Kathmandu:

The hot summer evening at the Birendra International Conference Hall (BICC) got even hotter on May 26 with almost half of the music industry present there for the 9th Annual Tuborg Image Awards. All the ladies looking ravishing, while the gentleman had donned their best suits to sway the ladies.

Nominees of all the categories were there not only with the hope of winning the award, but also to support their colleagues and friends. The event started with much enthusiasm and excitement albeit a little late than expected.

The opening dance to an instrumental sound track was a fusion between western and classical, which was well received. RK Manandhar, President of Image Channel Pvt Ltd, started the event with a brief speech on the sole intention of Image Channel to promote the music industry all over the country and abroad as well.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to veteran singer Deep Shrestha for his contribution to contemporary music in the industry. Well known for his soulful voice, Shrestha has sung many songs, which are still popular even today. In honour of the singer, a medley on his evergreen songs such as Ma Patthar Ko Devata Haina, Biteka Kura, Bidhuwa and Kati Kamjor Rahechha Bhagya was presented by the Sadhana Kala Kendra.

Artistes like Ram Krishna Dhakal, Nalina Chitrakar, Prasuna Shakya, Pooja Rai and Jabeek performed their hit songs for the audience, whereas bands Karma and Mt 8848 also enthralled the audience with their rocking performances. Songs like Supari Dana by Karma and Satthi by Mt 8848 made many to ask for more. The rap duo Unity too performed their rap song, which made the youngsters to move along.

Echo advertising agency, Prisma Advertisements, Thomson Nepal, Welcome Advertising and Marketing Limited, and Outreach Nepal were given special recognition awards for their involvement with Image Channel.

And the award goes to..

• Best music arrangement: Kaile Aago Kaile Pani (Rajan Ishan/ The real creation)

• Best song with national feeling: Jaag Nepali Utha Nepali (Ranu Devi Adhikari and Sumit Khadka)

• Best song recording: Maya Garne Ko (Dipesh Pradhan/ Music Nepal)

• Best movie soundtrack: Mero Kalpana (Mahesh Khadka/ Himmat)

• Best folk song: Lau Cheli Sindoor Lau (Badri Pangeni)

• Best Dohari: Bhariya Dai (Bishnu Khatri and Bima Ranu Dura)

• Best Nepal Bhasa Song: Palakh Nhyene (Satish Man Maharjan)

• Best Maithali Bhasa Song: Aagu Pichu Ghurihe (Bishnu Mandal, Sanjita Singh and Kamal Mandal)

• Best Tamang Bhasa Song: Tuk Tuk Lashi (Sashikala Moktan)

• Best Music Video, Special Effects: Bharat Regmi, Naulo

• Best Music Video, Editor: Prakash Tuladhar, Dil Ko Kura

• Best Music Video, Cameraman: Sagar Pradhan, Auna Sangai Nachau

• Best Music Video, Director: Alok Nembang, Aankha Bhari

• Best Music Video: Maya Garne Ko (Bhushan Dahal/ Bhushan Dahal Films)

• Best New Artist: Jabeek, Aankha Bhari

• Best Lyrics: Bojha Nahos (Dinesh Adikari)

• Best Music Composition: Maya Maya (Raju Singh)

• Best Vocal Performance, Group: Mongolian Hearts, Parkhai Ma

• Best Vocal performance, Rock: Mt. 8848, Satthi

• Best Vocal Performance, Female, Pop: Pooja Rai, Audai Chu Ma Tyaha

• Best Vocal Performance Male, Pop: Nima Rumba, Auna Sangai Nachau

• Best Vocal Performance, Female: Pratima Rajbhandari, Kahi Kasaile

• Best Vocal Performance, Male: Ram Krishna Dhakal, Dil Ko Kura Nagara

• Best Song of the Year: Sirai Ful (Rajesh Payal Rai)

• Best Album of the Year: Aatmiya (Hemanta Sharma/ Dhaulagiri Cassette)