The stage set up in a rough yet elegant look, with images of the Earth and the Moon as a backdrop, the Image Awards this year was unique in its own way. Hosted by VJs and RJs of the Image family, the show kicked off at around 4:30 with a welcome dance that could be said to be one-of-a-kind. The performers were clad in classical costume but were dancing to funky disco tunes.

Then it all began. First was the award for the category - Best Vocal Performance with 'National Feeling'. Lo and behold, it was our very own, Nirnaya- Da Naughty Soul Kid - who got lucky once again this year. With this award, he's been twice lucky this year, having married just recently. Maushami Gurung and NSK walked away with the first awards of the evening. They also appeared later in the show with Prashna Shakya to entertain the audience.

One after another, the winners were announced. There were shrieks, screams, lots of excitement, nervousness - and well, a little bit of disappointment too. Ani Choying Dolma, Nhyoo Bajracharya and the whole team of Moments of Bliss were probably the ones with the biggest smiles, as three out of four nominations, won awards. Udit Narayan Jha's much talked about Upahar received the Best Album of the Year.

To give away the awards were various personalities from the business, film, music and sports world. Rajendra Khetan, appeared especially pleased to do the honors, showing his appreciation by dancing on stage with the Dohori category winners.

The organizers feted Jana Kavi Keshari Dharma Raj Thapa with the Image Lifetime Achievement Award 2061 for his contribution of more than five decades to Nepali music. If you don't remember him then think "Hariyo Dada Mathi, Halo Jotne Sathi. Ho Ho Maaley Ho Ho!" Haina ta?

The companies involved in the making of the event were Pepsi, Civil Homes, M E Nepal, Studio 7, Civil SSC, Himtech and Krishi Premura.

Amongst the many artistes who got the show rocking were Axix, Karma, Raju Lama, Kunti Moktan, Sheetal and Shiwani Moktan, 1974 A.D. and The Uglyz. The nearly three-hour long show ended with a group song by various artistes.

(PR)

Group A

Bachan Tode - Ram Krishna Dhakal

(album- Aashraya)/ Music Nepal

Phool Ko Aankhama - Ani Choying Dolma Moment of Bliss/Opal International

Upahar - Music Nepal Udit Narayan Jha

Phool Ko Aankhama -Ani Choying Dolma Moment of Bliss/Opal International

Kahile Timro - Raman Ghimire Upahar / Music Nepal

Phoolko Aankhama - Nhyoo Bajracharya Moment of Bliss/Opal International

Kina Malai - Deepesh Kishor Bhattarai Fortune / Taal Music

Dherai Palta - Preeti Kaur Pretty / Taal Music

Pinjada ko Suga - 1974 A.D. Pinjada ko Suga / Santana Records

Chhori Magna Janda - Dr Pilots Sarkari Jagir / Music.com

Aaja Bholi - Sudip Giri Canvass / The Rebel Creation

Ma Nepali - Nirnaya Shrestha & Maushami Gurung Nirnaya Shrestha Ma Nepali / SAV

Kati Ramro - Amul Karkidhali Aarambha / SAV

Chhori Magna Janda - Hemanta Shrestha / Opus Studio Sarkari Jagir / Music.com

Majhi Dai - Kalinchok Cassette Milan Lama, Bima Kumari Dura

Aakasaiko Kalo Badal - Tulasi Parajuli, Loreto Singh Ghintang / Music.com

Majhi Dai - Milan Lama, Bima Kumari Dura Majhi Dai / Kalinchok Cassette

Group C

Yani Maya - Suresh Adhikari Film: Aamako Aashirbad / Balaji Films

Adhuro Prem - SAV Black & White / Key Production/ Pooja Gurung

Sa Karnali - Bhusan Dahal Bhedako Uun Jasto / Music Nepal

Aankha Bhari - Pramod Karki May 18 / G 21 Production / Music.com

Aaudai Jadai - Empty Spaces Rush / Empty Spaces Production / Situ Digital

Adhuro Prem - Sristi Gahatraj Black & White / Key Production / SAV

Group E

Musukka Nhila - Jujukaji Ranjit, Sanjaya Shrestha / B. Nanda Baidya

Hamare Daalaa Panpathiya - Rama Mandal, Rupa Jha