Entertainment
HUM Style Awards
GLAMOUR, GLITZ & STYLE
By Zurain Z. Imam
Pakistan’s premier entertainment network, Hum Network Limited (HNL) proudly presented the Sixth TRESemmé Kashmir HUM Style Awards – the ultimate celebration of Pakistan’s fashion, beauty and entertainment on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Expo Centre, Karachi. The much-anticipated event – after a long dry spell without award shows – was a resounding success, attracting the Who’s Who of the fashion and entertainment worlds including celebrities, fashionistas, media and influencers. The ceremony was a masterclass in production values, set design with high-quality visuals and performances that left the audience enthralled.
The KHSA has exponentially become renowned for its credibility and focus on quality, and the Sixth Edition continued to set new benchmarks introducing two novel nomination categories that hitherto had never been recognized: Art Direction and Content Creator. KHSA places great importance on impartiality and transparency that laud well-deserving individuals working in the fields of Fashion, Entertainment, Music, Television Sports, Art Direction and Content Creation based on their “personal style.” The nominees were chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including some of the most respected names in the entertainment industry.
Commenting on the TRESemmé Kashmir Hum Style Awards before the event, Sultana Siddiqui, Founder & President, Hum Network said that the network’s focus has been on nurturing and elevating Pakistan’s thriving fashion industry.
“This dedication stems from the understanding that fashion holds significant global importance; this is why, we aim to invigorate this sector further and bring international recognition to the country. I hope the up-coming edition of HUM Style Awards will surpass all previous ones in excellence.”
Despite the sweltering heat, KHSA’s Red Carpet was jam-packed with a plethora of celebrities, nominees, press, social media influencers and guests. They were met with myriad booths supported by some of KHSA’s key sponsors including TRESemmé with its bevy of stunning spokesmodels, Bisconni with its coffee bar offering different brews and delectable biscuits and Lipton proffering green tea options. Other sponsors included media partner City FM 89, Haier and Parkview City.
Celebrities on the bustling Red Carpet hosted by Sabeen Syed (with renowned influencer Taimuri simultaneously hosting on the digital platform) included Behroze Sabzwari, Seemi Pasha, Adnan Siddiqui, Aijazz Aslam, Zahid Ahmed, Humayun Ashraf, Sarwat Gilani, Shahroze Sabzwari, Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari, Rizwan Beyg, Shehla Chatoor, Deepak Perwani, Hassan Sheryar Yasin (HSY), Fahad Hussayn, Asim Azhar, Aima Baig, Azaan Sami Khan among others.
Some of the stunning Red Carpet looks included former supermodel/actress Vaneeza Ahmed exuding pure elegance in a soft grey sleek halter neck gown, actress Sarwat Gilani emitting ethnic radiance in an ivory embroidered and feathered couture sari, model/actress Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari radiating effortless chic in a silk powder silver gown and chiffon shawl, TRESemmé spokesmodel Surrina Nasir standing out in a black and silver cut-out sheath gown, actress Nausheen Shah striking a dramatic pose in a black flared gown, supernova model Maleena Mansoor exuding unadulterated superstar vibes in a sleek Barbie pink and black strapless fishtail gown, Miss World Pakistan and TRESemmé spokesmodel Erica Robin exuding uber-glamour in a sleek black floral strapless floral brooch gown and fashion stylist Amal Qadri radiating vibrant ebullience in a sunflower yellow two- piece draped ensemble.
There were also myriad individualistic looks from dapper gentlemen guests including actor Adnan Siddiqui; designer Munib Nawaz; actor/model Zarrar Khan; actor Shuja Asad and make-up artist Arshad Khan.
On the fashion flipside, there were a few bold but outlandish sartorial choices made by some of the male attendees – who were perhaps attempting attention – seeking Met Gala vibes – which included the obvious suspects: flamboyantly-winged Hazim Bangwar, Assistant Commissioner Sindh and make-up artist Shainal who wore a sheer corset, voluminous caterpillar trousers and a bolero jacket offset with diamanté jewellery.
