In a night of accolades and inspiration, Mumbai hosted the grand 18th NewsMakers Awards 2026 on Friday, masterminded by Vaidehi Taman with Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Verma presiding as chief guest. The evening celebrated outstanding contributions from luminaries in arts, sports, administration, and beyond.
The roster of honorees read like a who’s who: melodic maestro Hariharan, culinary wizard Sanjeev Kapoor, Taarak Mehta fame’s Dilip Joshi, stage stalwart Atul Tiwari, and wellness advocate Pooja Bedi. Joining them were administrative heroes like IPS Amitesh Kumar, IRS Samir Wankhede, IAS Nidhi Chaudhary, and dedicated wildlife protector Lt. Kushagra Pathak.
Usha Mangeshkar, the veteran singer, expressed delight at the event’s vibe. ‘These platforms let us connect and appreciate cross-sector achievements,’ she told reporters. Paying heartfelt tribute to Asha Bhosle, she lamented, ‘Her vitality and commitment to the last were legendary; India mourns deeply.’
Actor Dilip Joshi, accepting his trophy, gushed about its significance. He lauded longtime collaborator Rakesh Bedi’s humility and experience, reminiscing on their rewarding past projects that shaped his craft.
Sanjeev Kapoor, savoring the Governor-bestowed award on Maharashtra Day, called it a career highlight. ‘Such moments propel us to innovate and excel in our domains,’ the chef enthused.
This milestone edition of the NewsMakers Awards not only honored individual brilliance but also highlighted societal impact, reinforcing the event’s role in nurturing talent and fostering a culture of appreciation.
