GANDHINAGAR: In a glittering ceremony held on May 30 at the ITC Grand Central in Mumbai, HT Smartcast and Mint marked a significant milestone for the Indian podcasting industry with the inaugural HT Smartcast X Mint PodMasters Conclave & Awards. The event brought together leading voices, industry stalwarts, and rising stars to celebrate excellence and shape the future of audio entertainment in India.
Cricket Icon Aakash Chopra Takes Home Top Honors
Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra emerged victorious in the Best Cricket Podcast category for his insightful show, ‘AakashVani’. The night witnessed a diverse range of winners, with popular host Saloni Chopra’s ‘The Pariwarik Podcast’ claiming the Best Family Drama award.
Humor, Entertainment, and Inspiration Take Center Stage
The irrepressible Cyrus Broacha tickled funny bones as he bagged the Best Entertaining Host award, while the ever-versatile Jimmy Shergill won hearts (and the trophy) for Best Voice Artist. Neha Dhupia’s engaging ‘No Filter with Neha’ shone as the Best Celeb Chat Podcast, while motivational speaker Zakir Khan’s offering took home the Best Motivational Podcast award.
Raj Shamani and Sakht Launda Rule the Roost
The much-awaited Best Podcaster of the Year (Male) title went to the ever-popular Raj Shamani, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with. In a separate win, comedian Zakir Khan, also known as ‘Sakht Launda’, proved his mettle by winning the Best Motivational Podcast category.
Industry Powerhouses Unite for a Booming Industry
The HT Smartcast and Mint collaboration signifies a significant step forward for Indian podcasting. By joining forces with industry leaders like IVM Podcasts, Ideabrew Studios, WYN Studio, Hubhopper, Aawaz.com, and MnM Talkies, the event fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration.
A Platform for Recognition and Growth
The conclave provided a platform for seasoned professionals and aspiring creators to discuss the evolving landscape of Indian podcasting. Ramesh Menon, CEO of Fever Network, emphasized the importance of the PodMasters event in uniting stakeholders and fostering meaningful dialogue to propel the industry forward.
Calling All Creators: National Recognition Awaits
The HT Smartcast x Mint PodMasters Awards offered creators across the country a chance to showcase their talent and gain national recognition. With over 20 diverse categories encompassing business, news, fiction, society & culture, sports, arts, and more, there was a platform for every voice.
A Distinguished Jury Ensures Excellence
A distinguished jury panel comprising industry veterans like Kavita Rajwade, Sreeraman Thyagrajan, Mae Thomas, Gautam Raj Anand, Roshan Abbas, Sonal Kalra, Bijay Gautam, Varun Duggirala, and more, ensured a fair and rigorous selection process.
A Catalyst for the Future
Varun Duggirala, founder and CEO of EMoMee, and a prominent podcast host himself, highlighted the burgeoning growth of the podcasting industry, underlining its mainstream appeal in the contemporary media landscape. The conclave and awards ceremony serve as a stepping stone for the future of Indian podcasting, fostering excellence and inspiring creators to take the medium to even greater heights.