The Chetak Screen Awards 2026 celebrated the best in film music, with the title track of Saiyaara being honored as the Best Song, solidifying its status as the official anthem for 2025. The award was received by Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami.
Competing for this prestigious accolade were several notable tracks, including the title song from Aditya Dhar’s hit period spy thriller, Dhurandhar, and “Gehra Hua,” both crafted by composer Shashwat Sachdev. Additionally, two songs from the successful romantic drama Saiyaara were also nominated: “Barbaad,” composed by The Rish, and “Humsafar,” created by the duo Sachet-Parampara.
During the award acceptance, Tanishk Bagchi expressed heartfelt gratitude to director Mohit Suri. The ceremony was hosted by prominent figures including Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt, comedians Zakir Khan and Sunil Grover, along with Saurabh Dwivedi, the Hindi Editor for The Indian Express.
Founded by The Indian Express Group, the Chetak Screen Awards aim to honor artistic achievements based on merit, integrity, and mutual respect among peers. The awards’ integrity was further bolstered by the involvement of the Screen Academy, an independent not-for-profit organization made up of 53 distinguished filmmakers, artists, and cultural leaders who were responsible for selecting the nominees and winners through a rigorous voting process following an initial shortlist.
Dr. Priya Jaikumar, who serves as Chair of Cinema and Media Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles and is a scholar-in-residence at the Screen Academy, developed comprehensive grading criteria to assist members in their evaluations.
The Screen Academy includes notable filmmakers such as Shoojit Sircar, Deepa Mehta, Sriram Raghavan, and Karan Johar, among others, as well as actors like John Abraham and Vidya Balan, casting director Mukesh Chhabra, and sound designer Resul Pookutty.
Viewers can catch the Chetak Screen Awards 2026 live on platforms such as YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television, and Sony LIV.
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