As attendees entered the hall, they were visually delighted by the thematic set design and screens, which aptly changed with each performance, exquisitely crafted and executed by HUM’s ‘Special Projects & Events’ team. Style icons including renowned designer HSY, accomplished TV and film actress Kiran Malik and celebrated TV and film actor Zahid Ahmed stepped onto the stage as hosts for the evening and began with a welcoming banter.
The evening kick-started with a phenomenal opening performance titled ‘KHSA Anthem,’ a musical act composed by Adnan Dhool featuring Aima Baig, Faris Shafi and Adnan Dhool, which included a song called ‘Million ka Daur’ on the impact of social media on our lives. The costumes for the lead performers were designed by fashion impresario Fahad Hussayn.
The first accolade of the evening, the Rising Star Award was presented by power couple Ali Safina and Hira Tareen and bestowed to Saboor Akram and Manto.
Menswear designer Munib Nawaz and supermodel/actress Fouzia Aman presented uber-creative Qasim Liaqat with the title of Best Hair and Makeup Artist and rising supernova Mamoon Tariq Fashion Stylist of the Year.
A relatively new KHSA category, the Fashion Videographer of the Year award was presented by director Wajahat Rauf and actress Amar Khan to Muzamil Garewal. Celebrating the eye behind the lens, fashion designer extraordinaire Nomi Ansari gave Asad bin Javed the Fashion Photographer of the Year award amidst huge applause from his friends and peers in the hall.
The audience was mesmerised by a scintillating performance by Asim Azhar, joined by Talha Yunus, who showcased a medley of songs from Azhar’s debut album ‘Bematlab’ with numbers ‘Bematlab’; ‘Karma’; ‘You’; ‘Mujhsa Na’ and ‘Kyun’ brought to life with an electric performance supported by superb dance moves by talented performers trained by KHSA’s Official Choreographer Shezzy Khan.
Asim and Talha’s wardrobes were styled by out-of-the-box designer Jazib Qamar.
Co-hosts Zahid Ahmed and Kiran Malik spoke briefly about KHSA celebrating the “unsung heroes of style” and noted that many of the nominees this year were generally young and probably nervous.
Avant-garde designer Fahad Hussayn and singing sensation Aima Baig presented a new category award: Best Fashion Art Director to Hashim Ali. Baig praised KHSA for recognising and celebrating Art, while winner Hashim Ali spoke about his 10-year long dream; grateful that Hum TV had created this new category and was hopeful that American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour may now notice him!
Zahid Ahmed and Kiran Malik joked about the career trajectory of the next category, Best Model: Female, which according to them, included a journey from ads for skin glow creams to drama offers and finally promoting anti-ageing products.
Actress Amna Ilyas and Ilsa Zaidi, Assistant Brand Manager TRESemmé presented Abeer Asad Khan, dressed in a floral two-piece Nomi Ansari tube top and skirt, the much-coveted award. Khan spoke about her family and the women in her life who inspired her and declared that the Best Model: Female award was the “best birthday gift,” as her friends in the audience wished her by chanting the birthday song.
Actors Rizwan Ali Jaffri and Nausheen Shah presented Sauban Umais with the Best Model: Male award. Wearing a Palestinian keffiyah scarf on his sleeve and declaring “Free Palestine!” Umais was grateful to his family, friends and praised his fellow nominees and peers.
Actors Azfar Rehman and Alizeh Shah presented Fahad Hussayn the much-coveted award for Designer of the Year – Lawn. Hussayn broke down and thanked his support system, wishing that Lahore-based photographic duo Maram Abro were there to celebrate his first win with him, after 15 years of nominations.
Designer Deepak Perwani and model Amna Babar announced internationally-recognised retail powerhouse Khaadi as Retail Brand of the Year whose award was accepted by Tinath Saeed, Manager Brand & Fashion PR, Khaadi.
Upcoming acting supernovas Shuja Asad, Mamya Shajaffar and Khaqan Shahbawaz, dressed in vibrantly-hued professor suits by designer Emraan Rajput, lit up the stage in front of a backdrop screen depicting the HSA Academy with an electric performance titled ‘Class of 2024,’ with dancers colourfully dressed as schoolchildren styled by Official KHSA wardrobe stylist Hunny Haroon.
