News18 Showsha Reel Awards Highlights: Aneet, Ahan Named Stars Of The Year; Ishaan, Yami Are Best Actors

News18 Showsha Reel Awards Highlights: Aneet, Ahan Named Stars Of The Year; Ishaan, Yami Are Best Actors

News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2026: The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2026 concluded with a resounding celebration of cinematic excellence, as the industry gathered to honour the most impactful films and OTT content of 2025. This year’s ceremony was defined by historic firsts and a significant sweep by the musical blockbuster Saiyaara, which dominated several major categories. The awards, vetted by our audience and an esteemed jury including Priyadarshan and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, recognised a diverse range of talent across more than 30 categories, bridging the gap between mainstream blockbusters and critically acclaimed digital narratives.

The night’s biggest victors were the breakout duo of Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday, who were named Star of the Year (Female) and Star of the Year (Male), respectively. Their performances in the 2025 hit Saiyaara have been hailed as transformative, with Ahaan’s intense portrayal of a rockstar earning widespread praise. In a moment that resonated deeply with the fraternity, Mohit Suri won Best Director (Popular Choice) for the film. During his emotional acceptance speech, Suri revealed that this was the first directorial award of his 20-year career, a milestone celebrated by his lead actors who cheered him on from the front row.

In the highly competitive acting categories, Ishaan Khatter took home the Best Actor (Popular Choice) trophy for his nuanced performance in Homebound, while Yami Gautam was crowned Best Actress (Popular Choice) for her powerful role in the socially relevant drama Haq. The jury honuors were equally prestigious, with Sanya Malhotra and Vishal Jethwa earning Best Actress and Best Actor for Mrs. and Homebound, respectively. The evening also saw a historic win for veteran Rakesh Bedi, who received the Extraordinary Performance of the Year award for his role in Dhurandhar. It marked the first award in his several-decade-long career.

Music played a central role in the night’s festivities. The Best Music award was presented to the collective team behind Saiyaara, including Mithoon, Tanishk Bagchi, and Vishal Mishra. Faheem Abdullah and Sachet Tandon shared the Best Playback Singer (Male) honor, while Shilpa Rao won Best Playback Singer (Female) for her soulful rendition of Ul Jalool Ishq. In the OTT space, Black Warrant was named Best Web Series, and Zahan Kapoor won Best Actor OTT (Popular Choice) for the same. The Best Ensemble Cast award went to the team of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, recognised for their seamless on-screen chemistry.

Meanwhile, celebrated singer Kailash Kher took the stage for a high-energy performance that stood as a definitive highlight of the ceremony. Dressed in a sharp black suit, the Sufi maestro electrified the audience with a powerful medley of his most iconic hits, including the soul-stirring Allah Ke Bande and the meditative Adiyogi.

The ceremony reached its emotional peak with the Reel Icon awards presented to legends Shabana Azmi, Anupam Kher, Asha Parekh, and Farida Jalal. The night concluded with a somber In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to departed icons such as Dharmendra, Satish Shah, and Asrani, ensuring their contributions to the craft remain forever etched in the history of Indian entertainment.

The 2026 News18 Showsha Reel Awards at JW Marriott, Mumbai, concluded as a spectacular celebration of cinematic perseverance and fresh talent. The musical blockbuster Saiyaara dominated the evening, with debutants Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday clinching the prestigious Star of the Year titles. In a long-overdue moment, Director Mohit Suri won his first-ever award in a 20-year career for the same film. Ishaan Khatter and Yami Gautam were named best actors (popular choice) for Homebound and Haq, respectively.

Emotional highlights included Rakesh Bedi receiving his first trophy in decades for Dhurandhar and a tearful standing ovation for Reel Legends Asha Parekh and Farida Jalal. The OTT space saw Manoj Bajpayee and Black Warrant take top honors, while Shabana Azmi was recognized as a Reel Icon. The night also paused for a poignant In Memoriam segment, honoring legends like Dharmendra and Asrani. It was a definitive night where long-standing legacies and the industry’s vibrant future shared the spotlight.

The glitz and glamour of the night paused for a solemn and moving In Memoriam segment, as the industry gathered to honor the legends we lost over the past year. The auditorium fell silent as a montage of iconic scenes and photographs played across the screens, paying tribute to the giants of Indian cinema whose legacies continue to inspire.

