Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit said the jointness of the services really took off after the Chief of Defence Staff was appointed. "In the last 3-4 years, we have worked very hard to achieve this jointness, and the result is in front of you. Jointness is not a slogan, it involves a lot of planning, taking action together and taking responsibility together. Communication, control of the escalation ladder... we have now learnt to do all of these things together. We have seen a small example, and we will see many more in the years to come," he said.

#IOY2025 | The NDTV Indian of the Year for 2025 is the Indian Armed Forces #NDTVIndianOfTheYear | @rahulkanwal | @ShivAroor | @VishnuNDTV pic.twitter.com/dQ1eZusoPN

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Rajasthan-based hotelier Manvendra Singh Shekhawat has been awarded the NDTV Indian Of The Year under the Climate Impact category, whose organisation Dhun has worked to transform 500 acres of barren land into an ecosphere.

Speaking to NDTV's Ankit Tyagi about the idea behind the project, Shekhawat said, "The whole idea came because living environments have a profound impact on determining human outcomes. We can design environments that can give people the freedom, inspiration and resources to manifest their truest potential. If we lean into traditional knowledge systems and technology, and build something on first principles, we can create environments that are far better than now." 

"There were several ups and downs, in the initial stages when we climbed those hills, we didn't think we could build this bridge -- 359 metres from the riverbed," G Madhavi Latha said. 

"But at no point in time did we think it was impossible," she added. 

#IOY2025 | "Would Like To Dedicate This Award To Indian Railways": G Madhavi Latha#NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/HNTunIfJAs

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

The Chenab Rail Bridge, the highest in the world, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rises over the Chenab River, and forms a critical link in the 272-kilometre Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.

As NDTV presented the armed forces with the honour, on stage were Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Vir Chakra Awardees Colonel Koshank Lamba, Lieutenant Colonel Sushil Bisht, Naib Subedar Satish Kumar, Group Captain Manish Arora, Group Captain Kunal Kalra and Wing Commander Joy Chandra, and Nao Sena Medal gallantry awardee Commander Saurabh Kumar.

Here's the full list of winners at the NDTV 'Indian of the Year' 2025 awards. 

Soldiers from the Army, Air Force, and Indian Navy were paid tribute for their unbreakable shield of resolve and sacrifice during Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

In May, the Armed Forces struck terror bases in at least nine locations in Pakistan – including the headquarters of the Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur – as part of the Operation, which was a response to the terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people were killed.

The Indian Armed Forces have been honoured by NDTV with the 'Indian Of The Year' 2025. 

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom Mission 4, won NDTV's 'Science Icon of the Year' 

G Madhavi Latha, winner of NDTV's 'Science Icon of the Year', dedicated the award to the Indian Railway for the engineering of the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge. 

Gali Madhavi Latha is a distinguished professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, where she also serves as Chair of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies. A leading researcher in geotechnical engineering, her expertise spans soil reinforcement, geosynthetics, ground improvement, and rock mechanics. She played a pivotal role in the geotechnical design and foundation engineering for the iconic Chenab Rail Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, demonstrating innovative solutions for challenging Himalayan terrain.

G Madhavi Latha, professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), won NDTV's 'Science Icon of the Year' award.  

Aryan Khan's maternal grandmother Savita Chhibber was also part of the audience at NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025. She said, "I'm so proud of you. May he be very successful."

To this, the director said, "Thank you Nani, agla award aapka hai (Thank you Nani, next award is yours)." Read more.

Manvendra Singh Shekhawat is the visionary founder and CEO of Dhun, a regenerative habitat near Jaipur designed for 8,500 residents seeking community living, continuous learning, and holistic well-being to maximise their true potential. Over the past eight years, he and his team have remarkably transformed 500 acres of barren land into a thriving, biodiverse ecosphere blending traditional wisdom with modern innovation.

Aryan Khan watched a video of of his father Shah Rukh Khan receive NDTV Indian Of The Year Award back in 2007. Read more.

Manvendra Singh Shekhawat, Founder and CEO of Dhun, won the NDTV 'Climate Impact Of The Year' Award.

