PNB Has Signed A MoU With Government e-Marketplace (GeM) To Strengthen Financial Access For Sellers

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a MoU with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to strengthen financial access for sellers.

The agreement, signed by Mr. Ajit B. Chavan, Additional CEO & Chief Seller Officer, GeM Sahay, and Mr. Atish Kumar Rout, General Manager – DBTD, PNB, brings PNB on board as a Lending Partner on the GeM Sahay Portal.

The onboarding of Punjab National Bank as a Lending Partner on the GeM Sahay Portal offers multiple benefits to sellers by enabling quick access to collateral-free short-term loans against GeM Purchase Orders, thereby improving liquidity and easing cash flow challenges. This partnership particularly empowers MSMEs and small businesses that often face challenges in accessing timely and affordable formal credit, while ensuring transparency and efficiency through digital, paperless loan processing.

By integrating procurement with financing, the initiative strengthens ease of doing business, expands vendor participation, and supports India’s Digital India vision by fostering a seamless, inclusive, and technology-driven procurement ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri. Atish Kumar Rout, General Manager – DBTD, PNB, said: “This partnership with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) aims at advancing the vision of Digital India. By offering seamless financial support to sellers, we aim to significantly reduce manual efforts and strengthen transparency, efficiency, and ease of doing business across the procurement ecosystem.”

Epic Breaks Meet Their Most Iconic Collaboration Yet: KITKAT & One Piece

KITKAT India has teamed up with the globally popular anime One Piece to launch an exciting collaboration for fans across the country. Tapping into India’s growing anime fandom, the partnership brings some of the most beloved One Piece characters to life on-pack, celebrating their distinct personalities.

Speaking about the campaign, Mr. Gopichandar Jagatheesan, Head, Confectionery Business, Nestlé India, said, “Anime is a rapidly growing genre in India, and we are excited to collaborate with one of the most popular shows, One Piece. Having championed breaks for decades, KITKAT now takes them to the next level, making every break more epic with the world of One Piece.”

The campaign launches with a digital-first film across YouTube and Meta platforms, amplified by a high-impact, multi-touchpoint rollout spanning outdoor media and interactive social content.

Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja_cirkRyfE  

Tata Motors Expands India’s Most Comprehensive Electric CV Portfolio

* Launches Tata Intra EV Pickup at an unmatched price of Rs. 11.95 lakh

Tata Motors, India’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, today strengthened its leadership in electric commercial mobility with the launch of the all‑new Tata Intra EV Pickup. Expanding its electric small commercial vehicle portfolio, the new pickup brings together the proven strengths of the trusted Intra platform with a purpose‑built electric architecture—delivering a dependable, high‑earning solution for India’s evolving cargo requirements. It will be available across Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle dealerships nationwide, at an unmatched starting price of Rs. 11.95 lakh (ex‑showroom).

Launching the Tata Intra EV Pickup, Mr. Girish Wagh, Managing Director & CEO, Tata Motors Ltd., said “Our commitment to green mobility is focused on delivering sustainable solutions that are proven at scale and relevant to India’s diverse commercial mobility needs. Building on the strong market response to our electric mini‑trucks and the successful deployment of our electric buses serving commuters across 10 cities nationwide, we rolled out our next‑generation electric trucks earlier this year and are now advancing further with the launch of electric pickups. Through this progression, Tata Motors has established the country’s most comprehensive electric commercial vehicle portfolio across segments. This momentum is being enabled by progressive Government policies and strong collaboration across customers, partners and suppliers, accelerating India’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable mobility.”

Shaped by deep insights from real‑world operations and engineered for demanding duty cycles, the Intra EV Pickup introduces electric capability into one of the country’s most versatile pickups. It enables operators to move heavier loads, run longer routes and operate with greater confidence, while benefiting from lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint.

