#ANOKHI20

20 Years of South Asian Empire Builders Event
48 Days Of Celebrations | May 1st - June 17th, 2023
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#ANOKHI20 #AnokhiEmeraldWelcomeSoiree #AnokhiEmeraldRunway #AnokhiEmeraldBrunch #AnokhiEmeraldBall

Highlights From ANOKHI’s 20th Anniversary Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANOKHI Celebrated It’s 20th Anniversary With A Star-Studded Celebrity Fashion Show, Mental Health Awareness Brunch & An Entertainment Gala While Honouring South Asian Empire Builders

Toronto, ON | Thursday June 22nd, 2023

ANOKHI LIFE, North America’s longest running multimedia, multi-platform brand about South Asian pop culture, lifestyle, and entertainment celebrated its 20th Anniversary this past weekend, June 16th – June 17th in Toronto in a star-studded extravaganza.

The 2-day festivities included celebrity red carpets, award ceremonies, 7-designer fashion showinteractive fireside chats, and live musical performances.

The events were covered by Zee TV and Getty Images.

Here is a quick recap of the 3 events:

ANOKHI EMERALD RUNWAY Presented By Dhalla Group Of Companies
June 16th, 2023 | Westin Toronto Airport Hotel

CEO Raj Girn started the evening by sharing the ANOKHI EMERALD RUNWAY mandate – to celebrate and showcase 20 years of South Asian fashion, style, and beauty, based on true and pure empowerment of the Divine Feminine, in the form of Maha Lakshmi, who exemplifies these qualities.

The MP for Brampton South, Sonia Sidhu presented ANOKHI LIFE with a certificate celebrating the 20 year milestone. This was followed by Dr. Ruby Dhalla, CEO of the Dhalla Group of Companies delivering her presenting sponsor’s address.

AWARDS SEGMENT:

There were 5 honourees in the Glamour category presented By the Dhalla Group Of Companies:

  • Excellence in Beauty Empowerment, presented to Neelam Verma
  • Excellence in Fashion, presented to Priya Chhabria
  • Excellence in Fashion, presented to Archana Kochhar
  • Excellence in Fashion Design, presented to Dinesh K Ramsay
  • Lifetime Excellence in Fashion, presented to Naeem Khan

FASHION SHOW:

7 South Asian fashion designers showcased their interpretation of the emerald theme where well-known personalities walked the runway.

Featured Fashion Designers:



  • Naeem Khan
  • Dinesh K Ramsay
  • Archana Kochhar
  • Priya Chhabria
  • Mani Jassal
  • Navaa
  • Rivesse

Celebrity Showstoppers:

  • Ali Kazmi
  • Fuad Ahmed
  • Harjas Singh
  • Husein Madhavji
  • Neelam Verma
  • Nobahar Dadui
  • Sandy Kaur Gill
  • Sonia Jhas

Guests enjoyed food by by Zauq and dessert by Cheezeco, as well as snack stations by our sponsors KFI The Indian Sauce Company and Shana Foods. Mocktails were provided by Rubicon Exotic, with cocktails provided by Five Rivers Punjabi Whisky & Blue Peacock Vodka.

SELECT IMAGES FOR ANOKHI EMERALD RUNWAY CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

Red Carpet Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Shawn Goldberg, signed with Getty Images/Shutterstock/Sopa Images.

Show Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Photography By Nisarg Media Productions.

ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH Presented By Meridian Credit Union
June 17th, 2023 | 10am – 2pm | The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel


Raj Girn started off with sharing the ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH mandate – to normalize discussions around mental health within the South Asian community, all while sharing tips and resources, as ANOKHI did with the online ‘Circle Of Trust’ video series during May’s Mental Health Month which many prominent personalities from the South Asian community had participated in.

The goal of the event was to continue the ‘Circle Of Trust’ initiative, by sharing and learning in each other’s real life, lived experiences, to uplift and empower our lifeforce to emanate on a higher frequency, in honour of Maha Parvati Shakti.

This was followed by Sunny Sodhi, the Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Meridian Credit Union, delivering the presenting sponsor address for the attendees.

