Page 32 - The Indian EYE 042624

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline APRIL 26, 2024 | The Indian Eye 32

AAVANTIKA VANDANAPU

Actor named as the South Asian

Person of the Year

“I am honored to be recognized by Boston University School of Hospital-
ity Administration and to support the school’s mission to make the world a
more hospitable place for all,” said Padma Lakshmi. “Fostering leaders who
are committed to creating memorable, joyful experiences that connect people
is important to both society and humanity.”
Padma Lakshmi is the creator of the critically acclaimed and Emmy-nom-
inated Hulu series “Taste the Nation,” which is the recipient of a James Beard
ndian-American actor, 19 year old ‘Mean Girls’ star Avantika Vandanapu Foundation Award top prize in Visual Media – Long Form. Lakshmi served
was named the South Asian Person of the Year by Harvard University on as host and executive producer for 19 seasons of Bravo’s two-time Emmy-win-
IWednesday. The actor was recognised for her outstanding achievements ning series “Top Chef,” which has been nominated for 47 Emmys, including
and impact on both the international and Indian entertainment industries. her five-time nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality-Competition
“Being honored by such a prestigious institution as Harvard University is truly Program.
humbling and incredibly motivating. This award not only acknowledges my
efforts but also underscores the significance of narratives transcending borders RAJ CHETTY
and the crucial role of Indian representation in global media,” she said.
Vandanapu was born in a Telugu family from Hyderabad. She has fea- Economist to receive honorary
tured in several Hollywood projects like ‘Mean Girls’, ‘Spin’, and ‘Senior
came to fame after she got the second prize in dance reality show Dance India degree from Wesleyan University
Years’ and also debuted in Indian OTT series ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’. Avantika
Dance L’il Masters. She soon entered the Telugu film industry and worked in
movies like Brahmotsavam. She also played a lead role in Disney’s Spin, fea-
turing Meera Syal and Abhay Deol.
“It propels me to delve into stories that challenge stereotypes, embrace
diversity, and forge deep connections with people. My journey is just begin-
ning, and this recognition ignites my determination to continue contributing
positively through my work,” the actor said.
The young actor has recently faced backlash after rumours she was being
cast as Princess Rapunzel in a live-action version of the 2010 animated Disney
film “Tangled.” Several Disney fans and critics took to social media to share
their displeasure over an actor of South Asian heritage portraying the fiction-
al character.
PADMA LAKSHMI

Celeb receives Boston

University’s ICON Award 2024

oston University School of Hospitality Administration (BU SHA) aj Chetty was named an honorary degree recipient by Wesleyan Univer-
awarded its 4th annual ICON award on April 4 to Padma Lakshmi, an sity. He will be awarded the degree at the university’s192nd commence-
BIndian American Emmy-nominated producer, television host, food ex- Rment ceremony on May 26.
pert, and a New York Times best-selling author Alongside celebrating the student graduates of 2024, the Commencement
Lakshmi received the annual ICON award recognizing innovators who Ceremony at Wesleyan University will honor the esteemed individuals, alum-
create new and transformative paradigms in hospitality during BU’s Hospi- ni, and faculty whose work and service has educated and inspired so many to
tality Leadership Summit at BU’s Computing and Data Sciences Center on action and toward creating a better world.
April 4. Raj Chetty is the William A. Ackman Professor of Public Economics at
BU School of Hospitality Administration gives the ICON award annually Harvard University. He is also the Director of Opportunity Insights, which
to recognize innovators who create new and transformative paradigms in hos- uses “big data” to understand how we can give children from disadvantaged
pitality. The Summit brings together students, faculty, and industry colleagues backgrounds better chances of succeeding.
for a day of inspiration and networking around a shared passion for creating Chetty’s research combines empirical evidence and economic theory to
memorable experiences. Continued on next page... >>

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