Dubai singer Abhirami Ajai wins big at GMMA

When you are 16, pimples breaking out are usually the biggest issue on your plate. Dubai-based teenager Abhirami Ajai, however, had a bit more reason to be stressed last weekend, namely, would she win her first music award for Dubai-set Malayalam film Diamond Necklace?

She shouldn’t have worried. On Friday, Ajai took home two awards at the 6th edition of Gulf Malayalam Music Awards held at Dubai’s Wonderland. Actors including Mohanlal and Kavya Madhavan attended the event.

The Delhi Public School student won her first award in the Best Duet Song Of The Year for her romantic song Thottu Thottu. She also took home Radio ME Singer Of The Year award, which is a nod to the most requested artist.

“It was such a proud moment for me because it was my first award recognition. Also to know that you are loved by music fans across the globe feels tremendous. It’s never easy to win the love of so many people and take a place in their hearts,” said Ajai in an interview with tabloid!. She dedicated her GMMA win to Diamond Necklace director Lal Jose and its music composer Vidyasagar. The winners were chosen through an online voting process.

The grade XI student, who began her Indian classical music training at the age of four, is already on her fourth song for a film.

“I will be singing two songs for a Tamil film which is a remake of the Malayalam hit Ordinary. It’s been a dream innings so far,” said Ajai.

The night also saw Malayalam’s long-enduring idol Mohanlal walk away with the Best Actor Award for his film Run Baby Run. Actress Mohandas won the Best Actress trophy for her role in Arike and singer Vijay Yesudas won the Best Male Singer for the drama Kadal.