AWARDS SEGMENT:

There were 5 honourees across the Beauty, Business and Entertainment categories, presented By Meridian Credit Union:

  • Excellence in the Art of Wellness, presented to Thara Natalie
  • Excellence in Arts & Entertainment, presented to Karen David
  • Excellence in Arts & Entertainment, presented to Natasha Chandel
  • Excellence in Business & Politics, presented to Dr. Ruby Dhalla
  • Excellence in Beauty Arts, presented to Tamanna Roashan


CIRCLE OF TRUST SEGMENT:

  • Energy Healing Session, Soundbowls, Meditation and Intention Setting with Thara Natalie
  • Fireside Chat #1: ‘Women In Arts & Entertainment’, Featuring Karen David And Natasha Chandel, Brought To You By Home Of Dentistry
  • Fireside Chat #2: ‘Women In Business & Financial Confidence, Featuring Dilys D’Cruz And Dr. Ruby Dhalla, Brought To You By Aloe Accounting And Tax Professional Corporation
  • Fireside Chat #3: ‘Women In The Competitive World Of Glamour’ Featuring Tamanna Roashan, Brought To You By Glow College Of Artistic Design


Throughout the course of event, Raj Girn encouraged audience members to participate in discussions, with each participant receiving a complimentary stress ball, in keeping with the mental health theme of the event.

Guests enjoyed food by by Gouda Thyme, as well as snack stations by our sponsors KFI The Indian Sauce Company and Shana Foods. Mocktails were provided by Rubicon Exotic.

SELECT IMAGES FOR ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

Red Carpet Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Shawn Goldberg, signed with Getty Images/Shutterstock/Sopa Images.

Show Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Photography By Nisarg Media Productions.

ANOKHI EMERALD BALL Presented By Dhalla Group Of Companies
June 17th, 2023 | 7pm – 1am | The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel


Raj Girn started off the festivities by sharing the ANOKHI EMERALD RUNWAY mandate – to

celebrate and showcase 20 years of South Asian arts and entertainment based on the virtues of Maha Saraswati, the Divine Goddess of music, art, and learning.

AWARDS SEGMENT:

There were 5 honourees in the music & entertainment industries, presented By the Dhalla Group Of Companies:

  • Lifetime Excellence In Music Advancement, presented to Sammy Chand
  • Excellence In Music Artistry, presented to Rhea Raj
  • Excellence In Music Artistry, presented to Raghav
  • Excellence In Music Artistry, presented to Rup Magon of Josh The Band
  • Excellence In Music Artistry, presented to Deep Jandu


THE UNVEILING OF THE DR. NEIL DHALLA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:

  • This prestigious award was presented to the founder of Jacob & Co., Mr. Jacob Arabo by Dr. Ruby Dhalla, the CEO of the Dhalla Group Of Companies. The award honours individuals who, like Dr. Neil Dhalla, embody vision, passion, and purpose in their endeavours.


MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY:

  • Rhea Raj
  • Raghav
  • DJ Reshiv
  • Amar Dholi
  • Rup Magon of Josh The Band
  • And a surprise performance by Deep Jandu


Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown was in attendance and congratulated Raj Girn and the ANOKHI Team on their 20 years of serving the South Asian community in Canada and worldwide.

Guests enjoyed food by by Aunty’s Kitchen, as well as snack stations by our sponsors KFI The Indian Sauce Company and Shana Foods. Mocktails were provided by Rubicon Exotic, with cocktails provided by Five Rivers Punjabi Whisky & Blue Peacock Vodka.

SELECT IMAGES FOR ANOKHI EMERALD BALL CAN BE ACCESSED HERE.

Red Carpet Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Shawn Goldberg, signed with Getty Images/Shutterstock/Sopa Images.

Show Photo Credits: © 2023 ANOKHI LIFE. Photography By Nisarg Media Productions.