“Having to create ordinary fashion with runway looks and appeal,” is how Co-hosts HSY and Kiran Malik defined the complexity of the next category: Designer of the Year: Prêt. Actor/Host Faysal Quraishi and actress Yashma Gill bestowed the award to Zain Ahmad Co-founder and Creative Director of internationally – recognised brand Rastah, worn by the likes of Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet; pop star Justin Bieber and Bollywood royalty Anil Kapoor and Karan Johar.
Dapper silver fox actor, Adnan Siddiqui presented Munib Nawaz the prestigious title of Designer of the Year – Menswear. A highly-excited and emotional Nawaz spoke about his 20-year old design journey and struggles and was grateful for continuing to do what he does. He beckoned co-host HSY from his podium and hugged his design peer who lauded Nawaz ” for pushing fashion forward.”
Veteran supermodel and actress Seemi Pasha and male model Aimal Khan presented Shehla Chatoor with the well-deserved Designer of the Year – Bridal award. Chatoor spoke about feeling honoured with receiving the award and was deeply appreciative that KHSA recognises and celebrates the timeless craftsmanship that has become a signature of Shehla Chatoor Bridals.
Another new category award introduced by KHSA: Most Stylish Content Creator was deservedly earned by always sartorially on-point supermodel and social media sensation Sona Rafiq dressed in a black sheath gown with a blush pink opera cape. The novel award was presented by Shahroz Sabzwari, Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari and Humza Mahfooz, Senior Brand Manager TRESemmé. Rafiq thanked her family and friends who she loved and her “beautiful followers.”
Former supermodel and actress Vaneeza Ahmed, music composer/ actor Azaan Sami Khan and Saad Farooqui, Activation Manager at Kashmir Cooking Oil & Banaspati crowned singer and edgy fashionista, Faris Shafi the Most Stylish Performer. Shafi acknowledged his sister, Pop and Fashion icon Meesha Shafi as his style inspiration and thanked his mother veteran actress Saba Hamid for her ongoing support before yelling “Free Palestine!” as he exited the stage.
The People’s Choice for Most Stylish Performer (Male/Female) was earned by Asim Azhar who bellowed “Make noise for Faris!” before thanking voters, his mother and designer Jaazib Qamar.
The most riveting and engrossing performance was saved for the final act which was a show-stealing solo musical medley by Bilal Saeed dressed in a black tasselled suit with Free Palestine stitched onto the jacket designed by Vestido 1. The repertoire included Saeed’s hit number ‘Meri Soniye’ amid a metropolitan cityscape backdrop with masked dancers in pink sequinned outfits. As Saeed mingled with the audience, Shahroz Sabzwari and Aima Baig rose from their seats to groove with the musical impresario.
Before announcing the award for Most Stylish Sports Personality, HSY and Zahid Ahmed – who were facetiously introduced as His Majesty and His Highness respectively – engaged in a banal competition about who among the two had garnered more awards over the decades before announcing cricketer Shoaib Malik as the recipient of the award. Malik was unable to attend the event and thanked the KHSA jury via a video message.
Sultana Siddiqui and Duraid Qureshi (CEO and Co-Founder of HNL) presented “reel queen” Hania Amir, dressed in a hot pink pant suit inspired by the Palestinian keffiyeh, the prestigious award for Most Stylish Actor Television – Female.
Sultana Siddiqui congratulated and thanked all the winners and nominees who graciously stayed till the end of the event despite not being guaranteed a win. She went on to say that all Pakistani designers and models should now garner global fame and added that she always wears and promotes Pakistani designers, notably Sania Maskatiya.
Duraid Qureshi brought attention to the resilience of the HNL team – including Production, Technical Marketing and Sales – praising them for producing such a magnificent event “with limited resources” and thanked them for “making us all proud” adding that HNL would never let down its sponsors.
