LAHORE: The 5th instalment of the annual Hum Awards was held in Lahore on Saturday at the Expo Centre. One expected added entertainment, full fraternity attendance and glamour with this one, considering how the recently-held Lux Style Awards were such a hit in terms of all these aforementioned highlights. However, the Hum Awards held their own, with electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, handing over well-deserved awards and attendance of those stars who are rarely-seen at award functions. THE HIGHS — the immensely-talented actor par excellence Yasir Hussain, kick-started the night with a short but hilarious skit, lighting up the night with his commendable comic timing and imitation of a Pathan vendor. Yasir Hussain is a force to be reckoned with, without a shadow of a doubt. The way he has carried his films on his shoulders, outshining a stellar cast, without having the typical features of a chiselled Ken-like hero, is commendable. He has always let his talent do the talking, and so his brief stint on the Hum Awards was no different. It was an absolute delight seeing the star having a ball on stage and engaging the audience with his wit, charm and talent. Another highlight of the event was when late singer Junaid Jamshed’s sons got on stage with former Junoon-i Salman Ahmad, to pay a special tribute to their father, who had passed away last year in a tragic place crash. They together, sang patriotic songs honouring the life and times of Junaid Jamshed with a video playing at the back, which saw the crooner laughing, singing, performing and just being so alive with his comrades. The entire audience got on their feet to applaud for Jamshed and his brave family. Hats off to Hum TV for initiating a tribute to the late singer, who can never ever be forgotten. It was an utter delight to see veteran actress Reema Khan in full attendance with her husband Dr Tariq Shahab. Reema Khan is rarely seen making a formal appearance with her spouse, and seeing her performing and having a great time at the Hum Awards added to the event’s glamour quotient. Renowned anchor and actress Nadia Khan created quite a statement on the stage when she joined host Mikaal Zulfiqar to announce the award presentees and in short, keep us entertained. No doubt, no one can host better than Nadia Khan herself. She had lost oodles of weight since we last saw her on TV, and looked mind-numbingly gorgeous in a green gown. Actor Shahroz Sabzwari pleasantly surprised us to the fullest, with his enthusiastic dance performance. His energy and skill will stay with us for a while. Indeed, the actor is immensely-talented! Actor and philanthropist Ahsan Khan got on stage to present the Hum Award for Best Child Artist. It was won by Arisha for her role as Zebo in the hit drama serial ‘Udaari’. Ahsan Khan, who himself has been lauded internationally for his role in this serial, made it all about Arisha, which warmed our hearts just hearing what he had to say. He acknowledged all those drama serials which are now being made on social issues, for the people to be aware of and be able to take action against. Arisha’s short speech moved us with the entire audience going, “Aww!” Khan’s dance performance was another highlight of the event, with the people singing praises for the talented star. He did win two awards of the night! Our very own record setting mountaineer Samina Baig was presented with the HBL Special Award. We were thrilled to see the petite and sporty pride of our country, all dolled up for the event and rubbing shoulders with the industry’s big wigs. The fact that Hum TV honoured this star on such a huge platform is worthy of a special mention. She thanked her parents who had passed away last year, for all that she had achieved. THE LOWS — with Hum Awards, there is rarely a dull moments. However, as they say, ‘Even the best can be better.’ We did notice how many stars we so desperately wanted to see were absent. Time management was perhaps one aspect that could’ve been given priority over. We missed plethora of singing performances so badly. Many were starving throughout, perhaps some refreshments could’ve saved the day for the hungry ones. Winners Best Actor Female (Soap) – Sanam Chaudhry for ‘Zindagi Tujh Ko Jiya’ Best Actor Male (Soap) – Hammad Faruqi for ‘Haya Ke Daaman May’ Best Soap – MD Productions for ‘Haya Ke Daaman May’ Best Child Star – Arisha for ‘Udaari’ Best Telefilm – ‘Chaman Ara’ Best New Sensation (TV) – Kubra Khan Lifetime Achievement Award – Farida Khanum Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Paras Masroor for ‘Sang-e-Mar Mar’ Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Sania Saeed for ‘Sang-e-Mar Mar’ Best Actor in a Negative Role – Ahsan Khan for ‘Udaari’ Most Impactful Character in a Serial – Nauman Ijaz for ‘Sang-e-Mar Mar’ & Bushra Ansari for ‘Udaari’ Best Writer Drama Serial – Mustafa Afridi for ‘Sang-e-Mar Mar’ & Farhat Ishtiaq for ‘Udaari’ Best Director Drama Serial – Muhammad Ehtishamuddin for ‘Udaari’ Recognition Award – ‘Actor-In-Law’, ‘Janaan’ & Mah-e-Mir’ Best Drama Serial Popular – ‘Udaari’ Best Original Soundtrack – “Tere Naak May Layan” – Man Mayyal Best Music Video – “Khair mangda” by Sohaib Akhter Best Music Single – “Saiyaan” by Quratulain Baloch Best Actor Male Popular – Hamza Ali Abbasi for ‘Man Mayal’ Best Actor Female Popular – Mahira Khan for ‘Bin Roye’ Best On-Screen Couple Popular – Maya Ali and Hamza Ali Abbasi for ‘Man Mayal’ Best Female Actor Jury – Sajal Ali for ‘Gul-e-Rana’ Best Actor Male Jury – Ahsan Khan for ‘Udaari’ Best On-Screen Couple Jury – Farhan Saeed & Urwa Hocane for ‘Udaari’