Kathmandu:

When it comes to entertainment Hits FM Awards never lets you down. Every year they have something better and something different to offer. This year the 11th Annual Closeup Hits FM Awards had it all for its audience. On the evening of December 14 the hall of BICC came alive with the musical extravaganza Hits FM had to offer to all the music lovers. The starry event had all the top-notch musicians, artistes and divas, from the shy and nervous new comers to the veterans of the field all were there to celebrate the once in a year festival of music. The décor of the stage that is appreciated each year was first class this year as well and there were no complaints about the music system. All in all Hits FM was successful once again in recognising and appreciating Nepali music in the best way possible.

The event was devoted for drug awareness and its slogan was, ‘Don’t do drugs… better music’. The programme started in a very Nepali note as Naveen Khadka and his group sang the much-loved folk number Paisa jhare maruni, which had a group of dancers dancing in its tune. The magic of the performance seemed to be working on the audience as they clapped along.

This year the biggest surprise was newcomer Karma Gyalchhen Bomzan who received four awards from the six categories he was nominated in, an admirable debut. But the fans were disappointed when someone else came to collect the awards as Karma was out of town. After a long hiatus Navin K Bhattarai came on stage crooning Aai yei yei ya, which was followed by Udesh Shrestha’s flawless Ke chahanchhau, both the songs were backed by rock band Mukut. Yet another surprise for the audience was a performance by Nepali Tara finalists Tara Laksan (Limbu) and Santosh Lama who performed the song Soltinee. As usual the crowd was making unnecessary comments to which emcee Kala Subba wittily answered back. The crowd asked for more when Deepesh Kishore Bhattarai performed Aankha judhaera and his classic hit Hosh haraye pani malayalu.

The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to veteran singer Manik Ratna Sthapit who has given us really great songs like Manma maya tanma maya, Na aau jun kothama and many more. On receiving the award Sthapit said, “Here at Hits FM awards I realised that we have so many talented singers and if we work harder there is no stopping for Nepal to get into the international music scenario. I would also like to thank the organisers for giving me such an honour.” Apart from that a special Tribute was paid to Late Dibya Khaling for his contribution to the Nepali music industry.

Glamour quotient of the evening was fulfilled by the Springwood fashion show and the appearance of bold and beautiful Rekha Thapa. When she came on the stage the crowd went crazy screaming her name. The Maha jodi, Deepashri Niraula and Ravi Dangol (Baiman) were successful in tickling some funny bones in their short appearances as awards presenters. The event ended with 1974 AD performing their classical fusion number.

The event was sponsored by Closeup, co-sponsored by Springwood in association with Machhapuchch-hre Bank, Nepal Share Market and Finance Ltd, Hero Honda Karizma and Philips. The official print media was Annapurna Post.

“It is a great honour. I have been in the music field for a long time and it is great for the guys (his band members) and our work to get such recognition.”

- Robin Tamang

(Robin and The New Revolution)

“I was actually expecting three awards. This is my first ever Hits FM Awards and I would like to thank all those people whom I have worked with and of course Hits FM.”

- Rajesh Payal Rai

“We are all very happy; such awards are a great inspiration and encouragement to do much more.”

- Nirakar Yakthumba (1974 AD)

“I am very very happy and this is not only honouring me and my music but all the female artistes, so I would like to dedicate it to them. I would especially like to thank Hits FM for the great contribution they are making to the music industry. I promise to be back again next year with some more songs. ”

- Kunti Moktan

And the winners are ...

• Best new artiste: Karma Gyalchhen Bomzan

• Best song in a foreign language: In my head — Robin and The New Revolution

• Best music video: Aankha bhari aansu kina — Alok Nembang

• Best rock composition: Swargadapi gariyashi — 1974 AD

• Best pop composition: Chinaa jaana — Karma Gyalchhen Bomzan

• Best composition: Chinaa jaana — Karma Gyalchhen Bomzan

• Best arrangement: Salala — Fanindra Rai

• Best song originally recorded for a motion picture soundtrack: Mero kalpana ma

(Himmat) — Mahesh Khadka

• Best vocal collaboration: Mathi mathi lekaima — Uday Sotang and Manila Sotang

• Best performance by a group or duo with vocal: Madhumasta — 1974 AD

• Folk record of the year: Paisa jhare Maruni — Naveen Khadka, Pustaka Khadka, Balram Samal and Manju Samwahamphe

• Folk album of the year: Hyangla Selo jahuri — Indira Lama, Sashikala Moktan, Prem Moktan and Megh Dong

• Best female pop vocal performance: Mero Deuta — Parvati Rai

• Best male pop vocal performance: Aankha judhaera — Deepesh Kishore Bhattarai

• Best female vocal performance: Hajur palnu hola — Kunti Moktan

• Best male vocal performance: Namaga masanga — Rajesh Payal Rai

• Song of the year: Kahile samma — Ananda Adhikari

• Album of the year: Kamana — Rajesh Payal Rai

• Record of the year: Chinaa jaana — Karma Gyalchhen Bomzan