Losing star-power and memorable moments: Lux Style Awards 2022 had little to offer

The 21st edition of the coveted Lux Style Awards, held in Lahore on Thursday, was full of controversies and significantly short on celebrity attendance. With the grandeur of the event withholding the legacy of the awards, the night continued to cheer, reward, love and dance to celebrate the efforts and achievements of the showbiz fraternity last year.

After the who's who of the industry, the ones that managed to come, walked the red carpet, the event began with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Shehzad Roy and Kana Yaari singer Abdul Wahab Bugti - even this one disappointed certain celebrities.

This year's hosts, Fahad Mustafa and Dananeer Mobeen began the night with some witty banter on Gen-Z language with Mobeen wishing to be the next heroine in Mustafa’s films. With few misses, Mustafa, Mobeen and Tabish Hashmi made sure the audience was laughing and entertained till the last minute.

The LSAs paid tributes to legends, veteran star Anjuman, journalist and media producer Fifi Haroon, late pop icon Nazia Hassan, and late actor and comedian Ismail Tara, for being pioneers in the industry in their own segments. The night saw a compilation of their life and work on the screens as the presenters gave them a Lifetime Achievement Award and actors performed skits and dances in their honour.

Fashion

The fashion segment was the only one where the nominees and winners were present in the audience and perhaps even excited about the results.

The award for the Fashion Forward Brand of the Year went to Hussain Rehar who was “overwhelmed” by the accolade and had nothing more than gratitude for all those who supported him and his vision.

Nimra Jacob took home the Model of the Year award and dedicated it to her friends, family and especially to her mother who had her back through thick and thin and made her who she is today. “This one’s for those aspiring models who are either in the industry or plan to be a part of it, know that you can and you will [make it.],” she said in her speech holding the award high in her hand.

After Jacob, Fouzia Aman won the Style Icon of the Year award. “They say that models have a very short life but this [the reward] is the answer,” she said.

Ashna Khan bagged the award for the best Fashion Photographer while Yasser Dar, dressed in his own warm creation, won the Stylist of the Year - Critics Choice award. Sunil Nawab’s big win as the Best Hair and Makeup artist ended the night for fashion at the Style Awards.

Music

After Asim Azhar serenaded the audience with a live performance of his hit track Habibi, the night went on to announce the winners for music categories. Not surprisingly, Abdullah Siddiqui won the Music Producer of the Year – Critics’ Choice award while Khawaja Danish Saleem took home the Music Youth Icon of the Year – Critics’ Choice.

Next, Ali Zafar won the Singer of the Year – Viewer’s Choice Award for Balaghal-Ula Bi-Kamaalihi. “I remember I received my first Lux Style Award 19 years ago in Dubai as an excited kid and even today, the excitement and appreciation prevail and I’m very grateful for that. No singer is complete without their fans’ support so thank you everyone for your love,” Zafar said.

Rap gods Young Stunners won the Song of the Year Award – Viewer’s Choice for Afsanay and thanked the audience for loving the “two kids creating random music from their rooms” and helping them reach the stardom they never thought was possible.

LSAs introduced a new category this year to award musicians and artists for their live performances in concerts and the Best Live Performance of the Year – Viewers’ Choice went to Natasha Baig for Lahooti Melo.

Film

The next set of awards announced was for films. While 2021 had been a tough year for the Pakistani film industry, some filmmakers braved the hurdles and released their ventures to the audience. Bilal Abbas Khan won the award for Khel Khel Mein in Viewer's Choice category. Mustafa accepted the accolade on his behalf and jibed, "Whether I take this award or Bilal, it's the same thing! But jokes apart, he's a wonderful actor."

The next award went to Sajal Aly, who bagged the Viewer's Choice Award for Best Actress in Khel Khel Mein. Ali Ansari made his way to the stage and accepted the trophy on her behalf. "Before she's my sister-in-law, Sajal is a dear friend," Ansari shared as he lifted the trophy. "I'm very proud of her for all her achievements. May you shine like the star that you are. You are the pride of Pakistan."

Then Mustafa once again made his way to the stage and accepted the award for filmmakers Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi, who won the Best Director Award for Khel Khel Mein. "They made films when many didn't think to do so. They've been consistent throughout," Mustafa shared. "They should be applauded." The award for Film Playback Song of the Year – Viewers’ Choice went to Nayi Soch for Khel Khel Mein.

Television

As we moved toward the last set and most important set of awards for the night, the audience had almost dispersed. With a handful of people still seated, the LSAs 2022 announced the awards for Television category. The award for Best TV Play – Viewers’ Choice went to Chupke Chupke while Ahmed Ali Akbar bagged the accolade for Best TV Actor (Male) – Critics’ Choice for his performance in Parizaad.

"I am often told that I have played a never-seen-before role in Pakistani dramas," Akbar shared while accepting his award. "But I'd like to say that Parizaad is the most common character I've essayed onscreen. He's an ordinary man - like you and me. One we won't look back at if we cross paths. This award goes to all the Parizaads out there." The award for Best TV Actor (Female) – Critics’ Choice to Hadiqa Kiani for Raqeeb Se.

As we enter the last 15 minutes of the show, attendees awaited with bated breaths for the final two awards - the Viewers' Choice Award for Best Actor Male and Female. The LSAs 2022 was marred with controversy regarding Feroze Khan's nomination.

The first award for Best TV Actor (Female) – Viewers’ Choice went to Ayeza Khan for Chupke Chupke. Her co-star, Butt hopped onto the stage to collect the trophy while singing praises for Khan. "Ayeza was a force of nature in Chupke Chupke. She fulfills all expectations and proves whys he's one of the best actresses we have. Love you, Ayeza!" Butt shared.

The last award of the night went, Best TV Actor (Make) – Viewers’ Choice went to Feroze Khan for Khuda Aur Mohabbat. As soon as Mustafa and Hashmi announced the winner, Khan's sister, Malick jumped to her feet and ran to the stage to collect his award. "Thank you, everybody," Malick said with a quivering voice. "Thank you Allah Taa'la and thank you Feroze's fans. This one's for you and I am taking it back home!" she concluded.

The not-so-happening night ended with a performance by Ali Zafar accompanied by Abid Brohi, Gul Panra as the artists took centre stage. The LSAs 2022, in its totality, lacked star power, memorable moments and according to some, authenticity. Once known as the 'it' show of the year, the Lux Style Awards now hold a hollow representation of the razzmatazz and glam it was renowned for.

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