The writer of a film inspired by his admiration for Bruce Springsteen was appointed chancellor of his alma mater. The University of Bedfordshire will appoint Sarfraz Manzoor, who grew up in Luton in the 1980s, as its chancellor.
His biography on life in the town as a British-Pakistani adolescent was adapted into the film Blinded by the Light, whose title was taken from a song by the American superstar.
Springsteen authorized the film’s usage of his lyrics after reading Manzoor’s 2007 memoirs.
Manzoor received international acclaim for his novel Greetings From Bury Park, which was named after a neighborhood in Luton. The novel was adapted into the film Bend It Like Beckham by Gurinder Chadha, who was previously well-known for his work on that film.
His book describes his appreciation for Springsteen’s music and how his lyrics reflect his upbringing in Bury Park, his connection with his father, and his battles to forge his own path in the face of family expectations.
The author stated in 2019 when the film was released that Springsteen’s songs “spoke to me because he was essentially talking about my life”
Prof. Rebecca Bunting, vice chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, stated, “We feel his beliefs and desire to positively display diversity in Britain, as well as his affinity for the local community, make him a genuinely inspiring candidate for the position of chancellor.”
In the summer, Manzoor’s post will be made official at a commencement ceremony.
As chancellor, he will represent the institution at major events and award degrees during commencement ceremonies.
Manzoor was “thrilled” to receive the position
“I grew up in this town, attended school and college here, and spent many adolescent days in the Central Library and the Arndale Centre attempting to envisage a life and world larger than the one I was born into,” he added.
“The idea that I would one day be asked to become chancellor of the university in my hometown was completely unimaginable.”
He stated that he aspired to play roles that were not merely ceremonial.
Before creating and presenting documentaries for BBC television and radio, Manzoor began his career as a journalist and a broadcaster.
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