The glitz and glamour of Pakistani entertainment descended upon Houston’s NRG Arena on October 11, 2025, as the Cola Next Presents Kashmir 10th HUM Awards—powered by Leather Galleria Luxury Leather Furniture & Taptap Send—lit up the night with a spectacular blend of cinema, television, and music accolades.
Themed around the enchanting allure of Kashmir, the event honored the industry’s brightest stars, drawing a constellation of celebrities and fans for an evening filled with heartfelt speeches, stunning performances, and well-deserved triumphs.
From powerhouse dramas to blockbuster films, the 10th edition reaffirmed HUM Awards’ role as a beacon for authentic storytelling in South Asian media.
Hania Aamir Crowned Global Star: A Night of International Recognition
In a moment that encapsulated her meteoric rise on the world stage, Hania Aamir scooped the prestigious Global Star Award (Popular) at the 10th HUM Awards, marking her as Pakistan’s shining ambassador in global entertainment.
The Mere Humsafar sensation, known for her magnetic screen presence and off-screen charisma, accepted the honor with a poised speech thanking her fans and collaborators, declaring, “This is for every dreamer who believed in the magic of stories that cross borders.”
Hania’s win, voted by popular acclaim, underscores her transition from TV darling to international icon, with roles in projects like Parwaaz Hai Junoon and her Bollywood ventures cementing her cross-cultural appeal. The award, presented amid thunderous applause, highlighted the growing global footprint of Pakistani talent, with Aamir’s elegant red-carpet look—a shimmering Kashmir-inspired ensemble—stealing the spotlight.
Sajal Aly Reigns as Best Actor – Female (Popular)
Sajal Aly solidified her status as one of Pakistan’s most versatile leading ladies by clinching the Best Actor Female – Popular award for her riveting performance in Zard Patton Ka Bunn. Aly’s portrayal of a resilient woman navigating societal upheavals earned her the popular vote, a testament to her ability to connect deeply with audiences through raw emotion and nuance.
Delivering an acceptance speech laced with gratitude, Aly dedicated the win to aspiring actresses, saying, “Representation matters—let’s keep pushing boundaries.” Her victory adds another feather to her cap, following previous HUM nods for Alif and Sinf-e-Aahan, and sparked widespread celebration among fans who hailed her as the “queen of hearts.”
Faysal Qureshi: Best Actor in a Negative Role
Faysal Qureshi’s chilling embodiment of villainy in Zulm propelled him to the Best Actor in a Negative Role win, showcasing his chameleon-like range in one of Pakistani TV’s most intense antagonists. Qureshi, a veteran with decades in the industry, brought layers of menace and tragedy to the character, making audiences despise and empathize in equal measure.
“Playing the villain is a tightrope walk—thank you for seeing the humanity in the darkness,” he quipped during his acceptance, earning laughs and nods from peers. This accolade reaffirms Qureshi’s enduring prowess, blending charm with edge in a career spanning hits like Beshal and Pehli Si Mohabbat.
Sahar Hashmi’s Stellar Entry: Best Television Debut Female
Rising star Sahar Hashmi made a splashy debut, winning the Best Television Debut Female award for her fresh and captivating turn in a breakout drama serial. The newcomer, with her natural poise and expressive depth, impressed critics and voters alike, proving that raw talent can light up screens overnight.
Sahar Hashmi, beaming with disbelief on stage, shared, “This is just the beginning—grateful for the chance to tell stories that resonate.” Her win signals a new wave of female voices in Pakistani TV, drawing comparisons to early-career breakthroughs by stars like Yumna Zaidi.
Zarrar Khan’s Promising Start: Best Actor Male Debut
Zarrar Khan emerged as a force to watch, securing the Best Television Debut Male award for his nuanced and charismatic performance in his inaugural series. Khan’s blend of intensity and vulnerability captivated audiences, marking him as a debutant with serious staying power. “From auditions to this stage—it’s a dream scripted by hard work,” he reflected in his speech, dedicating the win to his mentors.
With this accolade, Khan joins the ranks of debuting talents like Shehroz Sabzwari, poised for bigger roles in the competitive landscape.
Bilal Abbas Khan & Durefishan Saleem: The Ultimate On-Screen Duo for Ishq Murshid
Chemistry that sizzled through screens earned Bilal Abbas Khan and Durefishan Saleem the Best On-Screen Couple – Popular award for their enchanting pairing in the romantic hit Ishq Murshid. The duo’s playful banter and heartfelt moments turned the serial into a fan favorite, with their win reflecting the public’s undying love for the pair.
Accepting together, Abbas joked, “Durefishan makes villainy look easy—wait, no, that’s my day job!” while Saleem added, “This is for every fan who shipped us harder than we did.” Ishq Murshid‘s sweep continued with nods for OST and production, underscoring its cultural phenomenon status.
Adnan Siddiqui: Best Actor Male (Jury) and Kashmir Golden Plate
Adnan Siddiqui dominated the night with a double triumph, winning Best Actor Male – Jury for his masterful role in a critically acclaimed drama, alongside the special Kashmir Golden Plate Award for lifetime contributions. Siddiqui’s sophisticated gravitas and emotional range have long defined premium Pakistani cinema and TV, from Khuda Kay Liye to recent blockbusters.
“Awards are mirrors to the work we pour our souls into—honored beyond words,” he said, his win eliciting standing ovations. The dual honors cement Siddiqui’s legacy as a pillar of the industry.
Mahira Khan & Humayun Saeed Honored for Love Guru
The silver screen’s beloved duo, Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, received the Recognition Award for their blockbuster film Love Guru, celebrating their seamless chemistry and contributions to Pakistani cinema. The rom-com, which follows a flirtatious “love guru” hired to thwart a wedding, charmed audiences with its wit and warmth, grossing big at the box office.
Mahira Khan and Saeed, sharing a heartwarming dance on stage, embodied the film’s spirit—Saeed quipping, “Mahira’s the guru; I’m just along for the laughs.” This nod highlights their enduring partnership, seen in hits like Bin Roye, and boosts Love Guru‘s profile as a modern classic.
Final Words
The 10th HUM Awards not only spotlighted individual brilliance but also the collaborative spirit driving Pakistani entertainment forward. With performances from top artists and a Kashmir-infused aesthetic—from ornate sets to melodic tributes—the event was a cultural feast.
As the confetti settled in Houston, one thing was clear: Pakistan’s stars are global, and stories like these continue to unite hearts worldwide.
Nikhil Sharma is a seasoned news editor at TheDailyNewsTimes.com, based in India. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in political, entertainment and cultural journalism. His editorial leadership delivers balanced, impactful content for a global audience. Nikhil’s dedication to truth has earned him widespread respect in the industry.
