MAM
ABBY Awards 2026 names Raj Kamble, Senthil Kumar, Niraj Ruparel as jury chairs
Industry veterans to lead Outdoor, Integrated and Technology categories
MUMBAI: The Ad Club has announced the appointment of three industry heavyweights as jury chairs for the ABBY Awards 2026, powered by The One Club and The One Show.
Raj Kamble will head the Outdoor category, Senthil Kumar will lead Integrated, while Niraj Ruparel takes charge of the Technology category.
Famous Innovations founder and CCO Kamble, brings over 25 years of global experience, having worked across markets including India, the UK and the US. Widely recognised as one of India’s most awarded advertising professionals, his portfolio includes campaigns for global brands such as Unilever, Google and Burger King, alongside a string of honours including Cannes Lions and One Show golds.
Kumar, a creative consultant and film director, is among the most decorated names in Indian advertising. With over 300 international awards to his credit, including multiple Cannes Lions and D&AD pencils, he has been instrumental in shaping some of the country’s most memorable campaigns and film work. His career spans leadership roles at leading agencies and projects ranging from brand launches to global documentaries.
Meanwhile, Ruparel, creative technology lead at WPP India, represents the growing convergence of creativity and technology. Known for pioneering work in AI, immersive experiences and inclusive tech, he has been at the forefront of building next-generation storytelling formats within the advertising ecosystem.
The ABBY Awards 2026 will be held as part of Goafest 2026 from May 20 to 22 at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, bringing together the industry’s top creative minds under one roof.
With a jury bench that blends creative legacy, storytelling craft and technological innovation, this year’s ABBYs look set to celebrate not just ideas, but the evolving ways in which they come to life.
Brands
HP launches Smart Champs learning game show with JioStar for students
Sanya Malhotra hosts quiz series blending fun, learning and prizes
NEW DELHI: HP India has teamed up with JioStar to launch HP Smart Champs, a new learning-based game show designed to make education engaging for school students across the country.
Hosted by Sanya Malhotra, the 10-episode series brings together students from Grades 5 to 9, who compete in teams through quiz and puzzle-based challenges that test knowledge, logic and teamwork. The show will begin streaming on JioHotstar from April 11 and will premiere on Nick on April 18, with weekend episodes airing at 7 PM.
Powered by HP Smart Tank printers, the format integrates print-based learning into the gameplay, using worksheets, clues and visual problem-solving tools to encourage hands-on participation. The idea is to move students beyond rote memorisation and towards more applied, curiosity-led learning.
The competition promises high stakes, with winners set to receive a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while runners-up will take home Rs 5 lakh. Additional rewards include HP AI laptops, Smart Tank printers and accessories, while the winning school will be awarded an HP Smart Tech Lab.
Speaking about the initiative, HP India managing director Ipsita Dasgupta said, “At HP, we believe nurturing India’s youth is key to the country’s progress, and technology plays a foundational role in enabling this. With HP Smart Champs, we wanted to create something beyond traditional learning, a fun-filled platform where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking take centre stage.”
On the show’s reach, JioStar head entertainment sales Mahesh Shetty said, “HP Smart Champs reflects how children today learn through exploration and experience. With Nick and JioHotstar, we are creating a multi-screen approach that is both engaging and meaningful.”
Highlighting the role of print, HP India senior director print Satish Kumar said, “The show brings print-based learning to life in an engaging format, helping students develop deeper understanding through hands-on experiences.”
The journey to the finale began with participation from over 1,000 schools across 26 cities, narrowing down to 34 finalists who will compete in a studio showdown in Mumbai.
With its blend of entertainment, education and technology, HP Smart Champs is positioning itself as more than just a quiz show. It is a nationwide push to make learning interactive, accessible and, above all, a lot more fun.
