Music composer Anu Malik will be the only Indian judge on Asian Idol, the show that is the ultimate reason why Indian Idol is held. The first ever-Asian Idol, in keeping with the immensely-successful and popular version of the blockbuster Pop Idol format, will have Idol winner from six countries (India, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam) competing for this title. The mega-event is going to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Abhijeet Sawant, winner of the first season of Indian Idol who also has sung in films like Aashiq Banaya Aapne will compete for the title from India.

Anu Malik, the only common judge to be a part of all three seasons of Indian Idol, leaves for shooting on December 9 and will be away for a week. Says Anu, “I am proud that I will be judging other Asian contestants. I am the only Indian judge and the rest are from other countries.”

The music director who has composed just one song this year in his only film Undertrial will have about six releases in 2008 including Good Luck, Ananth Mahadevan’s Anamika, Venus’ satire directed by Sanjay Chhel, Harry Baweja’s Love Story 2050 and Sajid Nadiadwala’s next.

Incidentally Alisha Chinai, top Indian playback and pop singer who was also another judge on Indian Idol 3, will perform at the result gala.