The Hollywood Reporter India Concludes A Star-Studded Second Edition of Women In Entertainment
The second edition of the landmark event honoured trailblazing women shaping the future of the Indian entertainment industry.
25 MARCH 2026, MUMBAI: The Hollywood Reporter India (THR India), in partnership with De Beers, successfully concluded its second Women in Entertainment gala, bringing together luminaries, creators, and changemakers from across the entertainment landscape. The red-carpet evening celebrated the remarkable contributions of women who are redefining the foundations of film, television, and beyond.
Hosted at the Fairmont Mumbai, the event was attended by 150 guests, including acclaimed actors, directors, producers, and industry executives. The evening featured the unveiling of THR India Women in Entertainment Power List, recognising 50 of the most influential women in the industry today.
Avarna Jain, Chairperson, RPSG Lifestyle Media, said, “Women in entertainment are not just shaping narratives on screen, they are redefining the foundations of this industry. Events like these serve as a powerful reminder of how far we have come, and a call to action for how much further we can go together. This year, we are especially thrilled to honour Rani Mukerji, receiving the Timeless Icon Award; Aneet Padda, recognised as the Breakthrough Artist of the Year; and Santhy Balachandran, acclaimed for her work in Malayalam cinema and celebrated as the Changemaker of the Year. We are proud to bring this celebration to life with a fraternity that shares our belief in the power and brilliance of women.”
Acclaimed actor-producer Samantha Ruth Prabhu delivered the keynote address at the event, shining a light on gender parity, creative freedom, and the responsibilities of the industry’s most powerful voices. This year, THR India tied up with CRY (Child Rights and You) as the official impact partner to present the Wishing Tree initiative at Women in Entertainment 2026.
Anupama Chopra, Editor, The Hollywood Reporter India, said, “At The Hollywood Reporter India, we believe that storytelling has the power to change the world — and it is women who are leading that charge. This evening is a testament to the courage, creativity, and vision of the women, the unsung heroes, who make this industry extraordinary. We are honoured to shine a light on their work.”
The partnership with De Beers underscored a shared commitment to celebrating brilliance, resilience, and enduring legacy — values that mirror the very essence of the women honoured at the event.
Shweta Harit, Senior Vice President at De Beers Group and Global CEO of Forevermark Diamond Jewellery said, “Platforms like Women in Entertainment highlight why natural diamonds continue to hold powerful meaning in a modern world. Formed by nature over time, their rarity, authenticity, and enduring value make them far more than symbols of beauty; they reflect individuality, purpose, and achievements that stand the test of time. At De Beers, our association with The Hollywood Reporter reflected a shared commitment to celebrating voices that are shaping culture with confidence and originality. As the jewellery partner for the evening, Forevermark showcased some of the world’s most beautiful natural diamonds, bringing a contemporary expression of glamour and personal storytelling to the red carpet, a reminder that the most meaningful luxury is always rooted in something real.”
The Women in Entertainment Power List, published in the March edition of THR India, features 50 women, including actors, lawyers, directors, producers, and many more. The full list is available at:
http://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com
DETAILS OF THE EVENING
The second edition of the Women in Entertainment celebration witnessed 150 guests, including the esteemed honourees and presenters. Among the distinguished attendees were Rani Mukerji, Kajol, Ananya Panday, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Jyotika, Zoya Akhtar, and others.
Winners at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Power List:
Timeless Icon Award in Partnership with De Beers Group: Rani Mukerji
Breakthrough Artist of the Year: Aneet Padda
Changemaker of the Year: Santhy Balachandran
OUR PARTNERS
Presenting Partner: DeBeers
Hospitality Partner: Fairmont Mumbai
Hydration partner: Vedica Himalayan Spring Water
Celebration partner: Roku Gin
Media partner: iDiva
About The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) is a flagship entertainment media brand, offering in-depth reporting, analysis, and thought-provoking reviews; unparalleled access, world-class photography and video; and feature exclusives in its award-winning magazine and dynamic website. The Hollywood Reporter also boasts prestigious live events, industry-leading philanthropic, empowerment, and diversity initiatives, and hugely successful video series, including the Emmy-nominated “Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter.” It was named best entertainment publication at the 15th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards in December 2022, and best entertainment website at the 16th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards in December 2023.
About RPSG Lifestyle Media
Part of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, RPSG Lifestyle Media has recently launched multiple media titles, including Esquire India, The Hollywood Reporter India, Robb Report India, and its own wedding-forward title, Manifest. The group has plans to expand into various lifestyle verticals in the near future. The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group is a USD 7-billion group with interests in power, carbon black, IT, retail, FMCG, sports, media, and entertainment.