/ Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: An Evening Of Inspiration

by Hina P. Ansari

Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: An Evening Of Inspiration

Dec 08, 2017

**Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: It certainly was a glamourous night!** Photo Credit: ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas

Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017 brought together a global collection of South Asian notables, respected community leaders as well as the extended ANOKHI community to ring in the most glamorous event of the year! Check out our highlights from Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017 right here!

Pre-Show Festivities

The evening which took place on November 28, 2017 was a culmination of eight months of preparations had over 600 guests who congregated at Toronto’s prestigious Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex to mix and mingle and take in the evening’s festivities which included the presentation of a record-breaking 18 awards, 4 incredible musical performances as well as a fashion show by noted Pakistani fashion designer Ali Xeeshan. All guests were also treated to ANOKHI Media’s 3rd annual coffee table book, Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI List 2017 as a take-home treat.

For those who weren’t able to attend the event, ANOKHI MEDIA had it covered as snippets of it was streamed live on ANOKHI MEDIA’s Facebook page, which can be see here: https://www.facebook.com/ANOKHIMedia/.

The impeccable decor of the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex lent itself to the elegant festivities which started off with a pre-event cocktail reception with a incredible array of delicious appetizers presented by Chrome Sponsor, Brar’s Desserts. The room was filled with amazing music spun by DJ Fizza.

ANOKHI Pulse TV‘s trademark gold sofa was where celebrities sat for an exclusive interview before they started their jaunt down the 36-foot red carpet which was flanked by media from all over the world.

The Award Show

With the master of ceremonies, actor, comedian and CBC Radio host, Ali Hassan (from CBC Radio) at the helm, the award segment started off promptly with opening remarks by ANOKHI MEDIA Founder & CEO and brand ambassador, Raj Girn who elegantly remarked about this being the 10th year of the award show and 14th year of the brand’s anniversary and noting how this year boasted a record number of Canadian nominations.

She also expanded on the importance of celebrating the various achievements of the global South Asian community, The ANOKHI List 2017 coffee table book and the vision behind the brand and the importance of recognizing community achievements. She also thanked the event’s presenting sponsor Hotstar, as well the numerous sponsors and partners that helped make the event a great success.

Immediately following the opening remarks, Charity Partner [free-them]’s founder and CEO Shae Invidiata gave a heart felt speech about the organization’s dedication to raising awareness and funds in Canada and abroad by partnering with people, organizations, & businesses to fight human trafficking.

Check out our wonderful roster of presenters!

Check out our gallery of the winners below!

Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: Iconic television personality and founder & president of STELLAR cosmetics Monika Deol wins Excellence In Brand Entrepreneurship 2017. Photo Credit: ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas

The evening also boasted some stellar entertainment with four live musical performances showcasing different genres of music including:

Mili Soch, Desi Hip-Hop Artist

Roveena, Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter

Raxstar, Award-Winning Rap Artist

Deep Jandu, Popular Bhangra Singer

**Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: Bhangra singer Deep Jandu.** Photo Credit: ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas

The Fashion Show

The evening was capped off with a stunning presentation of bridal and traditional designs by Pakistani celebrity and bridal fashion designer Ali Xeeshan making his Canadian runway debut. Brought to ANOKHI Stage in partnership with Toronto Fashion Academy, makeup by Pretty Woman Cosmetics and hair by Joico.

Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: Fashion show presentation by Ali Xeeshan. Photo Credit: ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas — **Highlights From Hotstar Presents The ANOKHI Awards 2017: Fashion show presentation by Ali Xeeshan.** Photo Credit: ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas

The party continued as guests continued the celebrations at the official after party where guests grooved to the music of Bollywood and Bhangra DJ Amita Handa while munching on delicious goodies (burgers and fries!) while taking snaps!

Thank you to our sponsors! Of course this entire evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners!

Hosted By: ANOKHI MEDIA

Presenting Sponsor: Hotstar

Chrome Sponsor: Brar’s Desserts

Charity Partner: [free-them]

Copper Sponsors: Cargojet, Home of Dentistry, Rogers

Tin Sponsor: Vasanti Cosmetics

Venue Partner: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex

Hotel Partner: Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto

Event Logistics Management: Think Big Productions

Talent Management By Chic Events by Sonia

Official Hair Sponsor: Joico

Offical Makeup Sponsor: Pretty Woman Cosmetics

Award Show Produced & Directed By Krista Slack

Fashion Show Produced & Choreographed By Toronto Fashion Academy

Show Animations By Philip Studios

Promotional Partners: Besharam, SAPNA Toronto, Shanu & Karim, Society’s Choice,

THE WEEKLY VOICE, Must Be Kismet, Empire Entertainment

Talent & Volunteer Meal Sponsor: Eat Clean Meals

Featured Cocktail Sponsor: Jaan Liqueur

Floral Sponsor: Jennifer Rabanillo Event Design Decor

Branding By AnEntity Inc.

Media Relations By Mediaworks!!

Facebook Live By ANOKHI MEDIA, Open Chest TV

Coverage By ANOKHI Pulse TV, ANOKHI Spotlight TV, Open Chest TV

As the evening wound down, preparations for the 15th Annual ANOKHI Awards have already gone underway for 2018. Keep an eye out here for upcoming details!

Main Image Photo Credit:ANOKHI MEDIA/Georgia Esporlas

Hina P. Ansari

Author

Hina P. Ansari is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). Since then she has carved a successful career in Canada's national fashion-publishing world as the Entertainment/Photo Editor at FLARE Magazine, Canada's national fashion magazine. She was the first South Asian in...