Zee Cine Awards 2026: 24th Zee Cine Awards Hosts A Special Fan Group From CanKids And Salaam Bombay - DEETS

Updated: Monday, March 9, 2026, 13:41 [IST]

Zee Cine Awards 2026 Update: Taking its fan-first philosophy beyond the stage and straight into the hearts of its audience, Maruti Suzuki presents the 24th Zee Cine Awards 2026 marked a landmark moment this year with a first-ever initiative in collaboration with NGOs CanKids and Salam Bombay.

Zee Cine Awards 2026 Hosts A Special Fan Group - DEETS

Rooted in the belief that cinema belongs to its fans, this unique initiative brought children supported by the two organisations into the grand celebration at Mumbai's NSCI Dome, granting them an experience that was once reserved only for stars, their very own Purple Carpet moment.

CanKids is a national organisation that supports children battling cancer and their families by providing treatment assistance, emotional care, and logistical support throughout their journey, while Salaam Bombay works extensively with children from vulnerable communities, empowering them through education, healthcare initiatives, and life-skills programmes. Through this collaboration, Zee Cine Awards ensured that children who have shown immense resilience in their personal journeys could step into the world of cinema and experience its magic firsthand.

For the first time in the history of the Zee Cine Awards, the spotlight widened to include these young champions. They walked the iconic purple carpet, soaked in the electrifying energy of Indian cinema's biggest night, and experienced the magic of the awards up close. What unfolded was far more than participation; it was a celebration of resilience, hope, and belonging, values that lie at the very heart of FANtertainment.

The children not only witnessed the scale and spectacle of the evening but also shared intimate, heartfelt moments with celebrated artists like music composer Mithoon and singer Palak Muchhal, turning admiration into genuine connection. These interactions embodied the deeper philosophy of 'Yeh Pal Hai Fans Ka', where fandom is defined not by proximity to glamour but by the emotions and dreams that cinema inspires.

*Speaking about it, Vikas Yadav, a Cancer Survivor and volunteer from CanKids, said,* _"I want to sincerely thank Zee Cine Awards for giving 21 of our children this beautiful opportunity. What they had only ever seen on television, they experienced in real life for the first time. They truly enjoyed every moment. The happiness I saw on their faces today is something I have never seen before. Thank you so much to the entire team for all your efforts and for making their dream come true."_

*Echoing similar sentiments, Ketaki Raut, a volunteer from Salaam Bombay Foundation, said*, _"I would like to sincerely thank the Zee Cine Awards team for giving us this wonderful opportunity. The event was truly amazing. Fifteen students from our organization got the chance to witness something so special, and they were extremely happy and grateful for the experience. From the hospitality to the coordination, everything was absolutely commendable. We truly appreciate the effort and warmth shown to our students, and thank the entire team for making this possible."_

By integrating this initiative into the awards night, 'Z' reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging cultural platforms, creating experiences that transcend entertainment and forge meaningful human connections. The gesture underscored how large-scale entertainment properties can serve as bridges between aspiration and opportunity, ensuring moments of joy and celebration reach every corner of the community.

Presented by Maruti Suzuki, co-powered by Maaza, Vicks, Glow & Lovely Glass Bright Ultra Gel Crème, Cadbury Dairy Milk, alongside Energy Drink Partner: Hell Energy Drink, and special partners Rajdhani Dal, L'Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss, Balaji Wafers & Fortune Refined Soyabean Oil, the event unfolded as a shared journey across television, digital, print, and fan-led experiences, strengthening emotional bonds and celebrating fandom as a cultural force that elevates cinema.