Over 500 people turned out at Gloucester's Guildhall Arts Centre to meet Sayeed Jaffrey and take part in this year's Asian Mela, hosted by BBC Radio Gloucestershire.  | | An all singing all dancing affair at the Mela |
Sunday's big event was the third of its type to be held in Gloucester and organiser Manny Masih from BBC Radio Gloucestershire said it had been the biggest and best Mela yet.  | | Saeed Jaffrey |
He added: "It has been a really good day, and the feedback from all the people here has been fantastic. "There have been more people than we've ever had before and we hope it will be even bigger next year." Saeed Jaffrey was the star attraction. He has starred in over 100 movies in his native India as well as classic British films such as Ghandi and My Beautiful Laundrette. Until recently he split his time between the UK and Bollywood but made the time to visit Gloucester for the hugely successful fair. One local person said: "I don't know how Manny Masih persuaded him to come - he's brilliant." 
I don't know how Manny Masih persuaded Sayeed Jaffrey to come - he's brilliant. | | Saeed Jaffrey fan |
All who attended the Mela were treated to a feast of Indian classical and Bollywood dancing and music and star turns which appealed to adults and children alike. The first Asian MP in Gloucestershire, Parmjit Dhanda, was also present alongside 30 or so organisations exhibiting their wares. These organisations ranged from voluntary, charitable, governmental to private businessess. Manny Masih's Sunday night show, Sangeet Mahal, was broadcast live from the event. Manny said: "Next year's Mela promises to be an even greater success. I can't wait." If you were at the Mela and would like to contribute any photos or a review for the BBC website for Gloucestershire then please send your contributions to [email protected] | 