Speaking about the Tata Intra EV Pickup, Mr. Pinaki Haldar, Vice President & Business Head – SCVPU, Tata Motors Ltd., said, “The all-new Intra EV Pickup has been developed with a clear focus on earning capability and everyday usability, combining one of the highest payload capacities in its segment with strong performance, long range and high uptime, all at a segment-beating price. Its comfortable, crash‑tested cabin, car‑like driving dynamics and thoughtfully integrated features are designed to reduce fatigue and improve productivity across long operating hours. As adoption of cleaner technologies accelerates, Tata Motors remains committed to raising industry benchmarks and making electric cargo mobility a practical, confident choice for businesses.”

Designed to Earn, Built to Endure

At the heart of the Intra EV Pickup is a clear focus on productivity and profitability. With a 1,750 kg payload and long load body options of up to 10ft 2in, the vehicle supports a broad spectrum of applications—from FMCG and e‑commerce to cold-chain, waste management, LPG and dairy distribution—enabling higher load per trip and better asset utilisation.

A 72kW electric motor producing 230 Nm of peak torque delivers strong pulling power even under full load, while 23% gradeability ensures seamless operations on challenging terrain. The 28.2 kWh, IP67‑rated battery, engineered for Indian weather and usage conditions, offers a certified range of 211 km on a single charge, supporting multiple duty cycles through the day. Fast charging capability, with CCS2 charger, enables 10-80% charging in ~55 minutes, maximising uptime.

Backed by a 6‑year / 2 lakh km HV battery warranty, the Intra EV Pickup is designed to deliver dependable performance over the long term, bringing predictability and peace of mind to electric operations.

Smarter Technology for Safer, More Efficient Operations

Safety is integral to the Intra EV’s design. A dedicated Electronic Braking System enhances vehicle stability and braking efficiency, while three-level regenerative braking improves energy recovery during deceleration, contributing to extended real‑world range.

The Intra EV comes with Tata Motors Fleet Edge, providing real-time vehicle tracking, health monitoring and predictive maintenance insights—helping fleet owners improve uptime, manage costs and operate with greater transparency.

Comfort that Supports Productivity

Recognising the long hours spent behind the wheel, the Intra EV Pickup is equipped with a walk‑through cabin, car‑like ergonomics and Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) that significantly reduces steering effort. The inherently low noise and vibration of the electric drivetrain creates a quieter, less fatiguing cabin environment—supporting driver focus, comfort and overall well‑being.

An Ecosystem That Removes Barriers

The Intra EV Pickup is supported by Tata Motors’ expanding electric vehicle ecosystem, including over 25,000 charging points nationwide, 200+ dedicated EV service centres, and facilitated home‑charging solutions. In partnership with leading banks and NBFCs, Tata Motors also offers customised financing options, flexible EMIs and quick approvals—making the transition to electric both accessible and assured.

Joining the Ace EV 1000 and Ace Pro EV, the Intra EV Pickup strengthens Tata Motors’ comprehensive electric small commercial vehicle portfolio—built to support India’s entrepreneurs, drivers and fleet owners in building more efficient businesses and a more sustainable future.

About Tata Motors Ltd (Formerly TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd):
Part of the USD 180 billion Tata Group, Tata Motors Ltd., (BSE: Scrip code 544569; NSE: Scrip code TMCV) is India’s largest and a globally renowned manufacturer of utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks, and buses. With over eight decades of leadership in commercial mobility, the company is known for its innovation, reliability, and performance. Its advanced powertrains, connected technologies, and intelligent fleet solutions support a wide range of applications—from last-mile delivery to public transport while seamlessly driving the wheels of the nation’s economy. Guided by its brand promise Better Always, Tata Motors delivers future-ready solutions that enhance customer experience and drive sustainable growth. The company operates in India and South Korea, with a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and SAARC countries.