"I'd like to congratulate my team as they trusted me, a first-time director. This is my first award and hope I get many more awards. Mere dad ki tarah mujhe bhi award bohot pasand hain, par yeh award unke liye nahi, meri mom ke liye hai (Just like my dad, I also really love awards. But this award is not for dad but for my mom," Aryan Khan in his award acceptance speech.

"My mother tells me, 'Jaldi sona, logon ka mazaak mat udaana, aur gaali-galoj to bilkul mat karna (Sleep early, don't make fun of people, and don't abuse at all).' So, thank you NDTV for making my mom the happiest person today. Aaj ghar jaake thodi kam daant padegi (Today, I will be scolded a bit less)" he added. Read more here.

Aryan Khan, who made his highly-anticipated directorial debut this year with The Ba***ds of Bollywood, was named Debutant Director Of The Year Award at NDTV Indian Of The Year.

A love letter to Hindi cinema, The Ba***ds of Bollywood is a seven-episode Netflix series which follows a newcomer outsider Aasmaan Singh, whose successful debut under veteran producer Freddy Sodawallah leads him to a Karan Johar film, which is set to be the launchpad of Karishma Talvar, the daughter of superstar Ajay Talvar. 

NDTV's CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Rahul Kanwal, announced the launch of the 'Masterstroke' Awards, a new initiative to honour outstanding artists across all mediums. Kiran Nadar, founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, will serve as the chairperson of the jury.

#IOY2025 | Bhim Singh Bhavesh devoted himself to uplifting Bihar's marginalised Musahar community through initiatives in education and social empowerment.
Here's what he said after winning the 'Social Impact Of The Year' Award at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/WXAWByGVyK

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Vicky Kaushal, who has played real-life characters in films such as Sardar Udham, Sam Bahadur, and Chhaava, at the NDTV Indian Of The Year revealed whose biopic he would like to star in next. 

"I would love to play Shubhanshu Shukla or Amol Muzumdar in their biopic," he said.

"I'm better at changing diapers than acting," said new father Vicky Kaushal. Read the full story here.

"Patriotism can't be a formula... It would be an insult to call it that... We are proud of our diversity, legacy, and truth of our country. I'm proud to be a part of a fearless India. We are taking India forward through art, sports, and cinema. I feel proud to be a small part of this (phase)" Vicky Kaushal on Chhaava and Dhurandhar being box office hits.

"I'm humbled with this honour, not just as a success but also as a responsibility as an Indian. I also thank Chhaava director Laxman Utekar sir and producer Dinesh Vijan sir. I thank the audience for questioning me and encouraging. I also dedicate this award to my family, especially to the little one," Vicky Kaushal said in his award acceptance speech. 

This was the first time that the actor stepped out of Mumbai after welcoming baby boy with Bollywood star, wife Katrina Kaif in November.

Talking about becoming a father, Vicky Kaushal said, "It's very tough (to leave the city after becoming a father). But one day when he watches this, he'll be proud of his dad. I can't express in words what it means to be a father." Read more.

At NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025, Bollywood star Vicky Kaushal won the Actor Of The Year award. The actor played the role of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in Chhaava. Vicky Kaushal is currently shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War, also starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.

#IOY2025 | Vicky Kaushal Wins Actor Of The Year Award at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear @vickykaushal09 | @rahulkanwal pic.twitter.com/ZCTltQBwG5

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

"We've been playing for a while, but the changes that have been made under Jay sir's leadership have been revolutionary indeed. From pay parity to the WPL, the list goes on. His thoughtful initiatives played a major part in our World Cup triumph," said Harmanpreet Kaur, reflecting on Jay Shah's contributions.

"The WPL has been the game-changer. The difference between world-class players and our domestic stars is reducing with every season. The WPL has witnessed a tremendous spike in viewership," added Amol Muzumdar.

"I find myself in sheer awe at the illustrious talent being honoured here today. They include the visionary artists, elite athletes, and brilliant scientists who have each pushed our nation toward greater heights and bolder horizons. When we watch someone extraordinarily step into the light of recognition, we are not merely applauding a single act of accomplishment, we are honouring years of unseen effort, countless challenges overcome, and the unique brilliance they bring to their craft," said Chief Justice of India Surya Kant at NDTV's 'Indian of the Year.' 

