BeyondBorders
Dubai: 2017 has been a promising year for the entertainment industry with Pakistani artists making their mark, both at home and abroad. And though tension since the Uri attacks has made cross-border collaborations difficult, if not entirely impossible, the upcoming tenth edition of the Masala! Awards will provide breathing space. Artists from both sides of the border will be celebrated on one platform, and that has immeasurable value.
Set to take place on December 13 in Dubai, which is both haven and neutral territory for India and Pakistan, the glitzy annual affair of the Middle East, will be bigger and better as Masala! Awards look to celebrate a decade of existence.
With the guest list having been revealed, it can be said that the 2017 edition will certainly be a grand affair. The starry lineup comprises veterans from the Hindi film industry who will share stage with talent from the UAE. Leading the lineup will be Bollywood comedy legend Govinda, who will set the stage on fire with his inimitable brand of dance moves. The performance bill also includes silver screen belle Ankita Lokhande, Pakistani singer Bilal Saeed, a bespoke composition from virtuoso Emirati composer Adel Farooq and the fantastic dance troupe from the Bollywood Parks and Resorts.
The sparkling evening will honour individuals who have excelled in the field of business, fashion, philanthropy and the arts and serve as the true representation of South Asian talent in the region.
The affable Boman Irani will be hosting the ceremony while other artists scheduled to attend include Bollywood heartthrob Arjun Rampal, the stunning Daisy Shah and Iulia Vantur, Prerna.
From Pakistan, three leading actors of the current generation such as Mahira Khan, Saba Qamar and Mawra Hocane, are also set to attend. In previous years, Masala! Awards have honoured the likes of Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Humaima Malick, Faraz Manan, Sana Safinaz and Farhan Saeed.
The Awards seek to applaud the achievements of the Asian community and its contribution towards making the UAE a haven of luxury and glamour. Instituted in the year 2008, it brings together eminent entrepreneurs, lifestyle experts and Bollywood celebrities in what is an ultimate celebration of talent and persistence.
Speaking about the Masala! Awards, Lekha Menon, editor of Masala! Magazine noted, “The Masala! Awards is the only platform that brings Pakistani and Indian talent together on an international stage. It is imperative that art and cinema should be allowed to act as a bridge between the two countries that have so much talent to share and there is no better place than Dubai – a true melting pot for cultures and nationalities - for the twain to meet. Masala! is the true representative of both, the Indian and Pakistani community in the Middle East and the Awards are one way to recognise and appreciate our achievements. As always, this year promises to be a real treat for Indian and Pakistani cinema fans with some of the most glamorous and coveted names from entertainment and business raising a toast to success, harmony and peace.”
She added: “The three actresses representing the Pakistani film industry – Saba Qamar, Mahira Khan and Mawra Hocane – are the young, fresh faces who have cross border appeal and are perfect ambassadors for their country. Pakistani women power is going to rule Dubai next week!”
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In previous years, the likes of Fawad Khan and Humaima Malick have been honoured at the Masala! Awards.
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Mahira Khan
Saba Qamar
Mawra Hocane