As per the Composite Scheme of Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench—amongst Tata Motors Limited, TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (the Company) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited—the Company’s name was changed to Tata Motors Limited from TML Commercial Vehicles Limited (effective 29 October 2025), and its equity shares are listed on the BSE Ltd and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

Tanishq Ropes In Rukmini Vasanth As The New Face Of Its Campaign For South India

* This Akshaya Tritiya, gold evolves—from investment to everyday expression 

As we approach the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya, Tanishq, India’s leading jewellery brand from the House of Tata, unveils its latest launch in the natural gemstones category featuring Rukmini Vasanth. In South India, gemstones have always been more than adornment, they are tradition, identity, and everyday elegance. From temple jewellery influences to vibrant celebrations, colored gemstones are deeply woven into the region’s aesthetic language. The South has embraced the richness of rubies, emeralds, and other vivid stones as a staple, and Rukmini Vasanth embodies the modern South Indian jewellery as Tanishq’s new face in the south. Effortlessly elegant and refreshingly modern, she embodies the spirit of Hues, the latest collection where individuality meets timeless grace.

Hues collection reimagines the way gold is experienced this Akshaya Tritiya, moving beyond traditional, investment-led purchases to jewellery that is expressive and meant to be worn. The new Hues collection takes centre stage with a focused design language that celebrates contemporary colour stories in gold, crafted for those seeking distinctive yet affordable fine jewellery, starting at an accessible price of ₹35,000. Bringing together sculptural forms, radiant gemstones, and precision cuts that reveal the depth in every hue. Each piece places colour at its core, crafted for the woman who embraces jewellery as a reflection of her mood, style, and spirit. With a renewed focus on natural-colored gemstones, the collection deepens Tanishq’s presence in a category the region already values, pairing contemporary design with timeless preference.

The use of smooth, cabochon-cut stones introduces a sculpted, luminous quality, while layered colour compositions and techniques such as bunching and slicing add depth, texture, and a sense of movement, resulting in jewellery that feels dynamic and distinctly modern. Bringing together a curated selection of natural coloured gemstones such as emeralds, amethysts, citrines, tourmalines, and tanzanites, among others, each stone is sourced with expertise and selected through rigorous quality benchmarks for its exceptional colour, clarity, and intrinsic character. This lends the collection a sense of rarity and authenticity, while ensuring both beauty and durability for everyday wear. The range spans statement neck pieces & bangles for special occasions, alongside lighter earrings, rings, and pendant sets designed for everyday elegance, offering a versatile wardrobe that balances the enduring value of gold with the vibrance of contemporary design.

At the heart of this narrative is Rukmini Vasanth, introduced as the face of the campaign and a symbol of the contemporary South Indian woman. Marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Tanishq, her association signals a shared vision that extends beyond a single season. Effortlessly elegant and refreshingly modern, she embodies the spirit of Hues, where individuality meets timeless grace. Brought to life through a series of striking images, the campaign captures Rukmini in moments that celebrate both strength and softness. Styled to highlight the vibrancy and sculptural beauty of each piece, the visuals create a seamless interplay of colour, form, and emotion. Her presence lends the campaign a powerful regional resonance, grounded in cultural authenticity yet forward-looking in its expression. Through her, Hues becomes more than a collection; it becomes a reflection of the evolving identity of the modern Indian woman- rooted, radiant, and unapologetically expressive.

Speaking about the new collection, Ms. Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Titan Company Limited, said, “We are reimagining how the modern Indian woman engages with natural gemstones, through a lens that is deeply rooted in the South’s rich aesthetic legacy yet unmistakably contemporary. In a moment where jewellery is becoming an extension of personal identity, gemstones, with their depth of colour and individuality, offer an instinctive, expressive medium. Designed with an ethno-contemporary sensibility, our first collection draws from the fluidity and vibrance of an Indian summer. It brings colour alive in bold yet refined forms - mirroring how she wears jewellery today: with spontaneity, ease, and on her own terms. Rukmini brings this spirit alive with effortless modernity, rooted, yet distinctly her own, much like the woman we design for.”

Adding to this, Ms. Garima Maheshwari, Chief Design Officer, Titan Company Limited, said, “With Hues, we set out to create one of India’s most ambitious design-led explorations of coloured gemstone jewellery in recent years. The collection draws deeply from the richness of the Indian summer—its lush landscapes, vivid colours and translates these into jewellery through sculptural silhouettes and fluid compositions. At the heart of this is our focus on coloured gemstones as a design-led category, where the stone is not an accent, but the starting point of the design itself. This required an intensive process of gemstone calibration and custom-cut development, ensuring precision in colour, proportion, and overall harmony across each piece. The use of cabochon cuts further enhances this approach, lending a smooth, sculptural depth that brings out the natural beauty and dimensionality of the stones. The result is a collection that is expressive, contemporary, and crafted with a strong point of view on modern Indian design.”

