MUMBAI: The Zee Cine Awards are returning to Mumbai with a fresh promise to put fans at the centre of the spectacle. Announcing its 24th edition, the broadcaster unveiled a fan-first theme, “Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka”, as part of its wider “Fantertainment” philosophy, turning the spotlight on the audiences who keep Hindi cinema alive.

The awards, presented by Maruti Suzuki, will take place at the NSCI Dome on February 28 and March 1. The announcement was made at a lively press conference that felt more like a mini awards night, complete with games, dance steps, and spontaneous fan interactions.

Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, Mithoon and Palak Muchhal joined the launch, bringing both star power and easy charm. Kumar set the tone by inviting the rest of the celebrities on stage and revealing the event dates, while others recreated popular hook steps and joined fans in playful on-stage moments.

For Zee, the awards are more than a red-carpet ritual. The company positioned the show as a long-running platform that celebrates both industry excellence and the emotional bond between films and their audiences. This year’s theme extends that idea, framing the event as a shared celebration shaped by fan enthusiasm rather than just star presence.

Zeel head of advertisement revenue, broadcast and digital, Laxmi Shetty said the awards continue to draw strength from the network’s multi-platform reach across television, digital and social media, adding, “Its continued relevance is powered by ZEE’s robust omni-channel ecosystem, which mirrors today’s evolving content consumption and enables seamless viewer engagement.”

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Zeel chief cluster officer for Hindi and Marathi movies, Ruchir Tiwari said the 2026 edition aims to raise the bar, noting, “Audiences can expect a celebration that brings together cinema in its most spectacular form, through performances, moments, and storytelling that feel fresh and ambitious.”

Zee and Zee5 chief marketing officer, Kartik Mahadev described the theme as a tribute to fandom, saying, “We are celebrating how cinema truly lives, through moments that fans carry forward, reference, remix and relive.”

Maruti Suzuki India Limited senior executive officer for marketing and sales, Partho Banerjee said the partnership reflects the company’s connection with Indian consumers, adding, “Zee Cine Awards is a platform that reflects the voice and passion of audiences who make this celebration meaningful.”

Hell Energy Pvt Ltd director, Unnikannan Gangadharan said the brand was marking its 20th anniversary globally, adding, “India remains a key focus market for us, and we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of a zero-sugar variant.”

For the stars, the event remains a familiar and festive fixture on the industry calendar. Kumar, who debuted in films around the same time Zee TV launched, called the awards “a prestigious platform” he has enjoyed performing at over the years, while others described it as a reunion-like celebration that brings together films, artists and the fans who make it all worthwhile.

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Tickets will be available through District by Zomato, while the televised ceremony will air later on Zee TV, Zee Cinema and Zee5, giving audiences across the country a chance to relive the night’s highlights.

NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.

The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.

Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.

The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.

Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.

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Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.

Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.

Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.

The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.

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Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.

MUMBAI: India is making its mark on the global creative scene as some of the country’s leading minds join juries for The One Club for Creativity’s prestigious awards. Celebrating excellence across advertising, design, and typography, The One Club is known for rewarding standout work while championing inclusion, education, and creative growth.

The One Show 2026, one of the most coveted honours in advertising, sees Indian leaders on its jury including Khalil Bachooali of Offroad Films, Rajdeepak Das of Publicis Groupe South Asia, Ashish Deshpande of Elephant Design, and creative chiefs from Ogilvy, Havas, Mudra, FCB Interface, and more. The extended submission deadline is 6 February, with the final cut-off on 20 February.

On the design front, the ADC 105th Annual Awards, celebrated worldwide for design and visual communication, counts Binaifer Dulani, Moumita Pal, Sulekha Rajkumar, Kamal Kumaar Rao, and Neha Tulsian among its Indian jury members. The deadline extensions mirror those of The One Show, encouraging broader participation.

Meanwhile, the TDC 72nd Annual Competition, the world’s leading platform for typography and lettering, features Namrata Goyal of Universal Thirst representing India. Entries are open until 27 February.

Indian creatives also enjoy reduced submission fees, with tiered pricing for smaller agencies and freelancers, making it easier for talent of all scales to shine on the world stage.

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With India’s creative leaders now shaping the decisions behind these global accolades, the country is proving it’s not just participating, it’s setting benchmarks.