New York: Bollywood blockbuster 'Devdas' bagged three music awards and Sonu Nigam was adjudged best male singer in both film and pop category in the Zee Bollywood music awards, presented by the Indian diaspora in US.

Ismail Darbar won the best music director award for his songs in Devdas, while his musical score "dola re" in the film was adjudged the best song of the year.

The awards, based on the opinions expressed by non-resident Indians (NRIs) were presented at an enchanting evening of music, songs and dances.

The award for the best female singer went to Kavita Krishnamurthy for "Eli Re Eli" in "Yaadein", while Shreya Goshal was selected for the best new talent of the year.

Sonu Nigam bagged the best male singer award for 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Tanhayee'. Nigam also won the award for best male artiste in pop category for his performance in 'Yaad'.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the "lifetime achievement award" to Yesudas for his contributions to the industry in a career spanning 40 years.

After receiving the award, he sang to his songs at the insistence of the audience.

Rahul Sharma got the award for best debut Music director for his compositions in 'Mujhse Dosti Karoge'.

"These awards have special significance as they are based on the views of fans who ultimately decide the fate of any performance, movie, song or album," CEO of Bollywood awards Kamal Dandona said.

"The popularity of the Indian music is growing and the awards present the NRIs the opportunity to express their views," he said.

Sunidhi Chauhan was adjudged the best female artiste in pop category for her performance in 'Pehla Nasha' and the King of Bhangra Malkiat Singh was adjudged as the best Bhangra artiste.

Asha Bhosle's 'Aap Ki Asha' got the prize for best pop album and 'Lift Karade' was adjudged as the best remixed album.

For the best dance video, the prize went to 'Scope 2' of Devang Patel who delighted the audience with his performance.

But it was Sonu Nigam who struck the chord with the audience who clapped, whistled and danced during his half-an-hour performance, which came towards the end of the show.

Krishnamurty sang to her songs and Malkiat Singh also enthralled the audience with his two numbers.

The Bollywood awards polls NRIs over several months and there top three selections are nominated for the awards. The final decisions is based on the opinions expressed by experts.

PTI