MUMBAI: To felicitate music maestros of the South Indian music industry, Radio Mirchi is back with the third edition of Mirchi Music Awards South. The finale of the awards that will brings together film music fraternity from across the four southern states, will take place on 4 August in Hyderabad.

This year, there will be 13 awards across various categories in each language for the films released in the year 2011. In addition, there will be two special awards in each language - a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Jury’s Special Recognition Award for outstanding contribution to Film music. Keeping in mind the interest of radio listeners, there will also be – Radio Mirchi Listener’s Choice award given to ‘Best song of the year’ and ‘Film album of the year’ chosen by popular vote.

Each of the four South Indian languages will have separate jury panels headed by a chairman. The Tamil jury chairman is Gangai Amaran, Telugu jJury is headed by D Suresh Babu, the Kannada jury by Hamsalekha and the Malayalam industry is chaired by Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri. The process of screening, short-listing and selecting of winners is audited by Ernst & Young.

Radio Mirchi CEO Prashant Panday said, “It gives me immense pride to announce the third edition of Mirchi Music Awards South. The warm welcome and positive feedback from the film industry that we have received on Mirchi Music Awards in the last two years, has inspired us to take it to a new level this year.  This is Radio Mirchi’s way of showing its love and respect to the industry that means so much to us, not only as a company, but also as a country. From screening to selecting to the final awards, each process has been meticulously planned in a structured manner so that no deserving work goes unnoticed. I extend my best wishes to all the artists who are doing a great job in Music and our support to them will continue in the coming years.”

Speaking on the occasion, chairman of the jury – Kannada, veteran lyricist and music director Hamsalekha, said, “Mirchi Music Awards has filled in the gap that existed in the Indian Music Industry.  It is surprising, that in a country where music lies in each and every aspect of life and which is a very big part of our films, music was not being given due recognition. It is very heartening that Radio Mirchi has pioneered this effort for the last few years. I am happy to be associated with Mirchi Music Awards South 2011 for the third  year running and am sure that the event this year will be even bigger and better than last year.  Mirchi Music Awards bind the entire music fraternity by recognizing all those who have a passion for music, be it writing, composing or singing. I know that the music fraternity in the Kannada film industry is looking forward to this award and the recognition it brings.”

The jury meets for all the four regional languages took place this week.