The 18th edition of the Newsmakers Achievers Awards 2026 concluded on a grand and inspiring note in Mumbai, celebrating excellence across a wide spectrum of fields. The prestigious event recognised individuals and institutions who have made meaningful contributions in governance, arts, media, social service, sports, and public leadership.
Curated by Vaidehi Taman, the ceremony brought together an impressive gathering of dignitaries, policymakers, artists, and industry leaders from across the country. The evening was graced by the Governor of Maharashtra, Vishnu Dev Varma, who attended as the Chief Guest, adding stature to the occasion.
One of the most notable highlights of the evening was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards to several distinguished personalities. Among those honoured were veteran singer Usha Mangeshkar, celebrated musician Hariharan, and renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor. The awards also recognised the contributions of Smt. Rahi Bhide, Smt. Sushma Deshpande, and Shri Datta Bargaje for their work in cultural and social domains.
The ceremony also acknowledged a diverse group of achievers from various sectors. Popular television actor Dilip Joshi, known for his iconic role as Jethalal, was among the awardees. Other honourees included Pooja Bedi, theatre personality Atul Tiwari, social contributors like Vijay Kumbhar and Anuja Dhakras, as well as organisations such as Ajjibaichi Shala. Lt. Kushagra Pathak (IFS) was also recognised for his work in wildlife conservation, reflecting the awards’ broad and inclusive scope.
Speaking at the event, Dilip Joshi reflected on his long journey in the entertainment industry. He expressed gratitude to his team and shared that his show continues to remain popular even after nearly 18 years. He also praised Vaidehi Taman for creating a platform that celebrates genuine achievers.
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, while accepting his honour, spoke about the evolving mindset of the younger generation. He noted that today’s youth are ahead in knowledge, technology, and thinking, and emphasised the importance of learning from them to bridge generational gaps.
Singer Hariharan described music as a source of positive energy. He said its true purpose lies in spreading joy and happiness, a sentiment that resonated strongly with the audience.
More than just an awards ceremony, the evening stood as a celebration of resilience, innovation, and meaningful impact. The Newsmakers Achievers Awards once again reinforced its reputation as a credible platform that honours individuals and organisations working towards a better future.
The event marked yet another significant moment in Mumbai’s cultural calendar, bringing together inspiring stories and remarkable achievements under one roof.
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