . . Let's get Talli!" - Lil Jon, Rapper

Superwoman, YouTube Comedienne Sensation (Toronto, CAN) "Lilly has the unique ability to blend humour that is both laugh-out-loud funny, as well as heart-warming. She has successfully traversed the realm of social media and has emerged as a global icon for South Asians everywhere. All the while remaining someone whom you truly want to be friends with." - Kunal Nayar, Actor

Abbas Hasan, R&B's Hottest Male Artist (London, UK)  "Abbas Hasan is a unique artist for lots of reasons. I wanted to work with Abbas as he has a unique style and voice. The fact that he can sing in several different languages appeals to so many cultures. I knew he would do well and I am so proud to see how he is taking over as an artist." - Producer Rishi Rich

Priya, Singer Songwriter (Toronto, CAN) "Priya has the full package. She's beautiful, a brilliant singer/songwriter, hardworking and a very charming, graceful woman. Keep your eyes on her." - Mika Singh, Musical Artist

DJ Amita, Legendary Bollywood Deejay (Toronto, CAN) "ANOKHI Magazine is one of the few South Asian women's magazines that can boast of an 11 year history. This is tribute to their professional quality, engaging pieces and vast ranging content and style. I am so excited to be part of ANOKHI's 11-year Anniversary event as a DJ and returning award alumni! I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of ANOKHI's impressive team!"  - DJ Amita

DJ Fizza, Toronto's Fiercest Female Deejay (Toronto, CAN)  "Everything makes Fizza different - from musical selection, range and versatility, looks, sociability, presence, positive working attitude, awareness, social media networking. Everything makes Fizza unique. It's a pleasure to work with her and have her on our team." - Pat Lisi, Owner, Buonanotte (Toronto)

Additional attendees to be announced. This year, ANOKHI's 11th Anniversary Awards Event, in association with Johnnie Walker takes place on Saturday February 1st, 2014 at the award-winning Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. The agenda will comprise of: 6.00pm - 8.00pm:       RED CARPET RECEPTION 8.00pm - 11.00pm:     AWARDS-FASHION-ENTERTAINMENT SHOW 10.00pm - 3.00am:     AFTER PARTY "We're thrilled with the milestones that ANOKHI MEDIA has achieved over the last decade," comments Girn.  "As ANOKHI MEDIA turns the corner from one decade to the next, we expect to see exponential growth across all of our platforms this decade - print, online (blog, online TV), events, newsletter, and social media, with a heavy push into the ever expanding and undeniable world of mobile.  We're thrilled to celebrate the beginning of a new decade with so much support from talent and sponsors alike".    Tickets for ANOKHI's 11th Anniversary Awards Event are now available online athttp://anokhimedia.com/11thanniversaryevent/tickets/.  Three packages are available for purchase ranging from $15.56 per person to $54.50 per person.  The ANOKHI MEDIA Anniversary is sold out annually, so interested parties are encouraged to buy tickets sooner rather than later. ANOKHI MEDIA is proud to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the 11th Anniversary Event sponsors & event team:      Platimum Sponsor: Johnnie Walker Gold Sponsor: Biotherm  Silver Sponsor: Rowenta Beauty  Venue Provided By: Queen Elizabeth Theatre & FountainBlu Entertainment Complex Hotel Sponsor: The Grand Hotel & Suites Decor Sponsor: Dream Party Decor Floral Sponsor: Flowers Unlimited  Food Sponsor: 259 | Host Dessert Sponsor: Fine Cakes By Zehra  Show Produced & Directed By: Krista Slack & Aylett Show Animations By: The Production House Celebrities/Fashion Show Makeup: Faces Cosmetics Fashion Show Hair Styling Sponsor: Fiorio  Celebrities Hair Styling Sponsor: Judy Inc. Official South Asian TV Media Partner: Asian Television Network Official South Asian Newspaper Partner: The Weekly Voice Official South Asian Online Partner: Saavn Promotional Partners: Besharam, CityEvents, Desiclub, Empire Entertainment, Fuzion Sound & Entertainment, Mosaic, MyBindi.com, NetIP, Society's Choice, Two Mangoes, The Glass Museum Publicist: Evolution Public Relations Print Branding Design: Connexion 4 Media Inc. Online Branding Design: AnEntity Inc. Official Photographer: Jag Gundu Photography     For more information about the ANOKHI MEDIA 11th Anniversary Event, please log onto  http://www.anokhimedia.com/11thanniversaryevent.

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