Special award was given to ace lyricist Durga Lal Shrestha, who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his indelible contribution to Nepali music scene.
Shrestha was felicitated with the award by R.K. Manandhar, Director of Image group of companies. The awards were given in 21 various categories.
The top winner at the awards however was Hemata Rana, who sweeped three awards for Best song of the year, Best vocal performance (pop male) and the Image public choice award. Bhusan Dahal also bagged the award for the best music video director for Rana’s song “Laija re”. The public choice award was introduced this year and was based solely on SMS voting. Four categories in the awards--Best vocal performance (pop male), Best vocal performance (pop female), Best vocal performance (male) and Best vocal performance (female) were open for voting. According to the organizers, Rana obtained the most votes, a total of 11, 623 hits.
Lyricist Bhupendra Khadka, who was awarded Best Lyrics of the year for the song, “Timilai” was overjoyed with his win. He said, “I wrote the song exclusively for Rekha Shah and wasn’t expecting to win. It was a pleasant surprise.” This is Khadka’s second win at the Image awards. He won the best lyrics award for “Bhetiyera chutnu bhanda” in 2005.
The awards had all the makings of a truly happening and memorable event, an evening for all the Nepali music lovers.
AWARDS & WINNERS
Best new artist of the year: Yagya Rai (Man milyo)
Best vocal performance by a group or duo: Ciney Gurung and Sabin Rai (Maya)
Best movie soundtrack: Raju Singh (Na kunai bandhan, na kunai paridhi/ The yug dekhi yug samma)
Best song recording of the year: Shyamshwet Rasailey(Jaha timi tyha ma)
Best music arrangement of the year: Maharaj Thapa (Darshan namaste)
Best folk song of the year: Neupane/Gyanu Gyangmi Magar/Reema Gurung Hada (Phoolma)
Best dohori song of the year: Raju Gurung/Muna Thapa( Tite Kareli)
Best lyrics of the year: Bhupendra Khadka (Timilai)
Best composition of the year: B.B Anuragee (Jaha timi thyaha ma)
Best song with national feelings: Durga Kharel (Mechi mahakali)
Best music video(special effects): Kishore Maharjan/ Prakash Shrestha (Ekka trial)
Best music video editor: Prabin Shrestha (Malai angalideu)
Best music video cameraman: Hari Homagain (Halla nagara)
Best music video director: Bhusan Dahal (Laija re)
Best music video of the year: Alok Nembang ( Achano bho)
Best song of the year: Hemanta Rana (Laija re)
Best album of the year: Yogendra Mani Dahal (Yatra)
Best vocal performance (pop male): Hemanta Rana (Laija re)
Best vocal performance (pop female): Astha B (Timinani hau)
Best vocal performance (male): Swaroop Ra Acharaya( Bal garera)
Best vocal performance (female): Anju Panta (Pal pal roye jindagi ma)
Image Public Choice Award: Hemanta Rana (Laija Re)
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