Chetak Screen Awards 2026 Celebrates Hindi Cinema and OTT in Grand Style
The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 brought together the glitterati of Hindi cinema and the digital streaming world for a spectacular ceremony in Mumbai on April 5. This prestigious event honored the outstanding talents and productions that defined the cinematic landscape of 2025, blending traditional Bollywood glamour with the innovative spirit of OTT platforms.
Major Winners and Highlights of the Evening
Aditya Dhar's epic film Dhurandhar emerged as the undisputed champion of the night, sweeping an impressive 14 awards in total, setting a new benchmark for excellence. Meanwhile, Neeraj Ghaywan's poignant drama Homebound was named Best Film, a testament to its powerful storytelling and critical acclaim.
In the acting categories, Ranveer Singh clinched the trophy for Best Actor (Male) for his riveting performance in Dhurandhar, while Yami Gautam was honored as Best Actor (Female) for her role in Haq. Aditya Dhar himself secured the award for Best Director, capping off a triumphant evening for his cinematic vision.
Emotional Tributes and Lifetime Achievement
The ceremony took a heartfelt turn as Bollywood legend Dharmendra was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award. His son, actor Bobby Deol, accepted the honor on his behalf, moving the audience with an emotional speech. "I see my father's love in all your eyes," Bobby expressed, "My father touched everyone's hearts through his work and even through his Instagram reels, which had become his new hobby." This moment highlighted the enduring legacy and personal connection Dharmendra has forged with fans across generations.
OTT Excellence Takes Center Stage
Recognizing the growing influence of digital platforms, the awards introduced five new categories dedicated to OTT, celebrating cinematic excellence in this dynamic domain. Sanya Malhotra won Best Actor (Female) – OTT Film for her performance in Mrs, while Karan Tejpal's Stolen dominated the OTT segment by securing multiple honors:
- Best OTT Film
- Best Director – OTT Film
- Best Actor (Male) – OTT Film for Abhishek Banerjee
- Best Script – OTT Film (awarded to Karan Tejpal, Gaurav Dhingra, and Swapnil Salkar)
Star-Studded Hosting and Glamorous Atmosphere
The event was hosted by the charismatic Alia Bhatt, who shared the stage with popular actor-comedians Sunil Grover and Zakir Khan, adding a touch of humor and energy to the proceedings. The presence of stars like Vicky Kaushal further elevated the glamour, making it a night to remember for the industry and fans alike.
Overall, the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 not only celebrated the best of Hindi cinema but also embraced the evolving world of OTT, setting a precedent for future ceremonies to acknowledge diverse storytelling formats.