#ANOKHI20 Is Thankful For Its Sponsors & Partners’ Support, Without Which, This Event Series Would Not Be Possible. We Encourage You To Visit Their Websites & Social Media As Companies That We Recommend You To Work With:

  • EVENT HOST: ANOKHI Life
  • IN SUPPORT OF: Centre For Addiction & Mental Health
  • VENUE & HOTEL PARTNER: The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel
  • ANOKHI EMERALD RUNWAY & BALL PRESENTED BY: Dhalla Group Of Companies
  • ANOKHI EMEALD BRUNCH PRESENTED BY: Meridian Credit Union
  • TALENT SPONSOR: The Open Chest Confidence Academy
  • PLATINUM SPONSOR: KFI The Indian Sauce Company
  • GOLD SPONSOR: BioAro, Keek, Mantella Corporation, Rowenta
  • GOLD SPONSOR/BROADCAST MEDIA PARTNER: Zee TV Canada HD
  • SILVER SPONSOR: Rubicon ExoticShana Foods, Sharma-Singh Immigration Services Inc.
  • SILVER SPONSOR/RADIO PARTNER: Rukus Avenue Radio
  • FRONT STAGE LOGISTICS & SHOW MANAGEMENT: Styleworthy
  • FASHION SHOW MANAGEMENT: Femida Sidi
  • BACKSTAGE MANAGEMENT, MODELS & FASHION CHOREOGRAPY: Toronto Fashion Academy
  • DECOR PARTNER: Top Diamond Events & Party Rentals
  • DECOR CONSULTING PARTNER: Chic Luxury Events
  • BAR & FLOOR WRAPS SPONSOR: Paragon Designs
  • AUDIO/VISUAL PARTNER: Empire Entertainment
  • AWARD LOGO DESIGN & SHOW ANIMATIONS BY: Dan Filip Radu 3D Animation & Video Production
  • MEDIA & PR: Media Works
  • ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH FIRESIDE CHAT #1 BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Home Of Dentistry
  • ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH FIRESIDE CHAT #2 BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Aloe Accounting & Tax Professional Corporation
  • ANOKHI EMERALD BRUNCH FIRESIDE CHAT #3 BROUGHT TO YOU BY & MAKEUP ARTISTS SPONSOR: Glow College Of Artistic Design
  • RAJ GIRN’S HAIR & MAKEUP PROVIDED BY: The Beauty Concept By Shirley Wu
  • RAJ GIRN’S JEWELLERY PROVIDED BY: Banglez Jewelry
  • RAJ GIRN’S CLUTCHES PROVIDED BY: Clutcheet
  • HAIR SPONSOR: Prive Hair Gallery
  • MAKEUP SPONSOR: Vasanti Cosmetics
  • DEEJAY: Toronto DJ Academy, DJ Reshiv
  • BRONZE SPONSOR: Blue Peacock Vodka, Five Rivers Whisky
  • ANNIVERSARY CAKE PROVIDED BY: Kate Frasch
  • PHOTO & VIDEO PARTNER: Nisarg Media Productions
  • RED CARPET COVERAGE: ANOKHI Uncensored, Getty Images
  • ONLINE MEDIA PARTNER: Dissdash, GTA South Asian Media Network
  • COMMUNITY PARTNER: Sapna Toronto


SWEEPSTAKES SPONSORS:

ANOKHI Life, Clutcheet, East Boutique, KFI The Indian Sauce Company, Mubarak Clutches, Rowenta, Rubicon Exotic, Sahiba Fashions, Shana Foods, The Open Chest Confidence Academy

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About ANOKHI LIFE

ANOKHI LIFE (previously ANOKHI MEDIA) was founded in 2002 by its award-winning President and CEO Raj Girn, who had the vision of creating a one-stop multimedia resource to communicate and engage intimately with the global South Asian community to which she belongs, as well as provide a platform for relevant and penetrative connectivity between the community and the commercial world at large. With this as the central focus and mission statement, Raj and her team set forth to create a brand that would forge this vision into the mindshare of the community and market share of the client.

ANOKHI LIFE’s portfolio includes a robust online community with an online magazine blog, 2 video channels, a radio show, an annual awards show, a boutique event series, a weekly newsletter, and a global social media network. They have also garnered an extensive, long-term, multi-national client base due to their innovative strategies and pioneering initiatives. The brand has become North America’s premier “go to” information resource for all aspects associated with South Asian pop culture, lifestyle and entertainment, for the consumer, the media and the commercial sector.

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