Hariharan and Dileep Joshi Honoured at Newsmakers Awards 2026
At the 18th Newsmakers Awards 2026, Jethaalal fame Dileep Joshi and singer Hariharan received Lifetime Achievement honours in Mumbai.
From Jethaalal to the Stage — Dileep Joshi Receives Big Honour, Hariharan and Sanjeev Kapoor Also Recognised
On May 1, 2025, Mumbai hosted the 18th Newsmakers Awards ceremony. Three big names stood at the centre of the evening — Dileep Joshi, the actor behind one of Indian television’s most beloved characters, Jethaalal; Hariharan, a legend of Hindustani classical music and ghazal; and Sanjeev Kapoor, the chef who carved out a unique identity in the world of food.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma attended the event as the chief guest. The ceremony was organised by Vaidehi Taman.
18 Years, One Character, Countless Fans
Dileep Joshi has been playing the role of Jethaalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah for nearly 18 years. The show still holds its place in the top 10 on Indian television — a record that speaks for itself.
Receiving the Newsmakers Award, Dileep Joshi was visibly delighted. His first words were of gratitude toward his producer, Asit Kumar Modi.
Speaking to ANI, he said — “I thank my producer for giving me the opportunity to play the character of Jethaalal. Our serial is about to complete 18 years and it is still in the top 10.”
It sounds simple enough, but keeping one character alive and relevant for 18 years on television is anything but simple. Dileep Joshi has pulled it off.
Spirituality, He Says, Is the Real Key to Success
After receiving his award, Dileep Joshi said something that felt a little out of place in the glittering world of showbiz — and that is exactly what made it worth listening to.
His words — “Whatever field you work in, whatever religion you follow, if you embrace spirituality and believe in a higher power, you will find a different kind of success.”
This is his personal belief, but his career backs it up. Millions of viewers still watch his Jethaalal with the same enthusiasm they had on day one.
Hariharan Gets Lifetime Achievement — Calls Music a Positive Energy
Singer Hariharan was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony. Having spread the magic of his voice across Hindustani classical music, ghazals, and film songs for decades, this recognition is a tribute to his entire journey.
After receiving the award, what he said about music was worth hearing.
In his own words — “Music comes in many forms. As long as music entertains you, it is doing its job. If even 10 people listen to it and feel happy, that is something significant. Music is an energy — a positive energy. It must reach people.”
This perspective sets Hariharan apart. For him, music is not a product to be sold — it is a medium to connect with people.
Sanjeev Kapoor Also Honoured — A Name That Lit Up the Kitchen
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the same ceremony. His journey, which began with Khana Khazana, has taken Indian cuisine to the world map in a way few have managed.
Sanjeev Kapoor is among the rare Indians who turned cooking into a mission rather than just a profession. Books, restaurants, television shows — his influence has spread far, and it endures to this day.
Newsmakers Awards: An 18-Year Legacy
The Newsmakers Awards reached its 18th edition this year. The annual event recognises people who have done something distinct and lasting in their respective fields.
Entertainment, music, and food — three very different worlds, three names on one stage, and all three delivered the same message: work done with dedication, passion, and honesty eventually finds its recognition.
Real Honour Is Earned Over Decades
Dileep Joshi, Hariharan, and Sanjeev Kapoor — the stories of all three follow a similar arc. None of them became famous overnight. Years of perseverance, a genuine connection with audiences and fans, and an honest commitment to their craft — that is what brought them where they stand today.
The Newsmakers Awards 2026 ceremony is not just a story about three trophies. It is a reminder that Indian entertainment and culture run deep — and the people who nurture those roots are still very much alive and working.
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