Blame the traffic mess just outside the venue or whatever, the 4th Edition of the Servis Hum Awards held at the Expo Center in Karachi last week started way off the mark (a delay of more than two-and-a-half hours, and closer to the stroke of midnight).

The vibrant red carpet came alive with the crème de la crème of fashion, drama and film as Atif Aslam, Ahmed Ali Butt, Vasay Chaudhry, Mikaal Zulfiqar, Saba Qamar, Humayun Saeed, Nadeem Baig, Nadia Hussain, Tabassum Mughal, Nomi Ansari, Mehvish Hayat, Reema, Ayesha Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hasan Sheheryar Yasin, Noor and many others made their mark, and enjoyed the glare of flashing cameras.

Once inside, the stage design widely inspired by The Great Gatsby welcomed everyone and set the mood for what was to follow. The ceremony kicked off with a comparatively different performance by the international dance troupe BNF. Hamza Ali Abbasi, dressed in full black and trademark Peshwari sandals, along with the ravishing Ayesha Khan, introduced themselves as the opening hosts. They went slightly off-cue a few times (lack of rehearsal or just bad timing maybe) but managed to do a decent enough job of the task at hand.

The awards ceremony recognised, among other things, the hard work of talented industry individuals as well as teams comprising veteran and emerging actors, models, singers, writers and directors

After a round of fashion nominations and winners, followed by those in the music category, Sohai Ali Abro performed a scintillating number, even going to the extent of getting Mawra Hocane (seated in the front row) to join her. For her part and being the sporty gal that she is, Mawra participated full-on and the twin act ended up as a classic awards moment. And just as the crowd was beginning to really enjoy itself, things got infinitely better as the classic duo of Ahmed Ali Butt and Vasay Chaudhry made a full-on assault with their cache of back-to-back witty jokes, leg-pulling and an unforgettable musical performance to Hum Jaisa Koi Nahin.

After presenting awards in the category of television, Ahsan Khan’s dance performance to a medley, adjudged by many as by far the best of the night, made many groove to its lively and upbeat presentation. Suddenly, Ahsan Khan’s infectious energy could be felt throughout the venue. In terms of choreography and execution, it ticked all the boxes.

Followed the recognition awards, Vasay Chaudhry and Ahmed Ali Butt returned to stage with a hilarious skit titled The Psychiatric Doctor. It then gave way to yet another dance performance, this time with Ali Abbas and Noor. Then, it was time for the most-awaited performance of the evening — that of Atif Aslam. His interaction with the audience is what made the performance extra-special, and the highlight of the awards night.

The dashing Humayun Saeed and charming Mehvish Hayat came together for a performance on Bin Roye songs that was mesmerising and intoxicating. Both Humayun and Mehvish continue to remain popular screen darlings and pitting them together in a performance proved that the audience continues to love them unconditionally, and for the sheer aura of glamour and sensuality that they exude. Glam gals Urwa and Mawra Hocane performed for the finale act, in what was a spectacular conclusion to a glittery awards night.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, May 1st, 2016