Hania Amir said it was an honour to receive the award and thanked the KHSA jury for the recognition as well as her friends and fans. Amir was the only celebrity at KHSA who verbally addressed the crisis in Palestine and asked for a minute of silence for the citizens of Gaza; stressed upon circulating the hashtag #CeasfireNow and declared “We all have a platform, let’s use it to be on the right side of history.”
Superstars Sarwat Gilani and Aijazz Aslam accompanied by Abdul Aleem Khan, CEO of Park View City, Lahore presented Shahroz Sabzwari with the award for Most Stylish Actor Television – Male. Sabzwari thanked the Hum Network, his parents and celebrity stylist Tabesh Khoja (Khoji) and dedicated the award to his wife Sadaf (Kanwal) Sabzwari to whom he attributed his burgeoning style genesis and evolution.
Visiting Hollywood filmmakers, producers and script writer Andrew Fiero, James McMillan, Sadia Ashraf and Luisa Iskin awarded one of the most prestigious awards: Most Stylish Actor Film – Female to style icon Kiran Malik dressed in a blood red one-sleeved sari/dress hybrid, exuding effortless elegance and unparalleled style.
Malik thanked the Hum TV Network and said she must have inherited her fashion sensibility from her mother who she acknowledged “as the most stylish woman” she knows. Malik went on to ask for peace in the world and “to be kind to one another.”
The Hollywood contingent after having travelled all over Pakistan for 10 days are in the midst of producing a movie shot entirely in Pakistan based on ‘Unmarriageable: A Novel by Soniah Kamal, an adaptation and inventive retelling of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with a script written by co-director Sadia Ashraf. One can assume that HNL and Hum Films will be involved in the movie’s production.
The final and arguably the most distinguished award: Most Stylish Actor Film – Male was presented by Hania Amir. Khaqan Shahnawaz and Umar Ahmed, Marketing Manager at Kashmir Cooking Oil and Banaspati accepted on behalf of an absent Fahad Mustafa – who has an antagonistic history with award shows.
The Sixth Kashmir Hum Style Awards was undoubtedly a star-studded extravaganza, helmed by some of the entertainment industry’s young breed of talent
One might suggest that in the future, in lieu of so many dance performances, something more fashion and style-centric could be presented like a multiple designer showcase as in a previous HSA show some years ago.
KHSA’s Official Hair and Makeup Partners were N-Pro and N-Gents while the Official Photographer was Ahsan Qureshi. The Gifts & Heritage Partners included J DOT Fragrances, Esfir Jewels, Gul Khan Truck Art – Handmade in Pakistan, while the Official Airline Partner was Fly Jinnah. The Press and PR was managed by Take II PR.
Kudos to Hum Network Ltd. for once again creating a platform and space for entertainment and fashion folk to enjoy a sense of camaraderie, offering novel opportunities; celebrating the well-deserving winners and for setting new benchmarks in style!
Meeting an artist whose voice defined an era, Faakhir Mehmood greets you not with the air of a pop legend, but with the warmth of an old friend. Witty and friendly, Faakhir’s journey from the Awaz days, crafting patriotic anthems and soulful ballads is a chapter in Pakistan’s music history.
Now, as digital waves replace cassette decks and TikTok trends redefine hits, Faakhir continues making melodies and staying true to what first pulled him into music. “Honestly, it feels like riding a wild musical roller coaster,” he smiles, reflecting on his journey. From engineering classrooms to global stages, the transformation has been surreal. “I barely recognize the engineer-turned-musician in old pics!”
Faakhir’s musical career first took flight with Awaz, the iconic ’90s pop band that helped shape the sound of a generation. And while the band has long disbanded, the memories remain golden. “What I miss the most is the friendship, the chaos,” he says fondly. “Haroon’s energy, Asad’s stratocaster riffs, my frantic keyboard noodling… and those epic moments when we’d finally agree on a final version of a song. It was electric.”
From those jam-packed, impromptu sessions to today’s meticulous studio marathons, Faakhir’s process has evolved with time but the same heart remains. “Back then, we’d jam until someone had to escape for a date,” he laughs. “Now it’s long hours in the studio, powered by karak chai or a strong Americano.”
