A dose of glamour swept through Toronto’s Liberty Grand venue this weekend as Bollywood-esque magazine Anokhi paid tribute to the best and brightest in the South Asian arts and entertainment community.

Now in its seventh year, the Sexy and Successful awards gala featured an A-list of South Asian talent, including award-winners Faran Tahir, of Ironman fame and former Miss India U.S.A. Pooja Kumar, who is also a producer, model and TV hostess.

“It’s amazing that there are so many South Asian celebrities in one room,” gala-goer Heena Chavda said.

Guests were treated to performances by several top names in the community, including Dutch Punjabi singer Imran Khan, along with Toronto rapper Choclair.

Outstanding contributions from individuals in other industries such as athletics and business were also honoured. Olympic athlete Emanuel Sandhu received an award, as did businessman Rohan Oza of Vitamin Water.

Almost all award recipients shared a similar story about overcoming cultural expectations and stereotypes to achieve success.

Renee Piyal, who attended the event with Chavda, said that when she was growing up, there was no such celebration of the achievements of South Asians.
“We came out to celebrate and support it,” she said.

See gallery for highlights of the show.