Hum Awards 2015: Celebrating Pakistani Talent in Dubai
The Hum Awards returned for their third consecutive year in 2015, marking a significant milestone for the Hum Network. Following two years of critical success, the network expanded its horizons by taking the gala international, celebrating a decade of global achievements and the enduring appeal of Pakistani storytelling.
To maintain the high production standards of previous years, Hum rehired producer and director Nazeer Saeed Janjua. The event was designed not just as an awards ceremony, but as a reflection of the network's ten-year journey and its commitment to portraying cultural reality over mere glamour.
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Key Facts
- Venue: World Trade Center, Dubai.
- Broadcast Dates: Premiered on Hum TV on May 23 and 24, 2015.
- Hosts: Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sanam Jung, Vasay Chaudhry, and Ahmad Ali Butt.
- Special Recognition: Fawad Khan received a special award for his contributions to cinema.
- International Focus: Introduced a special category for filmmakers in the Middle East.
Production and Ceremony Details
The 2015 gala featured a diverse hosting team. Sanam Jung returned for her third appearance, while Vasay Chaudhry served as both a co-host and writer for the third time. Hamza Ali Abbasi and Ahmad Ali Butt joined the hosting lineup for the first time, with Sanam Saeed specifically hosting the Hum Honorary Awards.
Behind the scenes, the production was a massive undertaking. Rehan Ahmed and Fahad Buksh directed the Red Carpet and the "Making of" segments. The set and stage design were handled by Production 021, with operations managed in Dubai by Saad Qazi and Nasir Jamal. Styling and make-up were provided by Nabeela of N-pro, and choreography was led by BNF Dance & Entertainment.
To give viewers a glimpse into the effort required for such an event, Hum broadcast special half-hour programs focusing on rehearsals and production design. These shows, hosted by Anoushey Ashraf and Mohsin Abbas Haider, showcased the art design, set decoration, and the interactions between the management team and the actors.
Broadcast, Venue, and Voting Process
The event was recorded off-air on April 9, 2015, in Dubai at the World Trade Center. It later premiered in two parts on May 23 and 24, with a re-broadcast on July 25, 2015. Brand ambassador Atiqa Odho highlighted that the choice of venue reflected the global connection people feel toward Pakistani dramas, which remain honest to their culture and family values.
The awards were determined through two distinct methods:
- Viewers Choice: Seven categories across Television, Music, and Fashion were decided by public votes cast on the official ceremony website.
- Jury Choice: These categories were decided by the voting of the Hum membership as a whole.
Special Categories and Awards
The Best Short Film - Middle East
Because the ceremony was held in Dubai, Hum introduced a special category for filmmakers working in the Middle East. Nominations were based on online submissions. Out of six finalists, Abu Dhabi-based Pakistani filmmaker Faraz Waqar won the award for his film 9:11 am, which was originally his 2012 graduation thesis project. Waqar had submitted three films for consideration, including Imagineer (a tribute to Nazia Hassan) and Meeoww Billi Aur World War 3 (Pakistan's first silent film).
Honorary Awards and Changes
The Hum Honorary Special Recognition Award was presented to producer Fizza Ali Meerza and Nabeel Qureshi for the commercial and box office success of the film Na Maloom Afraad. Additionally, the event featured the launch and screening of Bin Roye, the first original production from the network's subsidiary, Hum Films.
The 2015 ceremony saw some changes in its award structure. The Best Music Single category was newly introduced. However, several categories were not awarded, including Best Designer Menswear, Best Designer Womenswear, Best Solo Artist, and Best Onscreen Couple Popular. Other categories, such as Best Drama Series, Best Television Host, and Best Comic Actor, were omitted from this year's presentation.
| Category/Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Director/Producer | Nazeer Saeed Janjua |
| Location | World Trade Center, Dubai |
| Middle East Winner | Faraz Waqar (9:11 am) |
| Special Recognition | Fawad Khan, Fizza Ali Meerza, Nabeel Qureshi |
| New Category | Best Music Single |
Critical Reception
The media generally viewed the ceremony as a positive step for Pakistani talent. Critics from Media Poondi and The Nation praised the Hum Network for the "mammoth task" of organizing a high-quality production outside of Pakistan in only its third year.
Hamna Zubair of Dawn.com noted that while the event started two and a half hours late, it remained well-organized and entertaining. Similarly, Sadaf Haider of Dawn News praised the high production values, lighting, and sets, though she suggested the length of the ceremony could be improved compared to other industry awards like the Lux Style Awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the 2015 Hum Awards held?
The ceremony took place at the World Trade Center in Dubai, marking the first time a Pakistani TV channel held its awards outside the country.
Who won the Best Short Film - Middle East award?
Faraz Waqar won the award for his film 9:11 am.
How were the Viewers Choice awards decided?
They were decided based on the highest number of public votes submitted through the official ceremony website across seven categories in Television, Music, and Fashion.
Which film was launched during the ceremony?
The film Bin Roye, the first production of Hum Films, had its special launch and screening during the event.
Who were the main hosts of the 2015 gala?
The ceremony was hosted by Hamza Ali Abbasi and Sanam Jung, with Vasay Chaudhry and Ahmad Ali Butt serving as co-hosts.