'Mere Paas Tum Ho' sweeps PISA in Dubai; Suhail Galadari hands over awards

Glory, glamour and grandeur unfolded in Dubai at the first Pakistan International Screen Awards.

It was a night of glory, glamour and grandeur at its best as Pakistan's film, fashion and television industry gathered to celebrate the first Pakistan International Screen Awards (PISA) which was held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, on Friday night.
With all the sparkling gowns and tux on the red carpet, the on-stage repartee between the fabulous hosts Vasay Chaudhry, Mani and Adnan Siddiqui, the jaw-dropping acts by the artistes and the teary-eyed 'thank-you' speeches. This was a night of high drama, emotion and entertainment.

Faisal Khan gives the Best Actor (Critics) Award to Adnan Siddiqui for his role in the popular TV drama Mere Paas Tum Ho
Hareem Farooq, Sara Loren, Hira Mani, Eshal Fayyaz, Farhan Saeed, Umair Jaswal and Ali Zafar turned up the heat with their stunning performances. Veterans like Sangeeta, Mustafa Qureshi, Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi and Reema were presented the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event was buzzing with star power as everyone from Humayun Saeed to Mahira Khan, Imran Abbas, Sana Javed and Sadaf Kawal sashayed down the red carpet. The bouncers and management had a tough time as they tried to control star-crazed fans. The actors were cheering and rooting for each other and were extremely appreciative of the fact that for the first time, an autonomous body, based outside Pakistan has recognised Pakistani artistes for their contribution to global entertainment.

Suhail Galadari, PISA 2020 jury member, hands over the Lifetime Achievement Award to Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi
Hareem Farooq opened the show with a thunderous songs from her film Heer Maan Ja. She was followed by Eshal Fayyaz who made a grand entry on a crescent. Mustafa Khan and Umair Jaswal sang some of their best songs. But it was Sara Loren's foot-tapping performance which enthralled everyone. She paid tribute to yesteryears actresses such as Anjuman, Babra Sharif and Shabnam.
Red carpet talk
Speaking to City Times on the red carpet, Sara Loren shared an interesting fact. "I always recite a sura'h before I step on the stage for any performance. I am constantly praying as well while I am on stage," said Loren.
Hareem Farooq shared that 'she was literally feeling butterflies in her stomach, but once she's on stage, she completely transforms and the audience's involvement gives her a high'.

Ali Zafar belts out one of his hit songs
Another major highlight of the show was Ali Zafar who performed a medley of his songs. Vasay and Mani made some special song requests to Zafar and he gladly obliged.
It was an epic win for Mere Paas Tum Ho as the hit drama walked away with several awards, including Best Actor and Actress trophies. Parey Hut Love and Superstar won the Best Director and Best Film categories respectively.
Bigger and better
The credibility of any awards night is measured by its consistency and long-term commitment to recognise the best in business, year after year. If PISA wants to make its mark in the long list of awards ceremonies that occur every year, it will have to show its robust commitment to recognise the best in Pakistani entertainment each year and not merely reduce it to a one-time affair.
With the right level of support it received from the industry in its first year, PISA has the potential to become the strongest bridge between the Pakistani film industry and the Middle East. And as long as the event continues to evolve, one can hope for the show to get bigger and better each year.
Sadiq Saleem is a Dubai based entertainment writer. He can be contacted on his page fb/sidsaidso.

Who won what
Best TV Play: Mere Paas Tum Ho (ARY)
Best TV Play Director: Nadeem Baig, Mere Paas Tum Ho
Best TV Writer: Khalil Ur Rehman Qamar, Mere Paas Tum Ho
Best TV Actor: Humayun Saeed, Mere Paas Tum Ho
Best TV Actress: Ayeza Khan, Mere Paas Tum Ho
Original Soundtrack: Mere Paas Tum Ho
Best Song of the Year: Baari, Bilal Saeed and Momina Mustehsan
Song of the Year (Critics' Choice): Umair Jaswal, Chal Raha Hoon
Best Actor (Critics): Adnan Siddiqui, Mere Paas Tum Ho
Best Actress (Critics' Choice): Sana Javed, Ruswai
Best Actor in a Comedy Role: Adnan Samad Khan, Ehd-e-Wafa
Best Actress in a Comedy Role: Nadia Afghan, Suno Chanda
Life Time Achievement Awards (Male): 1- Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi , 2 - Ghulam Mohiuddin, 3 - Mustafa Qureshi
Life Time Achievement Award (Female): Sangeeta
Special Contribution to Pakistani Cinema - Reema Khan
Best Picture: Superstar
Actor in a Leading Role: Sheheryar Munawar, Parey Hut Love
Actress in a Leading Role: Mahira Khan, Superstar
Actor in a Supporting Role: Ahmed Ali Butt, Parey Hut Love
Actress in a Supporting Role: Zara Noor Abbas, Parey Hut Love
Cinematographer: Salman Razzaq, Parey Hut Love
Director: Asim Raza, Parey Hut Love
Music: Azaan Sami Khan, Superstar
Instagram Influencer/Blogger: Hira Attique
Vlogger: Zaid Ali, Funny Skits
YouTuber: Ducky Bhai, Roaster

• Dubai