Mumbai, India— In a groundbreaking moment for the Indian entertainment industry, theNational Web Series Awardsdebuted in Mumbai this year, celebrating excellence in the rapidly growing digital content space. Held at the iconicNehru Centre, the event marked a new era in recognizing web-based storytelling and honored the creators, actors, and technicians who have redefined entertainment in India.
A Historic Evening
The glittering ceremony brought together the who’s who of the digital world, with platforms likeNetflix,Amazon Prime Video,Disney+ Hotstar, andSonyLIVdominating the nominations. The event was inaugurated byAnurag Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, who highlighted the immense potential of web series in shaping India’s creative economy.
“This is a celebration of innovation and storytelling that transcends borders and languages,” he remarked. “Web series have given Indian creators a global platform to showcase their talent.”
Top Winners of the Night
The awards recognized excellence across20 categories, including Best Series, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Cinematography.
- Best Series: “Delhi Nights” (Amazon Prime Video), a gritty political thriller, took home the night’s top honor.
- Best Actor (Male): Manoj Bajpayee for his captivating performance in “The Family Man 3” (Amazon Prime Video).
- Best Actor (Female): Shefali Shah, for her nuanced role in “Delhi Crime: Season 3” (Netflix).
- Best Director: Neeraj Pandey, for the crime drama “Special Ops 2” (Disney+ Hotstar).
A Stage for Regional Content
The awards also highlighted the growing influence of regional web series, with Tamil, Telugu, and Bengali productions receiving special recognition. Shows like“Chennai Files”(Aha) and“Kolkata Noir”(Hoichoi) earned accolades for their compelling narratives and cultural authenticity.
Looking Ahead
The inauguralNational Web Series Awardsis a testament to the transformative power of OTT platforms in India. By providing a platform to celebrate digital storytelling, the event has set the stage for greater innovation and collaboration in the entertainment industry.
