The ballroom of the London Marriott Hotel in Westminster sparkled with pride and nostalgia on 12 September, as Curry Life magazine honoured one of the most remarkable figures in Britain's curry industry - Amin Ali, founder of the legendary restaurant The Red Fort.

The ceremony, attended by British MPs, members of the House of Lords, and leading restaurateurs from across the UK, was not just another industry event. It was a celebration of a man whose work helped define the identity of an entire community in Britain.

In his welcome speech, Curry Life's Editor-in-Chief Syed Nahas Pasha said, "Despite many challenges, our curry industry continues to grow stronger. For sixteen years, the Curry Life Awards have played a vital role in honouring those who made this journey possible."

Executive Editor Syed Belal Ahmed added, "Amin Ali proved that a restaurant can be more than a business. It can be a centre of influence - political, social, and cultural. His story will inspire generations to come."

As soon as Amin Ali's name was announced for the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, the audience broke into thunderous applause. For many present, it was not just his honour - it was theirs too.

From a Quiet Village to the Heart of London

Born in a remote village of Habiganj, Bangladesh, Amin Ali arrived in Britain in 1972. Like many migrants of his generation, he began with humble work in restaurants. A decade later, driven by his own vision, he founded The Red Fort - a name that would soon become synonymous with elegance, authenticity, and influence.

Over the years, The Red Fort grew beyond being just a restaurant. It became a meeting place for politicians, diplomats, and celebrities. Despite his quiet personality and simple lifestyle, Amin Ali became a trusted name within the Labour Party, where he even served as an adviser. His restaurant often became the informal setting where important political conversations began.

A Table of Many Stories

For decades, The Red Fort was a place where food met history. Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown were among its regulars. The restaurant's guest list also included the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, Steve Jobs, Tina Turner, Bruce Willis, Sachin Tendulkar and Aishwarya Rai.

A particularly fascinating story later revealed by The Independent and The Telegraph claimed that Steve Jobs first thought of the iPhone while having lunch at The Red Fort. It was one of his favourite London spots.

The restaurant's reputation was such that it became the official caterer for the British Prime Minister's Office and other government departments. Over seventy world leaders and renowned personalities left their signatures and remarks in The Red Fort's guestbook - a treasure that, many believe, would fetch millions of pounds if ever auctioned.

Beyond Business: Championing Bangladeshi Heritage

Amin Ali's work was never confined to the restaurant world. He was a passionate promoter of Bangladeshi culture in the UK. In 1987, he organised a Jamdani exhibition in London, bringing traditional weavers from Bangladesh to showcase their craft.

Then in 1994, he staged the first Bangladesh Festival in London - a vibrant three-day celebration with theatre, photography, and fashion. The BBC broadcast the event live, and in an extraordinary gesture, the Evening Standard, founded in 1827, printed one of its pages in Bengali - the only time in its history.

Speaking about his motivation, Amin Ali once said, "We were on the verge of losing Jamdani's identity. I wanted to prove that we too can present our culture with pride. If India can, why can't we?"

A Legacy That Lives On

For the British Bangladeshi community, Amin Ali's achievement goes far beyond the realm of cuisine. Through The Red Fort, he gave the community a place of pride and presence in British society. His quiet determination, hard work, and dignity helped reshape perceptions of both Bangladeshis and the curry industry itself.

Receiving the Curry Life Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, Amin Ali's journey stands as a timeless story of perseverance - a man who came from a small village, built an institution that fed not just appetites but ideas, and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire across generations.

Shafiqul Islam, from London