Vote Asian for the EMMA Awards 2002
(19th April 2002)

Vote Asian for the EMMA (Ethnic Multicultural Media Awards) Awards 2002. We say this not out of any South Asian fervour, but from the fact that there are some sparkling Asian finalists in nearly all categories this year.

A shortlist of candidates from the worlds of music, film, comedy, literature, theatre, journalism and public life has been announced and members of the public can select the winners by voting either through the information hot line 0700 callemma (07002 255 366) or online at www.emma.uk.com until 28th April 2002. (Click on each category in the left hand menu and then click Vote Online - you can only vote for one category at a time).

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel, hosted by Sanjeev Bhaskar and Angela Griffin. Bobby Syed, founder and director of the EMMA Awards said: "The EMMA awards have come along way with NatWest's support since their inception in 1997 and continue to celebrate and champion cultural diversity across the full spectrum of the media industry. This year's Awards promise to be the biggest ever and it gives me great pleasure to dedicate them to the memory of Donald Woods, our very own patron who symbolised so much of what EMMA is about."

Whom should you vote for?

Without any qualms about creating a bias, we suggest selecting Nitin Sawhney, who has been short-listed in three categories: Best British Music Act and Best World Music. Following the success of his superb album 'Prophesy', which draws on South African, Australian and American sounds, Mr Sawhney has been on a World Tour producing a sublime mix of spiritual beats no doubt.

Lagaan, Aamir Khan's brilliant Hindi Film about cricket, the Raj and love may have missed out on an Oscar this year, but deserves your vote for Emma 2002 (or else it's a crime!). Featuring thrilling music from A R Rahman, this film has helped improve the Bollywood image manifold. Lagaan has been nominated in the Best Film category.

One the subject of cricket, let us not forget Nasser Hussain (England Cricket Captain) who has been short-listed in the Sporting Personality of the Year. Nasser, who has single-handedly helped draw the eyes of scores of Asian women to the sport has also encouraged young Asian men into Cricket at County, National and International Level. A vote winner if there ever was one.

Mira Nair's huge hit film 'Monsoon Wedding' may have missed being nominated in the Best Film category but the respected Actor Naseeruddin Shah has been short-listed in the Best Film Actor category. Mr Shah gave an outstanding performance as a modern-day Indian father arranging the wedding of his daughter. If nothing else, such a positive role model deserves EVERY MALE Asian's vote. If you have not seen the film yet simply take our word for it. An Emma award could help put this immensely talented actor on the road to an Oscar.

Another possible Oscar-contender is Ayesha Dharker who won acclaim in the Art-House film 'The Terrorist'. Ms Dharker stars in Ismail Merchant's new film 'The Mystic Masseur' and the next Star Wars episode to be launched later this year. A very versatile actress with beautiful features we feel she could also win an Oscar in the not-too-distant future if she could only grab an Emma for Best Film Actress in the meantime. Also short-listed in same category are Vasundhara Das for 'Monsoon Wedding' and Kareena Kapoor for Asoka. Ah…choices! choices!.

The nation's favourite comedians Sanjeev Bhasker and Meera Syal are not forgotten. The Kumar's at No 42 is nominated in the Best TV Entertainment category. There simply is not other contender in this category, surely?

Prize givers have for far too long ignored novelist Hanif Kureishi. His excellent book 'Gabriel's Gift' is nominated in the Best Book/Novel category. This hugely talented and prolific writer has also written 'My Beautiful Launderette' (yes, the one where Daniel Day Lewis kisses the Asian bloke in the Launderette among other things!), Buddha of Suburbia, Intimacy, Midnight All Day and a host of short stories and screenplays. Gabriel's Gift is a riveting read and deserves that all-important prize.

There are other Asians nominees in other categories. Indeed there is a positive rash of them in the Best TV News Journalist section, but you're on your own deciding which one is the most deserving. We've done our bit guiding you gently towards the right decisions! Click here to vote now. (Click on each category in the left hand menu and then click Vote Online - you can only vote for one category at a time). Closing date for votes is Sunday 28th April.

Click here to read about the finalists in all categories.

Top