NRIs vote for 'Devdas' in Bollywood music awards

Dharam Shourie in New York

Bollywood blockbuster 'Devdas' bagged three awards and Sonu Nigam was adjudged best male singer in both film and pop category in the Zee Bollywood Music Awards.

The Zee Bollywood Music Awards poll NRIs over several months and their top three selections are nominated for the awards. The selection of winners is left to a committee of experts.

Ismail Darbar won the best music director award for his songs in 'Devdas', while his musical score 'Dola Re' in the film was adjudged the best song of the year.

The awards were presented at an enchanting evening of music, songs and dances in New York.

The award for the best female singer went to Kavita Krishnamurthy for 'Eli Re Eli' in 'Yaadein', while Shreya Goshal bagged the best new talent of the year award.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the "lifetime achievement award" to Yesudas for his contribution to the industry in a career spanning 40 years.

After receiving the award, he sang two of his songs at the insistence of the audience.

Rahul Sharma got the award for best debut music director for his compositions in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge.'

"These awards have special significance as they are based on the views of fans who ultimately decide the fate of any performance, movie, song or album," CEO of Bollywood Awards Kamal Dandona said.

PTI