Sony Pictures Networks India is set to bring back the culture of live awards telecast with the ‘Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026’, which will be broadcast live on April 5 at 8pm IST across Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. The move marks a significant push towards real-time entertainment experiences for audiences across platforms.

As per an SET press release, the awards—considered among India’s most credible honours in cinema—aim to celebrate excellence in filmmaking while highlighting the creative forces shaping the industry. This year’s edition promises a star-studded showcase, blending cinema, music, comedy and pop culture on one stage.

The event will be hosted by a dynamic line-up including Alia Bhatt, Farah Khan, Sunil Grover and Zakir Khan, bringing together diverse entertainment voices for a high-energy evening. The ceremony is expected to feature major moments from across the Indian film industry, positioning itself as more than just an awards show.

In a first for the property, the awards will be experienced live across both television and digital platforms simultaneously. Apart from SET and Sony LIV, the ceremony will also be streamed live on the SCREEN Awards’ YouTube channel, expanding its reach to a wider, digitally connected audience. Viewers will also be able to watch the event later on April 7 via Sony Entertainment Television’s YouTube channel.

By leveraging its combined linear and digital ecosystem, Sony Pictures Networks India aims to transform the awards into a large-scale cultural moment, enabling audiences to engage with it in real time. The multi-platform strategy reflects the growing shift towards platform-agnostic content consumption, where viewers expect access across devices and formats.

Commenting on the initiative, Nachiket Pantvaidya, Chief Content Officer at Sony Pictures Networks India, said the network is focused on reintroducing live awards as an immersive viewing experience, allowing audiences to witness key moments as they unfold. He added that the collaboration with the SCREEN Awards aligns with the network’s vision of delivering credible and high-impact entertainment.

Anant Goenka emphasised the importance of real-time engagement in today’s digital-first environment, noting that audiences increasingly prefer to experience such events across multiple screens. He highlighted that the awards continue to stand on a strong foundation of credibility, backed by the rigorous process of the SCREEN Academy.

The event is further supported by partnerships, with Adani Airports coming on board as the out-of-home partner and The Award Gallery as the trophy partner, helping extend the awards’ visibility.

With its live broadcast and expansive reach, the Chetak SCREEN Awards 2026 is set to deliver a large-scale celebration of Indian cinema, bringing viewers closer to the industry’s biggest names and moments in real time.