Dharmendra: The “He-Man” of Bollywood and a true screen legend, whose passing in late 2025 marked the end of an era.

Satish Shah: The king of comedy and a versatile powerhouse whose impeccable timing defined a generation of laughter.

Asrani: A beloved veteran whose “jailor” persona and hundreds of memorable roles left an indelible mark on Indian pop culture.

Pankaj Dheer: Best known for his iconic portrayal of Karna in Mahabharat, he was remembered for his commanding screen presence.

Zubeen Garg: The celebrated voice of the Northeast and a multi-talented artist whose sudden demise left millions of fans in mourning.

Ahaan Panday has walked away with the Star of the Year (Male) award for his “nuanced and intense” portrayal of a rockstar in Saiyaara. Ahaan’s dedication to the role capturing the highs and lows of a musician’s life has been hailed as one of the most impressive performances of 2025. The young star was met with a roar of approval from the audience as he took the stage for the final big win of the night.

In what has been a dream debut year, Aneet Padda has been crowned Star of the Year (Female). Her “sublime” performance in Saiyaara captivated audiences and critics alike, marking the arrival of a major new talent in Indian cinema. Looking radiant as she accepted the trophy, Aneet shared a moment of gratitude with her director Mohit Suri, capping off a night of immense celebration for the Saiyaara team.

In one of the night’s most poignant moments, Mohit Suri won Best Director (Popular Choice) for the massive hit Saiyaara. An emotional Suri revealed a surprising truth during his speech: “In my 20-year film career, I have never won an award. This is the first time I am receiving one.” The ballroom was filled with warmth as his Saiyaara lead, Aneet Padda, blew kisses from her seat while Ahaan Panday cheered loudly for his director.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Yami Gautam was announced the winner of Best Actress (Popular Choice) for her powerful role in Haq. Known for choosing socially impactful stories, Yami’s portrayal of a woman fighting against the complexities of Triple Talaq resonated deeply with the masses in 2025. Suparn S Varma accepted the award on behalf of Yami, who wasn’t present at the ceremony.

In a truly poetic moment, the legendary Shabana Azmi was conferred with the Reel Icon award for her brilliant performance in the Dabba Cartel series. Adding to the magic of the night, the honor was presented to her by her husband, the legendary poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar. The couple shared a beautiful moment on stage, celebrating Shabana’s continued brilliance in the evolving OTT space.

Ananya Panday has bagged the Outstanding Performance award for her role in Kesari Chapter 2. The young actress has been on a roll in 2025, and this recognition for the high-stakes sequel highlights her growth and popularity. Her win was met with loud cheers from the audience as she accepted the trophy for her contribution to the year’s cinematic landscape.

The award for Best Supporting Actor (Male) goes to Vineet Kumar Singh for his powerhouse performance in the historical epic Chhaava. Known for his incredible range and physical transformation, Vineet’s portrayal was a standout in the film, earning him a well-deserved victory in one of the night’s most competitive categories.

In a powerful moment for the category, the Best Supporting Actor (Female) trophy was shared by two phenomenal performers. Saumya Tandon was recognized for her compelling role in the blockbuster Dhurandhar, while Sheeba Chaddha was honored for her double impact in Songs of Paradise and Haq.

The “Family Man” himself, Manoj Bajpayee, has added another prestigious trophy to his shelf! Bajpayee won the Best Actor OTT (Jury) award for his legendary portrayal of Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man 3. The jury lauded his ability to bring fresh depth to a beloved character, further cementing the show’s status as a pinnacle of Indian digital storytelling in 2025.

Young heartthrob Ahaan Panday made a dapper entrance, turning heads in a sharp ensemble. Ahaan, who is nominated in the Best Actor (Popular Choice) category for his role in Saiyaara, looked confident and excited. As one of the most talked-about debutants of 2025, Ahaan’s presence has added a significant buzz to the competition for the night’s top acting honours.

A post shared by Ahaan Panday (@ahaanpandayy)

The red carpet continues to sizzle with the arrival of Aneet Padda, who looked absolutely ravishing as she walked in with her Saiyaara director, Mohit Suri. The duo, celebrating the massive success of their 2025 musical blockbuster, shared a few light moments with the press. Aneet has been a breakout star of the year.

