Idea-Zee Fashion Award introduces 'People's Choice' for Celebrities

Ahmedabad, Apr 23 (UNI) Promoters of ''Idea Zee F Awards'' for 2006 have introduced for the first time 'People's Choice Award' category in the country's only fashion award, the grand final of which is scheduled to be held at Taj Land's End in Mumbai on May 6.

Addressing a press conference before a fashion show here late last evening to promote the award, Idea Cellular vice president (corporate communication) Rajat Mukarji said there are 33 awards in three categories.

The three awards introduced this year are for the most fashionable sports star, besides male and female celebrity models of the year.

The five fashionable sport stars nominated this year are Sania Mirza, Mahesh Bhupati, Leander Paes, Arjun Atwal and Yuvraj Singh.

However, Mr Mukarji admitted, the latest Indian sports sensation Mahendra Dhoni will miss the award this year as he landed a wee bit late after the nominations.

The five nominees for 'male celebrity model of the year' include Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Shahrukh Khan, John Abraham and Aamir Khan. That for 'female celebrity' are Rani Mukherjee, Preity Zinta, Aishwarya Rai, Bipasha Basu and Kajol.

He further added that online voting in three sub-categories of popular awards has begun on April 18 on the MSN India website www.msn.co.in as votes will be accepted up to May 2, 2006.

The awards, second year in running, are being promoted by mobile service provider Idea Cellular Ltd, partnering with Wizcraft International Entertainment, among others.

The 13-member Advisory Board has already selected five nominees for each award. The nominees for 22 'Industry Awards' include male and female models for ramps as well as commercial assignments, men's and female designers, debuntant designer, sylist, fashion choreographer, hair-stylist, make-up artist, fashion journalist, fashion magazine, retail brand, retailer, boutique, costume designer, most fashionable male and female film star.

Mr Mukarji, who was in the city in connection with the fashion show, said that such shows are also being arranged in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Indore.

Former Miss India Universe Neha Dhupia is appearing as a special guest at the fashion show here, choreographed by leading fashion designer Neeta Lulla.

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