Mumbai: The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 lit up Mumbai with a dazzling celebration of cinematic brilliance, honoring the finest performances, visionary filmmakers, and groundbreaking storytelling across Bollywood and OTT. Hosted by Arjun Kapoor, the prestigious event brought together the biggest names in the entertainment industry for a night of red-carpet glamour, unforgettable moments, and well-deserved recognition.
The grand evening saw a power-packed lineup of winners, with Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress (Popular Choice) awards, while Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu were crowned Best Actor and Best Actress – OTT. Jaideep Ahlawat and Aditi Rao Hydari also earned accolades for their compelling OTT performances, reflecting the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping India’s entertainment landscape.
The awards night also honored emerging talent, with Raghav Juyal and Pratibha Ranta winning the Rising Star Awards for their impressive performances in Kill and Laapataa Ladies, respectively.
In one of the most celebrated wins of the night, Pankaj Tripathi was named Entertainer of the Year for his outstanding performances in Stree 2, Mirzapur Season 3, and Main Atal Hoon.
A Celebration of Legends & Visionary Filmmakers
- Kabir Khan took home the Best Director Award for Chandu Champion.
- Stree 2 was crowned Best Film, reinforcing its status as a box-office and critical success.
- Industry stalwarts Ramesh Sippy and Salim Khan were honored with the Reel Legend Award, celebrating their unparalleled contributions to Indian cinema.
- Acclaimed creators Raj & DK were recognized for their innovative storytelling, while Sonu Nigam won Best Playback Singer – Male.
Expressing his gratitude after winning Best Actor (Jury), Abhishek Bachchan shared, “This is actually my first-ever Best Actor Award. I’d like to thank the esteemed jury – it’s an honor that you find me worthy of this award. But the credit for this performance has to go entirely to Shoojit (Sircar) Da. He’s made such a wonderful film.”
Winning OTT Star of the Year (Female) for her role in Heeramandi, Aditi Rao Hydari said, “This one is very special. Heeramandi is very special. My director Sanjay sir is very special. I love him dearly. I am because of my directors and I hope I will continue to be because of them… Every single AD on set, every single human being on set, every single four-legged puppy on set, everybody was part of that universe, and it really made those years that we spent shooting. I can’t be more grateful.”
A distinguished jury, comprising Sachin Pilgaonkar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mukesh Chhabra, Tavishi Paitandy, Lilette Dubey, and Shabana Azmi, ensured a fair and credible selection process that upheld the industry’s highest creative standards.
Speaking on the occasion, Mitul Sangani, CEO – Indian Language, News18 and Local18 (TV & Digital) said, “At News18, we take immense pride in recognizing exceptional talent across diverse formats and genres. The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 stands as a beacon of creative excellence, bringing together the best of Indian entertainment, celebrating both mainstream and regional storytelling. We congratulate all the winners who have captivated audiences with their outstanding performances and storytelling.”
Adding to this, Smriti Mehra, CEO – English and Business News, Network18, shared, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2025 is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of cinema and OTT on audiences worldwide. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, we are proud to recognize the artists and creators who challenge conventions and craft unforgettable narratives.”