While his discography is filled with iconic hits, it’s ‘Kaash Hum Juda na Hotay’ from the album Mantra that holds the deepest place in his heart.“It came from a very personal space,” he shares quietly. “It still gives me goosebumps every time I hear or sing it.” His breakout solo anthem, “Dil na Lagay Pakistan”, still stirs hearts across the country—something he says was born out of youthful hope and a desire to connect with the nation. “I wanted to give people a proud, emotional wake-up call for loving the country. It just came in my heart one day.”
And who could forget ‘Mahi Ve’—the song that became a cultural reset? “Ironically,” he chuckles, “that melody was actually a rejected jingle from an ad I did. Later, I turned it into a full-fledged song. Never thought it would become a classic!”
A man of many hats—composer, singer, director—what role does he enjoy the most? “Composing,” he answers instantly. “It’s like cooking a fusion dish. But performing live? That’s the ultimate high. That energy, that crowd—it’s addictive.” Despite the quieter public presence in recent years, Faakhir’s creativity hasn’t slowed down. “I’m always composing,” he reveals. “I have tons of unreleased material sitting in my vault.”
Still, he admits the changing tides of the music industry have been a lot to keep up with. “Streaming, social media, TikTok—it’s overwhelming,” he says honestly. “I desperately need someone to help me with that part!” He credits Coke Studio for keeping local music alive and ever-evolving. “It’s like a chemistry lab,” he says. “Taking old, new, folk, pop—mixing it all together to create something that resonates with everyone. It’s genius.”
To young musicians trying to find their voice in this fast-paced world, his advice is delightfully simple,“Stay weird. That’s your flavour,” he says. “Learn the tools, sure, but don’t let them erase your creative spark.”
Behind the scenes, Faakhir still surprises fans. Did you know he’s a certified electrical engineer? “Yes, I can probably fix your Wi-Fi router,” he jokes, “but only after I’ve tuned a piano.”
As for what’s next, the composer hints at a few exciting collaborations. “They’re brewing,” he says with a mischievous grin, “but I’m so lazy! Fingers crossed.”
If he could give his younger self any advice? “Pace yourself. Don’t be lazy, don’t get too comfortable.”
And what does success look like to Faakhir Mehmood in 2025? He smiles thoughtfully. “A peaceful home, a cup of karak chai, a melody on the keys… and knowing that someone out there still hums one of my songs and understands the heart behind it.”
In the end, how does he want to be remembered—not just as a musician, but as Faakhir? He answers simply, without pause, “As someone genuine, generous, kind-hearted… and who truly loved his craft.”
In the bleak, haunting silence of Gilgit-Baltistan’s snow-capped mountains, a story of nature, love, loss and its consequences took place centuries ago. Told in hushed tones by flickering firesides by the elders, it was immortalized in the film Hundan. Written, directed and produced by Karamat Ali, who belongs to the area, the filmmaker has a deep-rooted passion for folklore and cultural preservation.
A mass communication graduate, Karamat Ali brings to the screen a story bound in legacy. Hundan is a docu-drama that protects forgotten voices, confronts environmental exploitation and resurrects the dying Burushaski language.
“My grandmother used to cry while telling me this story.”Karamat said,when asked what inspired him to make Hundan. “This story was part of my childhood. My grandmother would narrate it with such emotion that it stayed with me. There was no television, no other distractions in those days. The story is about coexistence, and how doing wrong never goes unpunished.” That seed of storytelling was planted in 2007. After an initial attempt as a documentary and a reenactment performance that won hearts at a cultural event, he decided to take the bold step into narrative cinema. Eighteen years later, Hundan was born.
“Trophy hunting is not sport, it’s a crime against innocence.”At its heart, Hundan is a powerful protest against trophy hunting, a practice that has devastated local wildlife, particularly the endangered species like the ibex.“Who has given us the right to kill an innocent being just for entertainment?” Karamat questions with intensity. “We portrayed both sides — the greedy, and those trying to stop the greed. But my intention was clear: to show the heartbreak, the loss. There’s a scene where a mother ibex is killed in front of her young. That pain is real. And unforgivable.” The symbolism goes deeper. “Hun means wood, and dan means stone. Together, ‘Hundan’ is a metaphor — when you go against the path of righteousness, nature will respond. It becomes your teacher.”
