India 2030 Conclave 2026 honours 56 leaders across business, cinema

MUMBAI: The ninth edition of the India 2030 Leadership Conclave 2026 wrapped up in Mumbai, bringing together a cross-section of business leaders, entertainers and cultural voices, while recognising 56 standout achievers shaping India’s future.

Organised by NexBrands Inc, the conclave was held at ITC Maratha and focused on leadership, innovation and long-term impact as India looks ahead to the next decade.

Among the headline winners were Gaur Gopal Das, named transformational thought leader of the year, Radhika Madan as breakthrough performer, and Malaika Arora, recognised as a dynamic business and entertainment icon. Film veterans Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui were honoured for their cinematic excellence, while Shehnaaz Gill and Boman Irani were also among the prominent awardees.

From the corporate world, Ashishkumar Chauhan was recognised as the most powerful CEO in financial services, while healthcare and innovation leaders such as Mukesh Batra and Dr Murtaza Khorakiwala were also honoured.

The event was attended by chief guest Pratap Sarnaik, underlining its growing stature as a platform that bridges governance, business and culture.

A key highlight was a fireside chat featuring Mukesh Batra and Akshay Batra, who discussed how trust and legacy are becoming central to brand building in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Another moment that stood out came from Sonu Sood, who used the platform to announce his “Ab Rukna Nahi” initiative aimed at enabling free knee replacement surgeries, reinforcing the event’s blend of business dialogue and social impact.

“The India 2030 Leadership Conclave serves as a powerful platform that brings together visionary leaders and change-makers shaping the future of India,” said Kamdhenu Ltd whole time director Sunil Agarwal.

Echoing the sentiment, NexBrands Inc founder Chandrika Maheshwari said the conclave was designed to spotlight voices shaping industries and the nation’s future, while CEO Saurav Dasgupta added that conversations around trust and innovation are becoming increasingly relevant.

With participation from sectors ranging from entertainment and healthcare to manufacturing and digital innovation, the conclave also handed out a wide array of corporate honours to brands such as Tata CliQ Luxury, Reliance Retail and ICICI Prudential AMC.

Backed by partners including Kamdhenu Nxt and supported by media platforms like Times Now and IndiaTimes, the event saw strong amplification across broadcast and digital channels.

As the curtains fall on its ninth edition, the conclave continues to cement its place as a meeting ground for ideas, influence and ambition, capturing the pulse of a rapidly evolving India.