Awards
Star-studded and purple-perfect, Zee Cine Awards rolls out fanfare first
MUMBAI: It wasn’t just the stars who shone this time, the fans had the final curtain call. The 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, presented by Maruti Suzuki, turned Mumbai’s NSCI Dome into a pulsating celebration of Indian cinema, where fandom met flair and the purple carpet shimmered with both glamour and gratitude.
This wasn’t your usual awards night. It was fantertainment, as Zee dubbed it, a grand ode not only to the cinematic hits of the past year but to the people who made them resonate: the audience. With a stage set for celebration, the night transformed into a carnival of charisma, dance, drama and dazzling recognition.
The purple carpet looked straight out of a Bollywood dream. Kartik Aaryan oozed old-school charm in an all-grey ensemble, while Ananya Panday stunned in a crisp white saree. Rashmika Mandanna and Tamannaah Bhatia set the black-dress bar high, joined by head-turners like Sharvari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vaani Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor. From Tiger Shroff’s street-smart swag to Bobby Deol’s white-suited flair, the fashion parade was nothing short of fabulous.
And when the lights dimmed, the drama dialled up. Kartik kicked off the performances with Bhool Bhulaiyaa energy, while Ananya, Tamannaah, and Tiger kept the heat alive with high-octane dance numbers. Sharvari, Rasha Thadani, Jacqueline, and Vaani followed suit, bringing a fresh mix of grace and groove. The lively trio of Vikrant Massey, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ravi Kishan took hosting duties to entertaining new highs with sharp humour and seamless banter.
But the night wasn’t just about razzle-dazzle. It was about recognition with heart, honouring not just the big names but also the behind-the-scenes powerhouses: directors, technicians, debutantes, and everyone who made magic on screen in 2024. And for the first time, the event truly acknowledged the power of the public those who clap, stream, binge, rewatch, and believe in cinema.
The 23rd edition also delivered poignant moments: fan tributes, heartfelt speeches, and curtain calls that brought cinema’s emotional pulse to the forefront. In a world obsessed with box office numbers, this night was a reminder that cinema is, at its core, about connection.
So if you missed the magic, don’t worry Zee Cinema, Zee Tv and Zee5 are where the show goes on. Because when cinema’s brightest gather and fans take the spotlight, it’s not just an awards show, it’s a love letter to the stories that bring us together.
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.
