A host of desi nominees have made their way into the first MTV Music Asia Awards to be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium on 2 February 2002.

The show that claims to be the first ever to acknowledge popular Asian and international music talent, will be held in front of a 7000-strong audience and will be telecast across Asia to more than 150 million households. The channel has thrown open the polls to viewers from 12 November, through an extensive integrated marketing campaign involving TV, radio, print, internet and retail promotions. It has roped in 350 outlets including retail stores, restaurants, clubs, campuses and malls in 10 cities for the campaign.

Sonu Nigam has been nominated for Jeena Hai Tere Liye

The shortlisted nominees for the Indian (Pop and Film) category include Asha Bhosle for Na Marte Hum from an album of the same name, Falguni Pathak for Saawan Mein from the album Saawariyan Teri Yaad Mein, Shaan for Tanha Dil from the similarly titled album, Sonu Nigam for Jeena Hai Tere Liye from the Yaad album and Ustad Sultan Khan and Chitra for Piya Basanti.

In the film category, Alka Yagnik and Udit Narayan for Jaane Kyon from Dil Chahta Hai, Sukhvinder Singh and Srinivas for Mitwa from Lagaan, Asha Bhosle, Sukhwindara Singh and Sonu Nigam for Kambakth Ishq are among those nominated.

MTV is also kicking off on the ground marketing activities this month with eight showcase parties at nightspots in the Philippines, Taiwan, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand and India. The Awards will also be breaking the mould with an innovative award design, made in pewter and enclosing a tiny multimedia screen that plays a short tribute tape to honour the winner.

The awards function will be hosted by Ronan Keating and Mandy Moore, while members from the world acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil will entertain audiences during the show with performances, while funkmeisters Groove Armada will spin their brand of cool tunes at the post show party.