Speaking on the association, Rukmini Vasanth added, “Tanishq has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, it’s a name I’ve always associated with trust, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. To now collaborate with them as the face of the ‘Hues’ campaign feels incredibly special. What I love about this collection is how it celebrates individuality through colour while still staying rooted in elegance. It’s an honour to be part of a campaign that brings together diverse expressions of beauty so seamlessly.”

Starting from ₹35,000*The collection offers a versatile range designed for both occasions and everyday wear. To mark the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Tanishq presents exclusive festive offers, including up to 20% off* on making charges and a flat ₹201 off per gram on gold jewellery purchases*. Customers can also benefit from the Festival of Exchange, making it an ideal time to upgrade old gold into jewellery that is both meaningful and wearable.

Shark And Ninja Officially Launch In India, Bringing Category-Leading Innovation To Indian Homes

* America's top selling Small Kitchen Appliance and Floorcare brands brings its portfolio of 5-star rated products to the Indian market

SharkNinja APAC has announced the launch of Shark and Ninja in India, bringing the two globally recognized brands to Indian consumers for the first time. Trusted by millions of consumers worldwide, Shark and Ninja are known for delivering 5-star rated products designed to solve real consumer problems through innovation, performance and ease of use.

The launch in India marks an important milestone for SharkNinja APAC as it expands the presence of the Shark and Ninja brands across the region.

Mrunmay Mehta, MD & Country Head - India, SharkNinja APAC, adds, “With our brands Shark and Ninja, our philosophy is simple: we solve for real-world problems that others miss. Bringing this mission to India is an exciting and important step. We recognize the unique dynamics of Indian homes, and our commitment is to deliver 5-star rated, performance-driven solutions that positively impact our customer’s lives every day, in every home.”

Across the U.S. market, Shark and Ninja hold leadership positions, including as America's top selling Small Kitchen Appliance3 and America’s #1 Floorcare Brand2. This leadership is the direct result of a product development philosophy built on a relentless focus on solving consumer problems that others miss. That same commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is reflected in a portfolio of more than 5,500 patents and a business model that has successfully scaled across 38 distinct household sub-categories. That same consumer-first approach now comes to India through five key innovations launching in the market, with more to follow:

The Ninja BlastTM Portable Blender: Designed for fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals, and multitasking mums, the Ninja Blast™ makes healthy living effortless and convenient. Its BlastBlade™ Assembly powers through frozen fruit and ice, creating smooth protein shakes, fresh lassis, and fruit smoothies anytime, anywhere—whether at the gym, in the office, or on the go—reducing reliance on pre-packaged options.

Ninja Air Fryers: As the World’s #1 Air Fryer Brand1, Ninja launches two distinct solutions. For the resourceful homemaker seeking to maximize kitchen space, the Ninja DoubleStackTM Air Fryer’s vertical design provides double the cooking capacity in half the footprint. For ultimate mealtime flexibility, the Ninja DualZoneTM Air Fryer allows families to cook two different dishes, two ways, that finish at the same time.

The Ninja CombiTM 14-in-1 Multicooker: For the urban family seeking meal convenience, the Combi tackles the 'what's for dinner?' dilemma. Using a revolutionary combination of superheated steam and rapid cyclonic air, it perfectly cooks mains, grains, and vegetables together on two levels. This means creating everything from a complete chicken biryani to fluffy, steamed idlis and crispy paneer tikka simultaneously, ensuring food is juicy on the inside with a delicious crisp finish.

The Shark FlexBreezeTM Fan: To address the unique challenges of Indian summers, the Shark FlexBreeze fan delivers personal cool comfort where traditional fans can’t. For the urban family enjoying their balcony during humid evenings, or the pet parent whose furry friend loves a sunny spot, its cordless portability is a game-changer. With up to 24 hours of battery life, IPX5 Water resistance and UV resistance, it provides a powerful yet incredibly quiet breeze that won't disturb a work call or a sleeping baby, making it an essential companion both indoors and outdoors.