Hundan also protects Burushaski, a dying language native to the region. “When someone is about to die, people go to see them with all their emotions. That’s what I’ve done with Burushaski — I’ve shown its joy, sorrow, anger, peace and mourning,” says Karamat with feelings. Though the film is being dubbed in Urdu for a wider audience, its original language remains its soul.
Filming Hundan was anything but smooth. The movie was supposed to be shot during the snow season, but due to climate change, the team found themselves waiting weeks for snowfall that never came. “I had to manually fill snow in some patches to make the scenes consistent,” he explained. Budget was another battle. “Most of the money went into fuel — we needed heaters, electric mattresses and generators to survive the mountain cold.”
But passion found a way. The cast, though not professional actors, were chosen with precision. Shahino was played by Alhan ul Qudrat, a seismologist, while Mayon was brought to life by Zahid Azeem, a school principal, both belonging to the area. Their physical endurance made it possible to shoot in the toughest terrains. “I didn’t stick to a fixed script,” Karamat says. “I’d explain the previous and upcoming scenes and asked the actors to speak in their own way. Munira Shah, who played Nisa, didn’t speak Burushaski — she had to learn her dialogues and understand it from scratch.” The grandmother’s character was portrayed by a real elderly woman, encouraged to act as naturally as she would. An old man who was also a professional storyteller delivered the final tale in the film.
Hundan is dedicated to Ghulam Uddin Hunzai, a beloved teacher and poet who translated the Quran into Burushaski and wrote educational books despite having only learned through the Qaida. “He was selfless. He taught generations — and now, they are all successful in their fields.”
When asked what advice he has for aspiring filmmakers, Karamat doesn’t hold back, “You need to be madly in love with your story. Don’t make films just to get views – make them to change lives. If your story doesn’t have a purpose, don’t tell it. And don’t do it if you don’t have the resources — unless you’re truly passionate. You need to be mad about your work.”
Karamat isn’t done telling stories. His next project, “A Missing Piece — Peace,” is a short film series focusing on the alarming youth suicide rate in Gilgit-Baltistan. “In one year, 56 suicides were reported aged 14 to 35. That’s heartbreaking. The lack of opportunity, peer pressure etc, it’s real, and it’s killing our youth.” He’s also preparing for a cross-border film on Pakistan-China friendship, partially shot in China. “It’s a story of a child’s struggle, a message of unity.”
“If Hundan could stop just one person — many just come for the fun — from trophy hunting,” Karamat says, “we’ve succeeded. Why not turn it into a sight-seeing opportunity instead? The animal doesn’t know it’s part of the game — it’s not a sport, it’s murder. Shoot it with a dart and make it unconscious, don’t kill it for the sport of it.”
Hundan: An Echo of a Dirge is more than a film. It’s a resurrection of language, a cry against cruelty, and a tribute to the power of folklore. Through the eyes of a grandmother, the blood of the mountains, and the beating heart of a culture on the edge, Karamat Ali has told a story that refuses to be forgotten. And as long as the stones whisper and the wood remembers, Hundan will echo its message.
Cast & Crew Share the Soul Behind Hundan
Alhan Ul Qudrat (Shahino)
“I never imagined I’d step into acting — it just wasn’t part of the plan. But growing up in the mountains, we’ve witnessed these stories all our lives. They’re part of who we are. The message of Hundan — that we must preserve wildlife and avoid harming nature — really resonated with me. Because what we destroy in nature eventually finds a way back into our own lives. It was also a proud moment to be part of the first film ever made in the Burushaski language. I gave it my all.”
Zahid Azeem (Mayon)
“Like Alhan, this was my first time in front of the camera — and honestly, I never thought I’d be able to do it. But with Karamat’s mentorship and the support on set, everything felt possible. Burushaski is my own language, and I feel lucky that I could express this story in words that come from my roots. It made the experience even more personal.”