The crowd erupted as Ishaan Khatter was announced the winner of the Best Actor (Popular Choice) award for his powerhouse performance in Homebound. This win caps off a massive night for the film, following its earlier Jury and Screenplay honors. Ishaan’s portrayal in the 2025 drama has clearly struck a deep chord with the masses, cementing his status as a leading man.

The master of timing, Pankaj Tripathi, has bagged the trophy for Best Actor in a Comic Role for his performance in Metro… In Dino. Tripathi’s ability to find humor in the mundane once again resonated with the audience, proving why he remains one of the most beloved versatile actors in the industry today.

Taking the stage for his historic win, Rakesh Bedi delivered a poignant speech about the changing landscape of Indian cinema. “Earlier, only the hero and heroine would get all the awards, and side actors were often sidelined,” he remarked. “I am so happy that finally, artists like us are also getting recognized for the weight we bring to a story.” His victory is being hailed as a win for character actors everywhere.

In one of the most heartwarming moments of the evening, veteran actor Rakesh Bedi was honoured with the Extraordinary Performance of the Year award for his cunning yet humours portrayal of Jameel Jamali in Dhurandhar. This marks the first-ever award in Bedi’s illustrious, several-decade-long career, sparking a massive round of applause from the entire fraternity.

While accepting his honor, Anupam Kher made it clear he isn’t looking for “Lifetime Achievement” or “Veteran” tags just yet. “I never want to receive ‘Legend’ or ‘Lifetime Achievement’ awards because I am still working and have so much more to do,” he joked. He playfully suggested that such titles could be passed along to his peers, reiterating his passion for staying active in front of the camera.

In a moment filled with both prestige and humor, veteran actor Anupam Kher was conferred with the Reel Icon award. The honor was presented by his contemporary and friend Rakesh Bedi. Kher, known for his relentless energy, accepted the trophy with a witty remark that had the audience in splits.

Zahan Kapoor has bagged the Best Actor OTT (Popular Choice) award for his stellar performance in Black Warrant. Though Zahan couldn’t attend due to a prior scheduling conflict, the show’s co-creator, Satyanshu, accepted the trophy on his behalf. Satyanshu praised Zahan’s dedication to the role, which has clearly won over the hearts of viewers nationwide.

The masterminds behind The Family Man 3 have expanded their trophy cabinet! The Best Director (OTT) award was presented to the powerhouse team of Raj & DK (Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.), alongside Suman Kumar and Tusshar Seyth. Their collaborative vision continues to redefine the spy-thriller genre, blending domestic drama with global stakes flawlessly.

The power of a perfect cast was celebrated as The Ba***ds of Bollywood took home the Best Ensemble Cast award. Actors Rajat Bedi, Divik Sharma, and Denzil Smith took to the stage to receive the honor, representing the diverse and talented team that made the series a breakout hit.

The foundation of a great show is its cast, and tonight the industry recognized the brilliant work of Nandini Shrikent and Karan Mally. The duo took home the Best Casting Director award for the OTT sensation The Ba***ds of Bollywood.

The incomparable Shilpa Rao has added another feather to her cap, winning Best Playback Singer (Female) for the track Ul Jalool Ishq.

In a rare and well-deserved tie, the Best Playback Singer (Male) trophy is shared by two incredible voices. Faheem Abdullah was honored for the hauntingly beautiful Saiyaara title track, while Sachet Tandon won for the soul-stirring Humsafar. Both singers have been instrumental in making the year 2025 a memorable one for Hindi film music.

The melody of 2025 has a clear winner! The Best Music award has been conferred upon the powerhouse team behind Saiyaara. Composers Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, Arslan Nizami, Vishal Mishra, Sachet–Parampara, Rishabh Kant, and Mithoon were all recognized for creating an album that dominated playlists and charts throughout the year.

In a night celebrating powerhouse performances, Vishal Jethwa has walked away with the Best Actor (Jury) trophy for his role in Homebound. Jethwa, who arrived earlier in a stylish blue jacket, was visibly moved as the jury recognized his phenomenal and layered work in the 2025 drama, which continues to be the night’s big winner.

