Once is not enough-MTV awards

It was 'Kajre Re' all the way at the MTV Immies 2005 at the Bhavan's campus ground on Friday. We lost count of the number of times we heard this song. Alisha Chinai, wearing faux fur around her neck, won Best Female Singer for 'Kajra Re', Aishwarya Rai was adjudged Best Performance in a Song for 'Kajra Re', Bipasha Basu danced to 'Kajre Re'… Well, it was song and dance all the way at the super show, hosted by Lara Dutta (with that plunging neckline), Cyrus Broacha, and Pakistani heartthrob Ali Zafar. Many of the awardees did not turn up (like Aishwarya Rai; her mother accepted the horn-shaped award), but those that turn up, stole the show. We enjoyed Perizaad Zorabian with her dance moves and grooves; Saif Ali Khan was so good with his number, you wanted to give him a salaam namaste; and Preity Zinta sizzled in a brief appearance.

These being the music awards, the singers stole the show – Ronan Keating, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Jal were the best. More on the awards: Bunty Aur Babli won Best Film Album, Abhishek Bachhan and Zayed Khan were chosen winners for their performance in the song 'Dus Bahane' from the film Dus. Other awardees included Kunal Ganjawala (Best Male Singer) for 'Salaam Namaste', Himesh Reshammiya (Best Composer) for 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne', DJ Suketu (Best Remix Video Song) for 'Kya Khoob Lagti Ho', and Indian Idol winner Abhijeet Sawant with two awards – Best Non Film Talent as well as Best Male Pop Act. Asha Bhosle won Best Pop Act (Female), while Sonu Nigam's 'Chanda Ki Doli' was adjudged Best Pop Album for 2005. And there was a special inspiration award that went to Yash Chopra for his momentous contribution to Indian music. The presenters included Urmila Matondkar who was screaming, perhaps not realising she had a microphone in her hand. The ringing in our ears continued till we reached JW Marriott for the post-party.

Ali Zafar with Lara Dutta

Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan, with his kids, and girlfriend Rosa