GECs
Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Goes live on SET & Sony Liv on April 5
Star-studded ceremony returns with multi-platform broadcast on 5 April.
MUMBAI: Chetak Screen Awards just turned the red carpet into a red-hot live event because when cinema’s biggest night goes live across TV and streaming, even the popcorn starts feeling star-struck. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is reviving the culture of live awards on screen with the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, set to broadcast live on Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and stream on Sony LIV on 5 April 2026 at 8:00 PM IST. The ceremony will also be available live on the Screen Awards’ YouTube channel, with a repeat telecast on SET’s YouTube channel on 7 April.
Recognised as one of India’s most credible honours for cinematic excellence, the awards celebrate outstanding performances and creative contributions across Indian filmmaking. This year’s edition promises a star-studded evening hosted by a powerhouse lineup including Alia Bhatt, Farah Khan, Sunil Grover and Zakir Khan, blending cinema, music, comedy and pop culture on one stage.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief content officer Nachiket Pantvaidya said, “At Sony Pictures Networks India, we are delighted to reintroduce the strong culture of LIVE awards back to our screens. This star-studded showcase is designed not just as an awards ceremony but also as a high-impact entertainment property with moments that will keep viewers engaged throughout.”
Indian Express Group executive director Anant Goenka added, “The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 represents the scale at which we want to engage our audiences today. With a strong multi-platform distribution strategy and trusted partners like Sony Pictures Networks India, we are ensuring that this celebration of cinema reaches millions in a meaningful way.”
Adani Airports has come on board as the OOH partner, while The Award Gallery joins as the Trophy Partner.
In an era where awards shows often feel distant and delayed, Sony is bringing the glamour straight into living rooms and onto smartphones, proving that the magic of cinema shines brightest when it happens live. Tune in to the Chetak Ssreen Awards 2026 on 5 April at 8:00 PM IST on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