A historic moment unfolded at the News18 Showsha Reel Awards as industry icons Asha Parekh and Farida Jalal were conferred with the “Reel Legend” honours. As they walked onto the stage together, the entire ballroom rose for a thunderous, prolonged standing ovation. The sight of these two stalwarts sharing the frame moved the audience to tears, marking the emotional peak of the ceremony.

The “Queen of Hearts” Madhuri Dixit has won Best Actress OTT (Popular Choice) for Mrs. Deshpande. While receiving the trophy from filmmaker Priyadarshan, she shared a touching moment, stating, “Mrs. Deshpande is close to my heart; it’s a story of an ordinary woman with extraordinary strength.” The win was met with a thunderous standing ovation from the fans.

Mona Singh continues her winning streak in the digital space! The powerhouse performer has been awarded Best Actress OTT (Jury) for her stellar role in The Ba***ds of Bollywood. Her nuanced portrayal in the hit series was a standout for the jury, further cementing her position as one of the most reliable and talented faces in the OTT revolution.

A new star is born! Aaishvary Thackeray, son of Smita Thackeray and grandson of Bal Thackeray, has won Best Actor Debut (Male) for Nishaanchi. Making a bold entrance into cinema under Anurag Kashyap’s direction, Aaishvary impressed the jury with his versatility in a demanding dual role, portraying twin brothers Babloo and Dabloo in the 2025 thriller.

An emotional moment on stage as Shubhangi Dutta wins Best Actor Debut (Female) for Tanvi the Great. Playing the titular role of Tanvi—a young woman with autism—Shubhangi’s performance has been described as the soul of the film. Directed by Anupam Kher, the movie was inspired by Kher’s own niece, making this win a deeply personal victory for the entire team.

The red carpet just got a massive dose of charisma! Ishaan Khatter has arrived at the JW Marriott, looking every bit the superstar. Ishaan is a top contender tonight in the Popular Choice category for Best Actor, following his powerhouse performance in Homebound. Fans are out in full force to support the young actor as he vies for the big win.

Director Suparn S Varma has been recognised with a Jury Special Mention for his poignant and intense film Haq. Starring Yami Gautam, the movie has been hailed for its meaningful exploration of the complexities surrounding Triple Talaq. The jury noted that the film’s brave storytelling and social relevance made it a standout entry for the 2025 cinematic year.

The legendary Farida Jalal has arrived at JW Marriott, radiating warmth and elegance. In a truly special moment for the evening, she will be honored with the “Reel Legend” award alongside Asha Parekh. Both actresses are being celebrated tonight for their immense, decades-long contributions to the fabric of Indian cinema.

Major win for Homebound! Neeraj Ghaywan has bagged the Best Screenplay award for his poignant and hard-hitting film. Homebound has had an incredible journey, serving as India’s official entry to the Oscars this year. This win further cements Ghaywan’s reputation as one of the most vital voices in contemporary Indian storytelling.

The first trophy of the night has been announced! The award for Best Director (Jury) goes to Reema Kagti for the critically acclaimed Superboys of Malegaon. While Reema couldn’t attend due to a scheduling conflict, her producer and close collaborator Zoya Akhtar accepted the honor on her behalf, praising Reema’s unique vision for the underdog story.

Rajat Bedi is in the house, celebrating a massive career resurgence! Nominated in the Best Ensemble category for his role as Jaraj Saxena in the hit series The Ba***ds of Bollywood, Rajat’s “comeback” has been a major talking point in the industry. Looking sharp on the red carpet, the actor’s return to the screen has clearly resonated with both fans and critics.

Veteran actor Rakesh Bedi has arrived, receiving heavy praise for his departure from comedy in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar. Bedi’s portrayal of Jameel Jamali, a cunning and layered Pakistani politician, has been one of the biggest surprises of 2025. His presence tonight highlights the incredible character-driven performances that dominated the box office this past year.

The esteemed jury is now on stage, sharing their insights into the selection process. Prominent filmmakers Priyadarshan and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, along with veteran actress Tanvi Azmi, admitted that choosing winners was an uphill task given the sheer volume of quality work in 2025. Saurabh Sachdeva beautifully summarized the year’s performances as being defined by “hard work and vulnerability.”

Source: News18
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