Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 to Stream Live on April 5; Announces Brand Partners for a New Era of Audience Engagement

Mumbai : The stage is set for Indian cinema’s most anticipated night as the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 goes LIVE on April 5, bringing glamour, excellence, and celebration of films directly to audiences real-time across the country and beyond.

For the first time ever, viewers can experience the awards as it happens. The ceremony will be streamed LIVE at 8 PM on YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, keeping in mind the growing on-demand global audience of film enthusiasts.

As the nation counts down to one of Indian cinema’s most respected and anticipated celebrations, the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 today announced its distinguished roster of brand partners—each united by a shared commitment to legacy, trust, and cultural connection with audiences across generations.

For decades, the SCREEN Awards have occupied a rare and revered space in the Indian film industry—defined by editorial integrity, rigorous evaluation, and an unwavering respect for cinematic excellence. Backed by the formidable editorial legacy of The Indian Express Group, and guided by the independent, not-for-profit SCREEN Academy, the awards continue to be a benchmark of credibility in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

This year’s partnerships reflect that same spirit of endurance and reinvention.

At the forefront is Chetak, the Bajaj Auto scooter brand, is synonymous with trust across generations, now reimagined as a leading electric 2-wheeler for a new India. Much like cinema itself, Chetak’s journey has been one of evolution without compromise, embracing the future while remaining rooted in values that audiences believe in.

Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., said, “Our association with the SCREEN Awards is a matter of pride. As Chetak continues to evolve into a youthful and contemporary brand, it is important for us to engage with platforms that hold deep cultural relevance while connecting meaningfully with younger audiences.”

Joining this narrative is Campa, a brand that has returned to the cultural conversation with renewed energy and optimism. With its deep-rooted recall and contemporary relevance, Campa mirrors the excitement of a new generation of cinema lovers—audiences who celebrate stories that feel both familiar and refreshingly new.

Adding depth to the evening is Diageo, whose presence underscores a philosophy of responsible celebration—honouring success, craft, and achievement with thoughtfulness and integrity.

Aanandita Datta, Vice President Marketing & CategoryHead, Diageo India, shares: House of McDowell’s Soda has always been deeply rooted in the country’s cultural fabric - across music, comedy and sports. Bollywood, as a defining force of Indian culture, is a natural extension, making our association with the Screen Awards an organic fit. At the heart of our brand is the spirit of friendship.Hindi cinema has long celebrated iconic stories of yaari, built on shared moments and unforgettable firsts.Through this partnership, we aim to further elevate and celebrate that spirit, both on-screen and off.

Alongside is Senco, a brand that embodies heritage, artistry, and timeless craftsmanship—values that resonate deeply with the enduring allure of cinema and the stars who shape it.

Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds, said, “Cinema and jewellery are both illuminated by a spark of artistry that endures. At Senco, our legacy of trusted purity and meticulous craftsmanship reflects the brilliance of the stars who take this stage. The Chetak SCREEN Awards honour talent with honesty and excellence, values that shape every piece we create. We are proud to partner with a platform that shines with such integrity.”

Joita Sen, Director & Head of Marketing & Design, Senco Gold & Diamonds, added, “The SCREEN Awards celebrate stars whose presence brings a distinct luminosity to the moment. At Senco, our designs are born from a pursuit of refined elegance, pieces crafted with intention, detail and a quiet, enduring grace. We create jewellery that captures light in its own unique way, much like the talent being recognised tonight. This partnership beautifully unites two worlds defined by emotion, beauty and thoughtful artistry.”

They represent a shared belief in cinema as a powerful cultural force—one that reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we are headed. The Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 stands proudly at this intersection of storytelling, legacy, and meaningful partnerships.

Strengthening its nationwide presence, Adani Airports joins the awards in the form of high impact digital OOH at airports like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Jaipur, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Navi Mumbai along with Bright Media partnering for the top outdoor sites in Mumbai.

The Award Gallery comes on board as the Trophy Partner for the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026, bringing its signature craftsmanship to the design and creation of the coveted SCREEN trophies.

Gunjan Soni, Country Managing Director, YouTube: We are deeply committed to ensuring that India’s most storied cultural legacies continue to thrive in a digital-first world. As the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 embrace a multi-platform approach, YouTube can help unlock reach with a new generation of fans and global audiences. By meeting viewers where they are, we’re helping breathe new life into one of cinema’s most prestigious traditions, ensuring its impact remains as resonant today.

Nachiket Pantvaidya, Chief Content Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India, “At Sony Pictures Networks India, we are delighted to reintroduce the strong culture of LIVE awards back to our screens. By bringing Chetak Screen Awards LIVE across Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV, we aim to deliver a real-time celebration to our viewers so they can experience the biggest moments in cinema at the comfort of their homes. This star-studded showcase is designed not just as an awards ceremony but also as a high-impact entertainment property with moments that will keep the viewers engaged throughout. We are proud to partner with the Chetak Screen Awards as it defines authenticity and credibility which aligns with our brand vision at Sony Pictures Networks India.”

Anant Goenka, Executive Director, Indian Express Group: “The Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 represents the scale at which we want to engage our audiences today—at a time when content consumption is increasingly digital-first and platform-agnostic. Audiences expect to experience moments like these real-time, across screens and on their own terms. With a strong multi-platform distribution strategy and trusted partners, we are ensuring that this celebration of cinema reaches millions in a meaningful way. What sets the Chetak SCREEN Awards apart is its foundation in credibility with the rigorous process followed by members of the not-for-profit SCREEN Academy. As we take these awards live across platforms, our focus remains unchanged—to recognise cinematic excellence with the same rigour and integrity that audiences associate with The Indian Express Group.”

With a digital-first, multi-platform strategy, the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 respond to shifting audience habits, where content is consumed seamlessly across devices and platforms—making the experience more accessible, immersive, and truly global in scale.

Watch Chetak Screen Awards live on Screen Awards YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television and Sony Liv on 05 April at 08:00pm.