Star-studded Malayalam musical award night

Outstanding contributors in the South Indian music industry were recognized at the third edition of GMMA- Gulf Malayalam Music Awards held in Dubai. About ten thousands of expatriate Keralites packed the West Hall of Dubai Airport Expo Centre to witness the awards ceremony and cheer their favourite stars at the mega musical extravaganza, which is dubbed the biggest celebration of Malalam music in the Gulf region. Dubai based ADVA Advertising organized the event in association with Arabian Radio Network.

Aimed at recognizing the best talents and efforts in Malayalam music scene, the awards were a culmination of votes from fans all over the Gulf who selected their favourite songs and artistes of the past year. The veteran Indian singer Padmasree Dr. SP Balasubrahmaniam was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented by Bollywood actress Vidya Balan. While mother-daughter duo- Sujatha and Swetha Mohan honoured each other with awards in the best female singer and new comer categories.

Receiving the award, Balasubrahmaniam, fondly called as SPB, thanked his fan around the world for their support and appreciation. “The love and affection from the people of different languages and places, makes me forget my own mother tongue. I feel turning to be the singer of the people when I sing in their language. GMMA is such an honour I have received, as the coveted award had been received in the previous years by those whom I respect and love so much’, said Mr. Balasubrahmaniam.

After presenting the award, chief guest at the award night Vidya Balan said: ‘Keralite expatriates make up a large part of the UAE’s work force, so I feel like I have reached my home town. GMMA happens to be the biggest get together of Malayali society outside the country. So I am very lucky and much honoured to be a part of the musical night. My debut in the industry was with a Malayalam movie, but unfortunately it was not released. My favourite actor in South India is Mohanlal with whom I would like to do a film.’

The mega musical fiesta took off with enchanting performances by musicians, film stars and celebrities. To cheers from the audience, SPB sang a few of his best known songs. SPB also lead a pack of seventy artistes from South Indian film and music industry who enthralled the spectators with multi-language music, dance and stage appearances.

The line-up of artistes at the star-studded musical night included prolific South Indian singer Sujatha, Bollywood’s comedy king Johnny Lever, actress and former Miss India Swetha Menon, Malayalam actor and folk singer Kalabhavan Mani, Hollywood’s upcoming star Ryan, singers Mohammed Aslam, Madhu Balakrishnan, Shahabas Aman, Afsal, Swetha Mohan, Vinith Srinivasan, Sayanora, Jyotsna, Reemy Tomy, Franco, Vidhu Prathap, Pradeep Pallurithi, Smitha Nishanth, Arjun, Nimmy, Jakes Bejoy, Anitha, Shafi Kollam, musician George Peter, lyricist Anil Panachooran and so on. The regular annual event brings the entire Malayalam music industry to Dubai.

Other award winners were:
Best Song: Kolakkuzhal vili, Singers: Swetha & Vijay Yesudas, Film: Nivedyam,
Best Music Director: M Jayachandran, Films: NIvedyam & Kadha Paparayumpol,
Best Lyricist: Anil Panachooran, Song: Thirike njan, Film: Arabikkatha
Best Duet Song: Kolakkuzhal vili, Singers: Swetha & Vijay Yesudas, Film: Nivedyam
Most Requested Song: Vyathysthanamoru, Singer: Pratheep Palluruthi, Film: Kadha Parayumpol
Best Male Singer: Madhu Balakrishnan, Song: Ravereyay, Film: Rock ‘n’ Roll
Best Female Singer: Sujatha, Song: Thattampidichu, Film: Paradeshi
Best Upcoming Music Director: Biji Pal, Film: Arabikkatha
Best Upcoming Male Singer: Ranjith, Song: Oru venal, Fim: Pranaya Kalam
Best Upcoming Female Singer: Smitha Nishanth, Song: Minnal kodiye, Film: Flas
Best Album Song: Minnalazhake, Album: Malayali, Singers: Jakes Bejoy, Vinith Srinivasan & Arjun
Best Mappila Song: Song: Poovithalalle Fasila, Album: Muthu Habibi Monjathi, Music: Shafi Kollam.

In addition, jury awards were given to Franco and Jyotsna (Most Exciting Young Talents), Afsal and Rimy Tomy (Best Stage Performers), Vidhu Prathap (Most Versatile Singer), George Peter (Best Performer of the Night) and Mohammed Aslam (Outstanding Contribution to Music). The award winners walked away with a specially designed, golden-plated statuette, and upto IRS 1 lakh money prize.

Dubai Airport Expo, which played host to the mega award night, was modified befitting the mood of the glittering show. The stage, a combination of LCD screen and watch-out projection, was first-of-its-kind in Dubai.

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