Awards
Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards roll out the red carpet for ‘FANtertainment’
MUMBAI: The glitz and glamour of Hindi cinema found a new crescendo in Mumbai as Maruti Suzuki revved up its engines in support of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. The city, already a bubbling cauldron of cinematic brew, added another feather to its cap with the star-studded event that promises to eclipse previous shows. With a theme that rings close to every cinephile’s heart—’FANtertainment’—this year’s gala is not just another award night; it’s a grand salute to the fan armies that have propelled Hindi cinema to global fame.
Unveiled amid the sparkling lights was the new trophy—a symbol of the inseparable bond between the stars and their supporters. Crafted to perfection, the trophy, revealed by none other than Hindi cinema’s heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, features two intertwined hands forming a heartfelt emblem. A fitting tribute indeed, as the stars and fans come together in a cinematic embrace.
The FANtertainment theme, a brainchild of the creative minds at Zee and Maruti Suzuki, pivots from mere celebration to an outright jubilee of the people behind the curtains—the fans. Tamannaah Bhatia, Vaani Kapoor, and Jacqueline Fernandez, the divas of the night, ignited the stage, not just with their presence but by recreating the iconic heart symbol from the trophy, setting the stage for an epic fan frenzy.
The night also shimmered with promises of innovation and sustainability from Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer – marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee steering the narrative towards the future. “The partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards reflects the perfect synergy between innovation and excellence. Just as filmmakers push creative boundaries to craft powerful stories, we at Maruti Suzuki are redefining electric mobility with the e VITARA—a bold, masculine SUV that seamlessly blends cutting-edge electric technology with premium interiors. e VITARA is more than just an electric SUV—it is a statement of innovation and progress, embodying the spirit of India’s next-gen mobility. With its advanced performance, stylish design, and sustainable engineering, it represents the future of electric driving in India. This collaboration is a celebration of creativity, performance, and a shared vision for an electrified, sustainable, and exhilarating future—one where mobility meets aspiration, and innovation drives excellence.”
As the stage is set for 17 May at NSCI Dome, Mumbai, the anticipation is palpable. With stars like Aaryan at the helm, celebrating genres from biopics to horror and comedy, the event is more than an awards night—it’s a cultural festival. “This year has been all about pushing my limits—be it exploring genres like biopic, or horror and comedy. Every role I take on is a chance to connect with my audience and fans, and their love is my biggest motivation. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment theme is special because it truly celebrates this connection—where fans don’t just watch cinema, they live it with us. I’m excited to be here and celebrate this beautiful bond,” said Aaryan, capturing the essence of the evening.
With energy drinks flowing courtesy of Hell Energy, the event promises to keep the adrenaline pumping. “Hell Energy Drink – India’s largest energy drink in the can segment is glad to be the part of the biggest celebration of Hindi cinema – Zee Cine Awards. As the proud energy drink partner, we are thrilled to join hands with Zee in celebrating the extravagant world of cinema through the exciting new edition of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. Hell Energy is a choice of millions of Indians as they continue to recharge themselves and chase their dreams. We celebrate the unique taste of Hell Energy with the entertainment that the stars provide on the grand stage of ZCA and honour the best of talent in the world of Indian cinema,” chimed in director Unnikannan Gangadharan adding an effervescent buzz to the affair.
Bhatia said, “It’s only the beginning of the year, but it has already been creatively exciting—balancing different industries, exploring unique roles, and breaking stereotypes. Through it all, the unwavering love from my fans has been my biggest strength. Zee Cine Awards, with FANtertainment, truly celebrates this bond between artists and their fans, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Kapoor said, “I am humbled and forever grateful for the unwavering love and support from my fans and audiences. With an exciting year ahead, I look forward to giving my audiences something truly special and refreshing. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment celebrates the magic of cinema and the unbreakable bond between cinema and its fans. I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration and share this incredible experience with everyone.”
Fernandez etched, “2024 has been a mix of passion projects, thrilling collaborations, and memorable performances. But the real magic comes from the fans—their energy, their dedication, and the way they make every moment count. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment is all about this shared joy of cinema, and I’m so happy to be here to be part of this celebration!”
Zee Entertainment Enterprises CGO Ashish Sehgal summed up, “Zee has always been committed to recognizing and applauding Indian cinema and the incredible talent that drives it forward. Zee Cine Awards stands as a testament to this commitment and has firmly established itself as the ultimate celebration of Indian cinema, uniting the biggest stars, iconic performances and an unparalleled entertainment experience. As a flagship property, it has also become the preferred destination for leading brands to connect with audiences through the magic of cinema.
This year, Maruti Suzuki presents Zee Cine Awards 2025 is set to be more spectacular than ever, featuring a stellar lineup of performances and an electrifying atmosphere. With innovative 360-degree brand engagement opportunities extending across pre-event buzz, seamless integrations during the event and sustained post-event amplification, it offers sponsors a massive platform for unmatched visibility and impact. Going LIVE from NSCI Dome, Mumbai, on 17th May, we promise an unforgettable night of cinematic brilliance that fans simply cannot afford to miss.”
With that commitment, the 23 Zee Cine Awards is set to redefine the standards of cinematic accolades, making it an unmissable event that promises not just to showcase, but to celebrate the very soul of Hindi cinema.
Awards
Ajay Kakar to chair jury for ad:tech Honours Awards 2026
Industry leaders join jury as nominations surge for marketing tech awards
NEW DELHI: The ad:tech Honours Awards 2026 are gearing up for a bigger second edition, with Ajay Kakar, head of corporate branding at Adani Group, set to chair the jury for India’s technology-focused marketing awards.
Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association India Chapter, the awards celebrate the growing influence of technology in shaping modern advertising and marketing outcomes. This year’s edition has drawn a strong response from across the industry, signalling rising momentum around innovation in marketing technology.
The organisers say the nominations reflect a wide range of ideas and approaches, highlighting how brands and agencies are increasingly leaning on platforms, tools and data to sharpen their campaigns and connect with audiences more effectively.
Leading the evaluation process, Kakar will head a jury made up of senior leaders from across brands, agencies and technology platforms.
The jury panel includes Amaresh Godbole, CEO, digital technology business at Publicis Groupe; Bishwajeet S, head of marketing and PR at Volkswagen India; Carol Goyal, executive director at Rediffusion and CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Lab; Kushal Sanghvi, director at Komerz; Lara Balsara, executive director at Madison World; Rana Barua, group CEO India, sea and North Asia; Deepak Oram, senior vice president growth marketing and martech; and Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi, head of marketing and creative solutions at Amazon Ads India.
The ad:tech Honours Awards aim to recognise not just creative campaigns but the smart use of technology that delivers measurable impact and business results. Categories this year reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, content ecosystems, automation, martech and adtech integration, and commerce-led marketing.
The winners will be announced on 17 March 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi during ad:tech New Delhi 2026. The event is expected to bring together leaders from brands, agencies, platforms, creators and technology partners for an evening celebrating the ideas and innovations shaping the future of marketing.iconductor industries.