The Shark HydroVacTM: From America’s #1 Vacuum Brand*, the HydroVac is the ultimate all-in-one cleaning solution for Indian homes. It powerfully vacuums, mops, and cleans itself at the same time, eliminating both dry debris and wet messes in a single pass. Its odour-neutralizing technology and multi-surface capability make it perfect for keeping hard floors and area rugs spotless and fresh, especially for pet parents.

About SharkNinja APAC:

SharkNinja APAC refers to the licensed APAC operations for the Shark and Ninja brands. Focused on bringing globally recognized, problem-solving products to local consumers, SharkNinja APAC supports the growth of these brands across the region and is committed to delivering innovation that positively impacts everyday life.

Shark and Ninja products are now available on www.sharkninja.in and Amazon.in, and will soon be available on more ecommerce platforms & retail stores.

For further inquiries please contact:

Avantika Mohun (avantika.mohun@ogilvy.com | +91 9625 99 7172)

(Source : 3Circana LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US, Kitchen Appliances by Item, Dollar Sales, 52 WE Jan 3, 2026 (Model: FS301) | 2Circana LLC, Retail Tracking Service, US, Total Floorcare, Vacuums incl Stick Vacuums, Upright Vacuums, Robotic Vacuums, & Canister Vacuums, Dollar Sales, 52 WE Jan 3, 2026 |1Euromonitor International Ltd, Consumer Appliances 2026 Edition, retail volume sales in units, as per Air Fryers category definition, data for 2025). 

UST Acquires Award-Winning US Based Workday Partner Intecrowd LLC - Intecrowd

* Strategic acquisition strengthens UST’s leadership in the evolving Workday ecosystem and accelerates delivery of next-generation, AI-powered enterprise solutions

UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has acquired Intecrowd LLC (Intecrowd), a globally recognized boutique Workday Partner specializing in strategic deployments and full lifecycle support for Workday solutions. This strategic move will improve UST’s ability to meet the needs of its global client base while also expanding its portfolio in the dynamic Workday ecosystem. Acquiring Intecrowd strengthens UST’s position in the Workday market and enhances its ability to deliver innovative, AI-powered solutions at scale.

As part of UST’s strategy to expand its enterprise application capabilities and deliver its SaaS++ value proposition to Global 2000 customers, the acquisition of Intecrowd significantly strengthens the company’s Workday services. Intecrowd’s proven, Workday-certified implementation expertise complements UST’s global scale to enable faster deployments, continuous optimization, and more measurable outcomes. The two companies will accelerate time-to-value by combining implementation excellence with AI-ready data foundations, intelligent automation, and AI-driven solutions, which will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their service delivery to clients.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lake Worth, Florida, USA, Intecrowd, with over 250 employees in the US, India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Philippines, Poland, Germany, and the UK, is a globally respected leader in Workday services. Its exclusive focus on Workday has earned the company a reputation for excellence, reinforced by strong client retention and a consistent track record of delivering high-quality outcomes.

As a full-service Workday partner, Intecrowd provides end-to-end capabilities across Workday Human Capital Management (HCM), Workday Financial Management, and Workday Extend. Intecrowd is also one of the first Workday partners authorized to build applications using Workday Extend. The company has twice won the Workday Hackathon for its development of advanced solutions. Intecrowd earned a Responsible AI Badge for its AI Translation Generator app and was recently named 2026 Workday Partner of the Year for AI Excellence. Intecrowd further enhances customer outcomes through AI-driven deployment accelerators, advanced analytics, and proprietary built on Workday apps that reduce implementation time and cost while unlocking actionable insights.

“The acquisition of Intecrowd aligns with UST’s inorganic growth strategy to build depth in key service offerings. Strengthening our Workday capabilities supports our focus on domain‑led AI solutions and innovation across our service lines. By bringing this expertise into UST’s global operating model, we are creating a scalable platform that supports efficient growth and long‑term value creation,” said Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer, UST.

