‘Z’ announces Maruti Suzuki presents 24th ZEE Cine Awards 2026

‘Z’, India’s leading Content and Technology Powerhouse has played a defining role in shaping India’s entertainment landscape.

The organisation combines long-standing storytelling experience with technological innovation to create content across various formats, languages, and platforms. Its approach focuses on producing culturally rooted narratives while adapting to new ways audiences consume entertainment.

One of the company’s key properties is the ZEE Cine Awards, an established platform that recognises achievements in Hindi cinema. Over the years, the awards have grown into a widely followed event, acknowledging both industry contributions and the connection between films and their audiences.

For 2026, the company has expanded its fan-engagement approach with the theme “Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka,” intended to highlight the role of audiences in shaping memorable moments in cinema. The Maruti Suzuki‑presented 24th ZEE Cine Awards 2026 builds on this idea by placing greater emphasis on fan participation throughout the event.

The 2026 edition was announced in Mumbai during a press interaction designed around audience involvement. Actors Akshay Kumar, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Aparshakti Khurana, music composer Mithoon, and singer Palak Muchhal attended the event, marking the beginning of the new season. The format encouraged direct interaction between the stars and attending fans, who participated in various activities and performances during the announcement.

During the event, Akshay Kumar engaged with the audience and invited the participating artists on stage as the date for the upcoming awards event was revealed. The atmosphere remained interactive as the actors and musicians took part in dance segments, conversations, and spontaneous performances, creating a lively environment centered on audience involvement.

The Maruti Suzuki 24th ZEE Cine Awards 2026 will continue its engagement initiatives across television, digital platforms, print, and fan‑driven activities leading up to the awards night. The overall goal is to maintain audience participation, reinforce the relationship between viewers and cinema, and acknowledge the role of fandom in the film ecosystem.

Laxmi Shetty Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast & Digital, ZEEL, “As ZEE Cine Awards enters its 24th edition, it stands as one of the most prestigious and enduring celebrations of Hindi cinema. Its continued relevance is powered by ZEE’s robust omni-channel ecosystem, which mirrors today’s evolving content consumption across television, digital and social platforms, enabling seamless viewer engagement. The scale and strength of ZEE’s network continue to earn long-standing trust from audiences and partners, reflected in sustained associations with marquee brands such as Maruti Suzuki, along with partners like Hell Energy, Rajdhani Dal, L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss, Cadbury Dairy Milk & Balaji Wafers. Maruti Suzuki’s four-year journey with ZEE Cine Awards underscores the depth of this collaboration, while audience-led initiatives further highlight how the platform drives meaningful participation. Collectively, these partnerships reinforce ZEE’s position as a culturally relevant, future-ready platform delivering impactful brand engagement at scale.”

Ruchir Tiwari, Chief Cluster Officer – Hindi & Marathi Movies, ZEEL, added, “ZEE Cine Awards has always stood for credibility and scale, and with every edition, the endeavour is to raise the bar on what viewers experience on awards night. For 2026, audiences can expect a celebration that brings together cinema in its most spectacular form, through performances, moments, and storytelling that feel fresh, ambitious, and unlike anything seen before. The focus is on creating a night that surprises, delights, and stays with viewers long after the curtains come down.”

Kartik Mahadev, Chief Marketing Officer, ZEE & ZEE5, said, “With FANtertainment and ‘Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka’, we are celebrating how cinema truly lives, through moments that travel through culture. These are the scenes, entries, dialogues, and emotions that fans carry forward, reference, remix and relive. Fandom is created in these moments and it is audiences who give them meaning.”

Mr. Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer – Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “ZEE Cine Awards is one such platform which consistently reflects this voice and passion of audiences who make this celebration truly meaningful. Maruti Suzuki and ZEE, two brands deeply embedded in India’s cultural fabric, are celebrating this partnering for the fourth time. We are proud to present our latest offering to tap the new generation of customers in the SUV segment with Maruti Suzuki Victoris – the “Indian Car of the Year 2026” which has “Got It All”.

The response to Victoris has been nothing short of historic. I am thrilled to share that it has achieved 50,000 sales in just 5 months since launch—making it the fastest SUV in its segment to reach this milestone in Indian automotive history. Victoris, with its spirit of innovation and excellence, represents our pursuit to bring forth contemporary design, advanced technology, and a more aspirational mobility experience to our customers. With this, I kick-start the EE Cine Awards 2026 and look forward to a memorable event.

Mr Unnikannan Gangadharan, Director HELL ENERGY PVT LTD said, “As HELL ENERGY DRINK marks 20 years of its global journey, it is a proud moment to celebrate this milestone at the ZEE Cine Awards 2026. What started in Hungary as an entrepreneurial vision has today grown into a global brand present in over 60 countries. India remains a key focus market for us, driven by a young and aspirational consumer base. Responding to evolving preferences for a wide range, we are excited to announce the upcoming launch of HELL ZERO – White Peach Flavour, a zero-sugar variant designed for today’s lifestyle-driven consumer. We are also proud to present the HELL ENERGY DRINK – Viewers’ Choice Song of the Year, celebrating the real moment of fans and their deep connection with cinema.”

Speaking at the event, Akshay Kumar said, “I entered the industry in 1991, and ZEE TV was launched in 1992. In many ways, our journeys have evolved side by side. The ZEE Cine Awards is a prestigious and significant platform, and I have had the pleasure of performing at this event on several occasions. I am delighted that ZCA is returning once again. I look forward to performing at the awards this year, alongside several other esteemed artists.”

Actress Tamannaah Bhatia said, “ZEE Cine Awards has always been a celebration of cinema at its finest. Being associated with such a legacy award show is truly special, it’s a moment to honor the craft, celebrate stories, and connect with both fans and fellow actors. For me, it’s always a joy to be part of an evening that reminds us why we fell in love with films in the first place.”

Actress Jacqueline Fernandez mentioned, “ZEE Cine Awards is one of those rare events that feels like a family reunion of Bollywood, the best films, the best talent, and the fans who make it all worthwhile. Being part of this celebration is incredibly exciting. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do: to create magic on screen and celebrate it with everyone who believes in it.”

Actress Sonam Bajwa shared, “ZEE Cine Awards 2026 is not just about recognition, it’s about celebrating the magic of cinema with the entire Bollywood family. Sharing this platform with my peers and performing in front of fans who’ve supported us through every film is a feeling that never gets old. It’s an experience full of energy, excitement, and heartfelt appreciation.”

Aparshakti Khurana shared, “Returning to host the ZEE Cine Awards once again feels incredibly special. It’s a celebration that brings together the best of Hindi cinema, exceptional talent, unforgettable stories, and most importantly, the fans who give cinema its heartbeat. ZEE Cine Awards has a unique warmth and energy, and being at the centre of that celebration, especially in a year that truly puts fans in the spotlight, is something I’m genuinely excited about.”

Music Composer & Singer Mithoon added, “As a composer, performing at the ZEE Cine Awards is a unique experience. It’s a stage to present music that connects deeply with people, right in front of the artists, the industry, and the fans who make my music so large. Being part of this legacy celebration is both humbling and exhilarating, it’s where art, recognition, and audience come together beautifully.”

Singer Palak Muchhal said, “Music has always been about touching hearts, and the ZEE Cine Awards provides the perfect stage for that. Performing here, surrounded by the industry I admire and the fans whose love keeps me inspired, is truly special. It’s a celebration of talent, dedication, and the joy that cinema and music bring to everyone.”