The evening of celebration, the MyBindi Awards Show, took place on Thursday, November 6 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. The aim of this event is to recognize the talents and contributions of South Asians in Canada.

Says organizer Sandeep Bawa, "Each nominee received tremendous community and mainstream support....They work hard to raise the profile of South Asians in Canada and all deserved to be recognized."

Now in it's third year, the MyBindi Awards Show continues to grow in terms of community participation, visibility and calibre. "The South Asian community continues to push the boundaries of success in Canada. This evolution is reflected in the MyBindi Awards. This year's nominees, special guests and performers reflect the depth and range of the South Asian community - from arts and entertainment to fashion, sports, business and community," notes Manisha Bawa, event co-organizor.
Close to 800 people turned up to enjoy the show, from as far and wide as the UK, Vancouver and California. The VIP guest list included representatives from both the South Asian and mainstream community, with achievers such as Tennis Champion Sonya Jeyaseelan, RnB vocal group In Essence, City's Harold Hosein and Merella Fernandez, Comedy Network's Mista Mo, Raoul Bhaneja of Train 48, Mayoral candidates Barbara Hall and John Nunziata, Global's Robin Gill, Bollywood Boulevard's Adnan Virk and Melissa Bhagat, CTV's Ravi Baichwal, New York Islander Hockey Scout Harkie Singh, Toronto One's Ben Chin and many more.

Finalists were selected via on-line voting, and thousands of community members voted for their favourite artists, entertainers, media personalities and community leaders.
The awards were presented Oscar style with multiple nominations, well-known award presenters and lovely trophy girls. And the winners are....

Favourite Singer/Songwriter
Deesha

Most Committed Community Organization
Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention

Best Actor
Pragna Desai

Favourite Dance Troupe
Menaka Thakkar

Best DJ
Jiten

Favourite Musician
Jugular

Best Band
Lal

Favourite Media Personality
Mo-D (OMNI)

Best Stage Production
Atma Punjab Dee

Quality Special Events Programming
SJD Group for the Hearts of Light Gala

Says Rose, lead singer of Lal, "I want to thank MyBindi for encouraging and acknowledging South Asian artists... this award means a great deal to us, and encourages us to continue in our path."

The 3rd Annual MyBindi Awards Show was presented by Royal Bank and Canderel-Stoneridge and in partnership with Rogers Discover Communiations, OMNI Television, ATN, Flow 93.5, AIM Media Group, Magic Feet Canada and the Weekly Voice amongst others.


Original Publication Date: Saturday, November 15, 2003 - Weekly Voice