“Intecrowd’s unwavering dedication to excellent service for the Workday platform has made it a leader in this critical ecosystem. The integration of Intecrowd into our Business Application portfolio is strategically aligned with Workday’s accelerating market momentum and its forward-looking innovation, especially in the area of artificial intelligence. This acquisition empowers UST to better meet global client needs in an ever-evolving technology landscape,” said Kailash Attal, Chief Solutions Officer, UST.

“We are delighted to join UST. By combining UST’s scale and AI leadership with Intecrowd’s deep expertise in Workday, we are creating one of the world’s leading Workday partners. As Workday continues to lead in enterprise AI, we are well-positioned to accelerate AI adoption to drive HR and finance gains across our global customer base,” said Don McDougal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Intecrowd.

Clearsight Advisors acted as the financial advisor to Intecrowd LLC.

Workday © and the Workday logo are trademarks of Workday, Inc. All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

About UST

Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, driven by AI, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our AI-driven digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations—delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact—touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com  

Chetak Screen Awards 2026: Dhurandhar Dominates With 14 Wins

* Homebound crowned Best Film; Yami Gautam, Ranveer Singh win Best Actor honours

Making the janata fall in love with film awards again, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 celebrated everything that defines Hindi cinema and OTT in resplendent style, without missing its signature ingredient: credibility. In a star-studded ceremony in Mumbai on Sunday, April 5, the finest talents who made 2025 extra special for all of us were honoured with the Chetak Screen Awards, which were finalised through a rigorous, transparent process.

In Bollywood's biggest night in recent times, director Neeraj Ghaywan's Homebound was named Best Film. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and businesswoman Nita Ambani presented the trophy to the film's team. Meanwhile, director Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar emerged as the preeminent title at the ceremony, clinching 14 awards in total. Bollywood icon Dharmendra was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

While Aditya Dhar won the Chetak Screen Award for Best Director, Yami Gautam was named Best Actor (Female) for her performance in Haq, and Ranveer Singh bagged the trophy for Best Actor (Male) for Dhurandhar.

In a significant and timely move, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 introduced five new categories to celebrate cinematic excellence in the OTT domain. While Sanya Malhotra won Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film for her performance in Mrs, Karan Tejpal’s Stolen emerged as a major winner at the Chetak Screen Awards, taking home Best OTT Film, Best Director – OTT film (Karan Tejpal), Best Actor (Male) – OTT film for Abhishek Banerjee, and Best Script – OTT film (Karan Tejpal, Gaurav Dhingra, and Swapnil Salkar).

The gala ceremony was nothing short of extravagant as Bollywood star Alia Bhatt took the stage as host, accompanied by actor-comedians Sunil Grover and Zakir Khan, and Saurabh Dwivedi, Editor – Hindi, The Indian Express. But at the same time, the Chetak Screen Awards were not just about opulence. In the In Memoriam segment, the Indian film industry legends who passed away in 2025 were honoured. As images of those icons appeared on the large screen, one by one, all the attendees stood, paying tribute to the departed.

Subsequently, Bobby Deol accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of his late father, Dharmendra. The award was presented by legendary screenwriter-lyricist Javed Akhtar, veteran filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. While addressing the gathering, Bobby choked up and said, "I see my father's love in all your eyes. My father touched everyone's hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby."

Mentioning that Dharmendra always believed in spreading happiness and gratitude, Bobby added, "He always wanted people to stay happy and believed that God has given all of us so much in life. He used to say that we all have a special gift within us, and if we believe in it, we can achieve anything."

About Chetak Screen Awards 2026

India's most prestigious and credible film awards, instituted by The Indian Express Group, the Chetak Screen Awards were created with the belief that art must be recognised purely on merit, integrity, and peer respect. To ensure this, the Screen Academy — an independent, not-for-profit body comprising 53 acclaimed filmmakers, artistes, and cultural voices — was formed. The Academy selected the nominees and, subsequently, the winners through a careful, rigorous procedure.

Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Partners

The Chetak Screen Awards saw some of the top brands come together. Chetak as the Title Partner, Campa as the Co-presenting Partner, Maharashtra Tourism and MIDC as the State Partners, House of McDowells as the Celebration Partner, Reliance Digital as Retail Partner, Senco as the Style Partner, Century Laminates as the Strength Partner, In Partnership with YouTube, MMRDA, CIDCO and MSRDC as the Industry Partners, Crafter by The Award Gallery, Radio City as the Radio Partner, Bright Outdoor media as the OOH Partner, Sony Entertainment Television as the TV Partner, Sony Liv as OTT Partner, Scripted & Directed by Hyperlink.

Chetak Screen Awards' selection process

Following an initial shortlisting, the Screen Academy evaluated the films through structured voting. For this, Dr Priya Jaikumar, Chair of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles, and scholar-in-residence at Screen Academy, developed detailed grading guidelines that the Academy members followed.

While the films were evaluated based on creativity and overall experience, technical excellence, viewer connectivity, and innovation, for the performance-based categories, a fifth shared criterion — authenticity — was also added. Thus, the winners in all 31 categories were finalised after a meticulous, transparent process, making the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 one of a kind in India's cinematic landscape.

Who are the Screen Academy members?

The illustrious Screen Academy members include Shoojit Sircar, Deepa Mehta, Sriram Raghavan, Ram Madhvani, Guneet Monga Kapoor, John Abraham, Kabir Khan, Karan Johar, Mukesh Chhabra, Payal Kapadia, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Rajkumar Hirani, Resul Pookutty, Rima Das and Vidya Balan, among others.

Here is the full list of winners at Chetak Screen Awards 2026:

Best Film: Homebound

Best Actor (Female): Yami Gautam Dhar – Haq

Best Actor (Male): Ranveer Singh – Dhurandhar

Best Director: Aditya Dhar – Dhurandhar

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female): Shalini Vatsa – Homebound

Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male): Akshaye Khanna – Dhurandhar

Best Action: Aejaz Gulab, Sea Young Oh, Yannick Ben, Ramazan Bulut - Dhurandhar

Best Background Score: Shashwat Sachdev - Dhurandhar

Best Choreography: Vijay Ganguly – Shararat (Dhurandhar)

Best Cinematography: Vikash Nowlakha - Dhurandhar

Best Costume: Sheetal Iqbal Sharma – Chhaava; Smriti Chauhan - Dhurandhar

Best Dialogue: Aditya Dhar - Dhurandhar

Best Editing: Shivkumar V Panicker - Dhurandhar

Best Film for Gender Sensitivity: Haq

Best Film Writing (Story & Screenplay): Basharat Peer, Neeraj Ghaywan, Sumit Roy - Homebound

Best Hairstyling & Make-Up: Preetisheel Singh D'souza - Dhurandhar

Best Song: Saiyaara Title Track - Saiyaara (Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami)

Best Lyrics: Gulzar - Ul Julool Ishq (Gustaakh Ishq)

Best Playback Singer (Male): Faheem Abdullah - Saiyaara Title Track (Saiyaara)

Best Playback Singer (Female): Shreya Ghoshal - Saiyaara Title Track (Saiyaara)

Best Production Design: Saini S Johray - Dhurandhar

Best Sound Design: Bishwadeep Chatterjee - Dhurandhar

Best Special Effects: Envision VFX, Philm CGI, Resonance Digital, Dhruti Ranjan Sahoo, Vishal Tyagi, Raza Mohammed Shaikh – Dhurandhar

Breakthrough Debut Director: Shazia Iqbal – Dhadak 2

Breakthrough New Actor (Female): Aneet Padda – Saiyaara

Breakthrough New Actor (Male): Ahaan Panday – Saiyaara

Best OTT Film - Stolen

Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film: Sanya Malhotra – Mrs

Best Actor (Male) – OTT film: Abhishek Banerjee – Stolen

Best Director – OTT film: Karan Tejpal – Stolen

Best Script – OTT film: Stolen – Karan Tejpal, Gaurav Dhingra, Swapnil Salkar (AGADBUMB.