"I’m so happy that IPPA has come back to my hometown this year."
Following its inaugural London debut in 2017, the second annual International Pakistan Prestige Awards (IPPA) took place on Sunday 09 September 2018 at Indigo, O2.
The awards show celebrated the very best of Pakistan film, television, fashion, music, and the arts.
The event also had a dazzling guest list, featuring people from the entertainment industry and successful expatriates.
Big names in attendance at IPPA 2018 included: Mehwish Hayat, Humayun Saeed, Syra and Shehroz Sabzwari, Yasir Hussain, Ayesha Omer, Ahsan Khan, Bilal Ashraf, Ali Kazmi, Javed Sheikh, Adnan Siddiqui, Sana Fakhar, Shiraz Uppal, Ayesha Sana, Urwa Hocane, Farhan Saeed, Sonya Hussain, Ainy Jaffri and Nadia Khan.
There was more than 1 host on stage. Several people were hosting the different segments of the event.
Sajal Aly known for her performance in Bollywood film Mom (2017) was the big winner, bagging three awards on the night. She won ‘Best Serial Actress (popular), ‘Best Jodi TV Serial’ and ‘IPPA Star of the Year (Female).’
It was also a good night for Sana Fakhar, who won best supporting actress. She also performed on the night.
Her performance was a medley of Noor Jahan classics in a different light, not seen before. Wearing an embellishing emerald ensemble, she looked stunning on the red carpet.
Other performances included: Shiraz Uppal who sang melodious tunes, a fashion show, and a dance performance from Syra and Shehroz.
Ainy Jaffri was looking gorgeous in an embellished full sleeve ensemble with a slicked-back hairstyle.
Ainy, who resides in London, exclusively told DESIblitz:
“I’m so happy that IPPA has come back to my hometown this year. Great to celebrate with my peers and looking forward to the dances and fashion show.”
Ainy is currently shooting a series for HUM TV, which is set to broadcast in September 2018.
Famous actress Urwa Hocane looked radiant and fresh in an elegant white dress. Winner of the ‘Most Stylish TV Presenter,’ Ayesha Omar kept to her title with a lavish dark blue long dress.
On-screen duo Mehwish Hayat and Humayun Saeed complemented each other well. This was quite evident during their short romantic interaction together on stage.
Ahsan Khan and Bilal Ashraf, two of Pakistan’s hottest actors were much sought after by the ladies on the red carpet.
In reference to the IPPA awards being held in London, Bilal Ashraf referred to them as “a great platform for Pakistan. I look forward to more!”
Ashraf has two films in the pipeline, including one with HUM Films.
It was a successful night for Ahsan Khan who took home the ‘star of the year’ award. He also represented Damas jewellery on the catwalk as their showstopper.
IPPA Awards is another marker of how the Pakistani entertainment industry is gaining recognition worldwide: Speaking of this, veteran actor Javed Sheikh said:
“The 2nd IPPA awards is bigger than the previous one. It’s great to see the awards are globally happening now.
“HUM Awards happened in Canada and now both IPPAs have been in London.”
With Pakistani serials and films doing so well in the UK, IPPA is becoming a more appealing event for the British Pakistani audience.
Speaking on the occasion IPPA Founder, Ali Malik said:
“Following the success of IPPA’s inaugural year in 2017, we are delighted to have brought to the UK the second, annual instalment on an even grander scale than our debut year.
“We once again united the most coveted names from Pakistan’s burgeoning arts and entertainment industries on one platform in the UK, allowing fans and audiences to see their favourite icons on stage, while also celebrating the wealth of talent from Pakistan that has garnered fans and followers globally.
We are honoured to have shared this immense pride in Pakistani achievement with audiences and guests on the night.”
Let’s take a look at all the award winners under the 26 different categories:
Best Film 2017
Punjab Nahi Jaungi
Best Actress Film:
Mehwish Hayat (Jury and Viewers’ Choice)
Best Actor Film:
Humayun Saeed (Jury and Viewers’ Choice)
Best Jodi Film:
Osman Khalid Butt and Ainy Jaffri for Balu Mahi
Best Director Film:
Nadeem Baig
Best Supporting Actor Film:
Urwa Hocane
Best Singer of the Year:
Shiraz Uppal
Best TV Serial 2017 (Jury):
Baaghi
Best TV Serial 2017 (Viewers’ Choice):
Yaqeen Ka Safar
Best Actor (Female) TV Serial 2017 (Viewers’ Choice):
Saba Qamar
Best Actor (Female) TV Serial 2017 (Jury):
Sajal Ali
Best Actor (Male) TV Serial 2017 (Viewers’ Choice):
Mikaal Zulfiqar
Best Actor (Male) TV Serial 2017 (Jury):
Adnan Siddiqui
Best Supporting Actor TV Serial:
Sana Fakhr and Ali Kazmi
Best Director TV Serial:
Khuda Aur Muhabbat
Best Jodi TV Serial:
Ahad Raza Mir and Sajal Ali
IPPA Style Icon of the Year:
Sonya Hussain
Designer of the Year:
Ali Xeeshan
IPPA Star of the Year (Female):
Sajal Ali
IPPA Star of the Year (Male):
Ahsan Khan
Model of the Year:
Hira Shah
Best Emerging Talent:
Ahad Raza Mir
Most Stylish TV Presenter (Male):
Yasir Hussain
Most Stylish TV Presenter (Female):
Ayesha Omer
Best British Pakistani in Business:
Mr. Mehboob, Royal Nawab
Best Pakistani International Brand:
Damas
In addition, Sultana Siddiqui, President, HUM Network Ltd was honoured with a Special Category Lifetime Achievement Award.
DESIblitz looks forward to what IPPA has in store for 2018. Fans hope to see more stars from the Pakistani entertainment industry glitz and glamour in the UK.