It was that time of the year again — the grand annual celebration of HUM Awards completing half a decade — the most cogitated golden statuette of Pakistan — where the stars convene on one opulent stage to raise a toast to the best in the Pakistan television Industry.
The stage with singular graphical presentation and cascading crystal curtains set up with finesse didn’t fade an inch by the time it was dusted. The awards are known for their fair share of snubs and surprises. You can always expect surprises at this event but knowing where to expect them is tricky. This year they came early, offering some hair-raising spectacles and the others, well, leaving a sour note.
It began with a farce: Yasir Hussain, who is considered responsible enough to know his business quite well, let it slip big time. His abominable comment on a sensitive issue such as child abuse was revolting to say the least; proof that desi comedies need a reality check. It’s shocking how some of these biggest stars cannot come up with something witty to say at an event that will be broadcast on television. Make an effort people. It’s show time!
Where every award show in the country tries to bring a USP to their show, HUM Awards provided the most soulful experience for the audience with the Midas touch of Sajjad Ali’s live performance for the first time along with the sensational Momina Mustehsan and Asim Azhar.
Where last year’s award belonged to Maya Ali’s starrer Diyar-e-Dil, this time it was Uddari and Sang-e-Mar Mar turn to win big. Where the former had received critical acclaim for creating awareness against child abuse, winning nine awards out of 18 total in television category, the most for the ceremony, including, Best Actor in a Negative Role, Most Impactful Character in Serial, Best Writer, Best Director, Best Child Star, Best Drama Serial – Popular, Best OnScreen Couple — Jury, Best Drama Serial — Jury and Best Actor Male — Jury, Sang-e-Mar Mar bagged five on a night of recognition.
It won’t be erroneous to profess the awards as a source of recognition to all those who push themselves all year round, even as ascetics will say they do not mean much. Perhaps, this is why the awards are never considered a paradigm to success. The one for Most Impactful Character in Serial was handed to Bushra Ansari for Udaari. It was confounding: yes, she might have appeared in every episode of the serial but her role did nothing for the serial, nothing for the story line and nothing for the audience. Since the awards have been initiated, there has almost never been recognition for actors who deserve the best! To cite an example, there is the versatile Sanam Baloch, who gave the audience and HUM Network some of the most celebrated serials with TRPs like Daastan, Durr-e-Shehwar, Kankar, Daam and Doraha, to name a few, but she still waits to be recognised.
From amongst those who left us; Junaid Jamshed undoubtedly, helped revive the Pakistani pop music. The awards paid a tribute to Jamshed, who died in a plane crash last December, with a somber note lip synced by his sons.
Where actor Shahroze Sabzwari is considered a regular when it comes to performing, actress Sehrish Khan was a well structured surprise. How well this lady shakes a leg – heroine-like! It was a fantastic night of racy performers where, Mehwish Hayat, for instance, put in the most rousing act of a resplendent evening. However, ultimately, no-one could beat Reema Khan, the former cine queen, who set the stage alight. Where it was a long wait for her fans, the highlight was her effortless ease with those six inch stilettos!
The Best Female and Male Actor — Popular category had a mix of actors who have perfected their own style. But Mahira Khan and Hamza Ali Abbasi continue to get bigger and better every year and their claim to the trophy was indisputable. The night belonged to Sajjal Aly however, who is starring alongside Sridevi in an upcoming Bollywood flick Mom, winning Best Actor(Female) Drama Serial — Jury. As for Best Actor (Jury), who else could have won but the man for all seasons: Ahsan Khan.
ROUSING SHOW: Cine star Mehwish Hayat shaking a leg.
