Bombay Times Launches Headliners, Celebrating the People Behind India's Biggest Headlines

Adding a distinctive dimension to the property was the specially designed ‘Headliners’ trophy. Inspired by the iconic Bombay Times newspaper, the trophy takes the form of a rolled newspaper scroll, symbolising stories, achievements, and influence that rise above the ordinary to become headlines. The trophy honours visionaries, changemakers, and icons whose contributions have left a lasting mark across culture, business, entertainment, and society.

The inaugural edition brought together celebrated personalities including Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Bhumi Pednekar, Maniesh Paul, Salim Merchant, Benny Dayal, Sophie Choudry, Ashnoor Kaur and several other distinguished names from across the entertainment and cultural ecosystem.

Reflecting the breadth of excellence celebrated by the platform, Headliners honoured a distinguished cohort of achievers whose contributions have shaped contemporary India. Among them were Kajol (Cinematic Force), Shabana Azmi (Legacy of Excellence), Ayushmann Khurrana (Champion of Disruptive Storytelling), Manish Malhotra (Global Fashion Ambassador), Shankar Mahadevan (Melody Maestro), Suniel Shetty (Multifaceted Star), Jaideep Ahlawat (Acting Trailblazer – Cinema & OTT), Bhumi Pednekar (Social Impact Champion), Malaika Arora (Lifestyle Entrepreneur), and Vedang Raina (Rising Star), among several other notable achievers.

The evening featured several memorable moments, including Javed Akhtar inaugurating the ceremony with the ceremonial lamp lighting, Shankar Mahadevan rendering a few lines from Lakshya, and a special on-stage interaction between Udit Narayan and Taha Shah, the spirit of creativity, collaboration, and excellence underscoring that Headliners seeks to celebrate.