MTV VMAI: Nominee announced, trophy unveiled

After the string of film awards that dominated the television this season, the first edition of Micromax MTV Video Music Awards India (VMAI) promises to be a breath of fresh air. Having established its identity over the last 2 decades as the most irreverent awards for the youth internationally, the MTV Video Music Awards makes its debut in India this year. And all the music artists across the country have shared a tremendous response with close to 1000 entries across award categories. As MTV gets ready to host the Indian edition of the awards, the leading music channel has just revealed the celebrated nomination list and its esteemed list of jury.

Apart from the awards categories that are up for public voting, MTV will also be honouring the best regional song and bets regional music video along with the most viewed international video in India and most viewed Indian video on the internet. There will also be the MTV PUSH Artist of the year which will be given to an artist who MTV believes is a superstar of the future.

Aditya Swamy, EVP and Business Head, MTV India said, “This is the only award show that recognizes the two mediums of entertainment. Music and Video. And when the two come together, it is 

magical. The music fraternity has come out with whole hearted support for the VMA’s and this reflects in the massive amount of entries we have received. The nominees reflect the DNA of MTV, young, edgy and experimental. And now the fans are showing their love by voting for their artists and bands.”

Speaking about the awards, Shubhodip Pal, CMO, Micromax said, “We are really excited to bring the First Micromax MTV Video Music Awards to India. Micromax, believes in bringing alive the most unique, never seen before experiences to the Indian youth through its brand associations and product innovations. Micromax as a brand resonates the Indian youth pulse and passion, mirroring their preference across three distinct pillars of music, movies and sports. Building on this core brand philosophy, we kick started our sojourn of culminating large scale, world class, premium platforms to the Indian audiences with the Sunburn Festival , followed by Snoop Dogg’s India tour, bringing the God of Trance DJ Tiesto in March and now the spectacular Micromax MTV VMAs. Wish all the nominees the very best for the Awards ahead, for their exceptional body of work in music, and hope to create a global platform for Indian music taking it to enhanced heights.”

Coming to India for the first time, the prestigious awards will see eight of the most prominent names from the music and entertainment fraternity on the judge’s panel. Acclaimed director and screenwriter, Anurag Kashyap, notable music composer and guitarist Ehsaan Noorani and lyricist and creative genius Prasoon Joshi have been roped in to judge the awards. Joining them is Uday Benegal, the poster boy of Independent Indian music scene, Vijay Nair, CEO of Only Much Louder , Atul Churamani, head of content for ‘On mobile India’ ,Sabbas Joseph Founder &Director of Wizcraft International Entertainment and Aditya Swamy, Executive Vice President and Business Head of MTV. Though all the judges belong to different walks of life, what brings them together is their passion for music.

The avant grade, maverick director of Indian Cinema Anurag Kashyap says, “MTV Video Music Awards, solely dedicated to the youth finally arrives in India. Appreciation & recognition is the best way to reach out to the talented artists who very often go unnoticed.  I am humbled to be a part of this award jury.”

Ehsaan Noorani, popular composer & acclaimed guitarist shares “For any artist initial days can be rough and getting the break is most crucial. What appeals to me most about MTV VMA is that it aims to acknowledge established and the young pool of musicians, who have struggled to turn their dreams into reality. In my capacity I will try to bring to table a fair opinion on music purely.”

Prasoon Joshi, Adman, lyricist known for his creative work for the youth audience said, “I am very excited to be the part of the jury. This award is happening for the very first time in India and is one of its kinds. I am glad that unlike other awards it aims to acknowledge not only Hindi but also regional music and independent artists as well.”

Uday Benegal, Founder member and lead vocalist of arguably the biggest rock band of India, Indus Creed said, "MTV has long been the forerunner of music on television and MTV VMAI is a great idea. It's about music and videos—that's two great art forms in one package! I'm very happy to be on the panel for this year's MTV VMAI selections and look forward to catching some pathbreaking new music."

Vijay Nair, CEO - ‘Only Much Louder’ (OML) said "While the music industry now largely revolves around concerts and brands, the basics haven't changed. It's still a story told through a song. While it's become easier to get your song heard, it's harder than ever before to stand out. VMA's will reward the musicians who have managed to do this in spite of all the clutter, and have built a formidable following for themselves in the process."

Atul Churamani, Head of content for ‘On mobile India’ said “‘Music industry is growing in India. It is very important to promote the talent that exists amidst the youth in India, thus making the concept of MTV VMAI absolutely incredible. I am honoured to be chosen as one of the jury members. The award night will surely be a journey of fabulous music and I am looking forward to witness all the rocking performances.”

Sabbas Joseph, co-founder and director, Wizcraft International Entertainment said, “What makes Micromax MTV VMAI unique is that it will recognise not only the sound of music but also the presentation of music, i.e the video.  Such awards will really inspire the musicians to give nothing but be the best.”