Leading names from Indian cinema gathered at ‘ZEE Samvad with Real Heroes 2026’, hosted by ZEE Media Corporation Limited on February 6, 2026, at The Fairmont, Mumbai.

The evening brought together actors, filmmakers and industry voices for candid conversations and recognitions that focused on influence, responsibility and purpose beyond the screen.

As stated in a press release issued by the organisers, the event aimed to highlight stories of resilience, social impact and personal journeys that define public figures outside their on-screen personas. The platform once again positioned itself as a space for honest dialogue, where cinema intersected with real-life challenges and contributions.

Actor Hina Khan spoke with rare openness about her battle with Stage 3 breast cancer, describing the period as one of the most difficult phases of her life. She shared how accepting the diagnosis was emotionally overwhelming, while the physical and mental limitations of the illness tested her resilience. Hina emphasised that her will to live played a critical role in her recovery and added that continuing to work during treatment helped her remain mentally strong. She was felicitated during the session by Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, ZEE News.

In a conversation with actor and former army officer Gul Panag, Sonu Sood reflected on what it truly means to be a hero. He credited his parents and teachers as his first role models and addressed questions around his possible entry into politics, stating that politics demands complete accountability and time commitment. He also spoke candidly about the impact of cancel culture on actors and strongly advocated limiting children’s exposure to social media, underlining that technology should be channelled towards education and skill development. Sonu Sood was felicitated by Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, ZEE News, for his social contributions and impact.

Actor Rakul Preet Singh spoke about building her career without a film industry background and navigating the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema. Addressing the nepotism debate, she said that while access to opportunities may differ, sustained success ultimately depends on audience acceptance. She also highlighted the role of OTT platforms in encouraging creators to experiment and push storytelling boundaries. Rakul Preet Singh was felicitated by Mayank Agrawal, CEO, Galantt Group.

The evening also saw appearances by Adah Sharma, Madhur Bhandarkar, Shefali Shah, Radhika Madan, Mona Singh and Ahan Shetty, who were recognised for their contributions to cinema and popular culture. ‘ZEE Samvad with Real Heroes 2026’ once again reaffirmed its role as a forum for meaningful conversations, celebrating voices that inspire change beyond fame.