Pakistani artists win big at Masala! Awards 2018

Tuesday’s event saw top stars from both sides of the border celebrate fashion, film and friendship

DUBAI: Each year, Masala! Magazine UAE honours stars from India and Pakistan by inviting them to Dubai for the Masala! Awards and getting them to not just mingle with one another but also have a fun-filled night among their peers.

Masala! hosted the show in the same vein this year, to celebrate and award artists and eminent members of the South Asian entertainment community on Tuesday night. The exclusive event was held in Madinat Jumeirah hotel in Dubai, as Masala Awards celebrated its 11th year. This time around, the organisers even had a surprise for everyone and ace Pakistani designer Faraz Manan showcased his collection to those in attendance at the awards.

PHOTO: PUBLICTY

“I’ve been a part of Masala Awards for four or five years now and every year the bond gets stronger,” Manan told The Express Tribune. “This time, I’m an integral part of an event. I’m not just a judge but I’ve also been planning the Masala Awards this year. For the first time, I’m showing my collection outside my private couture shows. And there’s a surprise as well!” he had teased earlier.

The surprise was Kareena Kapoor Khan, often known as Manan’s muse, who was the showstopper for his collection. The Bollywood diva wowed the audience in a stunning, mid-riff baring, peach-pink bridal gown – regal, fairylike and the ideal choice for the showstopper.

Also at the award show was Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety star Kartik Aryan, who later bust a move onstage on his hit song Dil Chori Sada Hogaya as Navraj Hans sang live. The singer is the son of Hans Raj Hans and Daler Mehndi’s son in law, known for his videos and live performances.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-hSqXnXyb/

But of course, it wasn’t all about India. Pakistani actors Osman Khalid Butt (OKB) and Amna Ilyas were awarded the Agents of Social Change Award, with OKB thanking all the women in the industry who had spoken up against harassment and the male allies who had supported them in their cause. Ilyas also delivered a poignant speech and dedicated her award to all the girls in Pakistan and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

Munawar was awarded the Most Versatile Actor Award and definitely became the apple of a lot of young women’s eyes! Onstage, the Ho Mann Jahaan star spoke of being an actor and producer and learning a lot through his journey. Ayesha Omar was honoured as well and gave a beautiful speech thanking her mother, who is a single parent. As usual, the starlet looked beautiful in a dark blue plumage, as did fashion icon and PR executive Frieha Altaf, who handed out awards as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-gij8nbQE/

Hair and makeup guru Nabila also presented an award while Ali Rehman Khan and Kiran Malik attended. Backstage, Munawar and Aryan caught up for a shoot together and exchanged pleasantries. Munawar and OKB both said they had a “really fun time” and enjoyed the evening.

Last year Masala! celebrated its 10^th anniversary and had invited Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar and Mawra Hocane. In fact, their pictures with the late Sridevi Kapoor and Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra broke the internet. We can only hope that next year would be an even greater opportunity for Indian and Pakistani celebrities and the UAE to join hands again.

Have something to add to the story? Share it in the comments below.