LAHORE: The 5th Hum Awards featuring a galaxy of heart-throbs and celebrities from TV was a mega event at Expo Center, Johar Town, on Saturday night.

The hall having a capacity of some 1,700 people was packed to capacity. The management had distributed invites for the award ceremony more than the capacity and many invitees were found looking for their seats. The scheduled time at the red carpet was from 7 to 8pm; however, the people had to cool their heels by at least 10:30pm.

However, when the show started, the celebrities walked down the red carpet in their best outfits with glamour and fashion being the order of the day.

Mikaal, who hosted awards ceremony for third time, was accompanied by Hareem Farooq.

The event kicked off with the international dance troupe, BNF, from the UAE taking over the stage and it gave a breathtaking performance. The award for the best music single (popular) was bagged by Quratulain Balouch for Saiyaan whilst best music video (popular) went to Suhaib Akhtar.

Original sound track (OST) matters a lot in the overall exposition of the drama serials on television and Mann Mayal successfully earned the award for the best OST.

A tribute was paid to Junaid Jamshed by his sons and Salman Ahmed through the song ‘Junoon Se’ and it showed that his legacy would live on.

HBL Special Award was presented to Samina Baig. The best actor (male and female) awards (soap) were received by Hammad Faruqi and Sanam Chaudhry. Best soap award was won by Haya Ke Daman Main.

Paras Masroor and Sania Saeed bagged their award for best actor in a supporting role male and female, respectively for Sang-e-Mar Mar whereas Ahsan Khan got the distinction for a negative role category for Udaari.

Most impactful character in a serial was received by Bushra Ansari for Udaari and Noman Ejaz for Sang-e-Mar Mar and Mustafa Afridi picked the trophy for the best writer (drama serial), also for Sang-e-Mar Mar. Best director award went to Muhammmad Ehtishamuddin for Udaari.

Mahira Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi got the trophies in the category of the best female and male actor (popular). Sajjal Ali won the best actor (female) drama serial jury award while Ahsan Khan got same award in male category.

Udaari bagged the awards in both categories of the best drama serial (popular) and the best drama serial (jury).

While actor Shahroz Sabzwari is considered a regular when it comes to performing, actress Sehrish Khan was a surprise for the audience as both gave a great dance performance.

The award for best new sensation went to Kubra Khan while the best child star award was bagged by Arisha aka Zebo. Chaman Ara got the best telefilm award.

The steamiest performance of finale was given by Reema Khan. Ahsan and Kubra Khan also gave dance performances.

Lifetime achievement award was presented to Farida Khanum.

The most soulful experience for the audience was the musical ensemble with Sajjad Ali’s live performance along with Ali Sethi, Momina Mustehsan and Asim Azhar.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2017