Producers Kuljit Bhamra, Devinder Sudera and Ashvinder Mann launched the competition to find the best British Asian Hindi Vocalist, Punjabi Vocalist and MC in the UK. The final was hosted by a Pop Idol-esque team including a panel of celebrity judges; Najma Akthar (ghazal virtuoso), famous Bollywood Music director Nadeem Saifi (of Nadeem - Shravan fame) and Indian musician and producer Kuljit Bhamra.

Kuljit says: “The Asian Starsearch competition was launched with a nation-wide poster campaign and saw an amazing 700 contestants apply. Reminiscent to some of the scenes on Pop Idol we had hoards of people wanting to show off their talents and fulfil their dream of becoming a star! 150 contestants were chosen for a live audition with heats taking place in London and Birmingham.”

Shahid Khan- Hindi Vocalist Winner

Shahid Khan, 20 years old, was one of the youngest contestants to apply for the competition. Born and bred in London, he comes from a family of renowned tabla players and classical singers from the 'Patiala Gharana' based in Pakistan. He started singing from the age of three and from the age of ten started receiving singing lessons from Pandit Vishwa Prakash and later from Rauf Mehndi; two teachers to whom he remains eternally grateful. His Guru from the age of 16 was and remains Ustad Hussain Baksh Gulu who he credits with taking him to new heights. Shahid’s biggest influence has been Ustad Nusret Fateh Ali Khan. The song with which he won the competition was originally sung by the great master himself.

Mc Catalyst-MC Winner

MC Catalyst has been performing at high profile London nightspots and in locations around the world for many years. Born and bred in NW London MC Catalyst started MCing during the Drum`n`Bass and Garage era with Hip Hop remaining his main love. His name originated from his fast tongued MC-ing style over Jungle music and it was through University events that he began to show off his skills. Whilst most students were getting their names on the ‘guest list’, MC Catalyst was already performing alongside artists such as Ms Dynamite, So Solid Crew and Brazil’s finest, DJ Markey! Although you could catch him listening to Skibba Dee one minute and Linkin Park the next, MC Catalyst just loves listening to and making good music.

Amar Singh-Punjabi Vocalist Winner

When asked what triggered his passion in music, Amar Singh said; “…I went to a gig at Hammersmith Palais, I must have been 16 or 17, and I saw Balwinder Safri perform with a live band…it moved me. It was awesome…the sound, the voice, the electric atmosphere…”. Although a student at the time, Amar always found time for band rehearsals, studio sessions and gigs, going on to create his own unique style. Amar’s other influences include Hariharan, U2 and Hans Raj Hans.

His musical taste knows no boundaries ranging from Bhangra, Ghazals, Indie and Sufi to Pakistani Rock. Amar has since moved into music production and is currently working on a solo album: “To compose and arrange my own music gives me the freedom of creativity so that I can produce music that is personal to me.” Watch this space!

The 'Yaaro' album is launched on 26 April 2006.