Munira Shah (Nisa wife of Shahino)
“I don’t speak Burushaski, and I was really nervous about my accent. I told Karamat I wasn’t sure I could do it — but he simply said, ‘I’ll support you,’ and that meant everything. I had always dreamed of visiting Hunza, but I wanted to go with purpose. The love and support I received were overwhelming. We weren’t just a crew — we were a family. Every moment was joyful, filled with warmth and laughter.”
Shagufta Rasool (Asst. Director)
“Karamat is an incredible director — truly committed and calm even during duress. Yes, there were challenges during the shoot, but every problem was taken care of. The support from our team, especially our First AD Amjad — who’s also Karamat’s brother — made it all smooth. We pulled through as a strong, united crew.”
Extract: Filming Hundan was anything but smooth. The movie was supposed to be shot during the snow season, but due to climate change, the team found themselves waiting weeks for snowfall that never came.
In the vibrant world of music, where every note tells a story and every lyric speaks to the soul, Abdul Rafay stands out as a voice that resonates with emotion and depth. His melodic journey began at home, with an elder brother whose passion for music lit the first spark. A simple introduction to a classical music teacher became a turning point, as the guru recognized Rafay’s talent—a voice reminiscent of the classical Patiala gharana. From that moment, Rafay’s path in music was destined.
Under the mentorship of Intezar Hussain at NAPA, Rafay’s talent blossomed. “Sir Intezar was more than a teacher, he was a mentor who pushed me to explore, innovate and perfect my craft,” Rafay shares. This guidance not only honed his classical roots but also introduced him to the nuances of stage performance and vocal versatility.
At just 13, Rafay’s win at the Youth Festival, competing against seasoned vocalists proved his mettle. “That moment was surreal,” he recalls. “It was a validation of my hard work and the first major milestone in my life.” The nation’s interest for Rafay deepened during his stint as a finalist on Pakistan Idol. His soulful performances captivated millions, propelling him onto international stages and into the hearts of fans across continents. “Pakistan Idol was a game-changer,” Rafay says. “It opened doors I hadn’t even dreamed of.”
In 2019, Rafay’s contributions to patriotic music earned him the prestigious Pakistan Peace Award from the Air Force. “It was an honour to be recognized for something that resonates so deeply with me—using my voice to uplift and unite.” Sharing the stage with legends like Abida Parveen, Ali Zafar and Sonu Nigam has been another feather in Rafay’s cap. “Sonu Nigam’s humility left a lasting impression on me. It’s these experiences that fuel my passion to keep growing and learning,” Rafay reflects.
Rafay’s discography is as impressive as his journey. From the heartfelt Na Hone Du Juda for B4U Music in India, to the soulful Woh Pyar Tha for Bol Beats, his voice has resonated across borders. His song Piyaaa with Laal Series showcases his versatility, while the patriotic Khaak Ki Qasam stirs national pride. Rafay has also lent his voice to popular OSTs like Apne Hei Tu Hain for Green Entertainment and Main Hun Kahani for Express Entertainment, cementing his place in the hearts of drama enthusiasts. His musical style is a blend of classical rigour and contemporary flair, drawing inspiration from artists like Arijit Singh. “Classical music is my foundation, but I enjoy experimenting with genres, always staying true to the essence of each.”
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating the music industry without connections has been tough, but Rafay’s resilience remains unshaken. “I focus on improving my craft, believing that opportunities will come when the time is right.” Looking ahead, Rafay is excited about upcoming projects, including original soundtracks and collaborations. “I’m also keen on exploring international collaborations. Music is a universal language, and I want to use it to bridge cultures and connect people.” For young, aspiring singers, Rafay’s advice is: “Stay true to yourself, work hard, be humble, and let your authenticity shine through. Success will follow.”
Reflecting on his journey, Rafay cherishes every moment, especially those with his mother, his unwavering supporter. “Her belief in me is the cornerstone of my success,” he says. As Rafay continues to enchant audiences with his soulful voice and heartfelt performances, his legacy of authenticity, passion and perseverance is one that will inspire generations to come.
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