"If I had to describe him in three words, they would be: brilliant, visionary, and compassionate. World cricket is where it is today because of Jay Shah; it is a textbook case of how to commercialize and manage the sport with efficiency," said Dr. Sanjeev Goenka, owner of the Lucknow Super Giants, praising Jay Shah's leadership skills.

Speaking at the NDTV's 'Indian of the Year', Sridhar Vembu, winner of the 'Disruptor of the Year', said he decided to build in India because Silicon Valley also draws a large chunk of its talent from the country, and he wanted to tap this talent at the source.

"Even Silicon Valley is mostly relying on our talent, so we decided to go where the talent is - at the root. Why wait for the talent to show up? We go to the source. I have to dedicate this award to my team. Just today, there was news that the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry will be dead because of AI. That's tech, right? If you miss this turn of AI, you will be dead," he said.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah returned to the stage to receive the 'Transformational Leader of the Year' award. He received the honour from Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

"I would like to dedicate this award to all our girls. Coach Amol Muzumdar also deserves a lot of credit for his contributions. Since 2019, we have made revolutionary changes to women's cricket. We hiked domestic fees by 700 per cent and made significant changes to the international pay structure," said Shah, highlighting the BCCI's recent measures to support the women's game.

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal joined the members of the Indian team on stage. "True heroes of the nation," Vicky said before taking the stage.

Jemimah gave him tips on how to nail a cover drive, while Deepti Sharma showed him how to bowl off-spin. The actor then returned the favor by teaching them his trademark step from the viral "Tauba Tauba" song by Karan Aujla.

"I remember the Honourable Prime Minister Modi speaking about this 10 years ago -- that we need to make India the next global hub for manufacturing. And that, is the biggest change that has happened," said Sunil Vachani, winner of the NDTV's 'Business Leader of the Year.' 

He added, "What we really need to do now is invest in backward integration: ensure that all components of mobile phones are manufactured here, that all mobile phones are designed here, and that India becomes truly Atmanirbhar in electronics."

Jemimah Rodrigues has a guitar in her hand. By special request, she dishes out a melodious verse of "Badal Pe Paon Hain" from the Bollywood movie Chak De! India. But, hold on, she isn't done just yet. Here comes another classic from the cricketer: "Gulabi Aankhen" by Mohammed Rafi and R. D. Burman. Even Amol Muzumdar has joined the party, joining Jemimah for a duet performance.

"Grateful for the opportunity I received two years ago. To win big, like Jemimah said, you have to show discipline and resilience, and have the ability to dream big. Dreams should not be small," said India head coach Amol Muzumdar, reflecting on the team's journey under his watchful eye.

On phones being made in India and zero imports from China, Sunil Vachani, founder and chairman of Dixon Technologies, said, "You know how far we've come in the industry and in the country. Just 20 years ago, every phone sold in India was imported. Fast forward to now: phones have become one of the largest categories of our exports, with nearly $40 billion in value."

"People often ask me what the biggest change has been. For me, it's the shift in mindset," he added. 

"She has never shouted at me for dropping a catch. It's a personality on the field that sets her different. She doesn't carry the onfield aggression off the field," Jemimah Rodrigues on captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

"After India lost the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final in Cape Town, I told the coach (Amol Muzumdar) that your team will win the 2025 Women's World Cup. Just like Rohit Sharma's team India, the women's team also triumphed in the final," ICC chairman Jay Shah says at NDTV's Indian Of The Year Awards.

"I couldn't watch all the matches but i've been following them. This teams reflects the inclusivity of the Indian spirit, culture," CJI Surya Kant said while congratulating the Indian women's cricket team.

The Indian women's cricket team, following their historic 2025 Women's World Cup success, won the NDTV 'Sports Performance of the Year' award. In the presence of head coach Amol Muzumdar, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues received the award on behalf of the entire team.

Sunil Vachani, founder and chairman of Dixon Technologies, won the 'Business Leader of the Year' award. 

"Sky is no longer the limit; it is merely a new frontier," Chief Justice Kant said in his keynote address, referring to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.

"There are few moments in life as uplifting as tonight, where we get to witness deserving individuals receive recognition for their talent in a world that often moves too fast, pausing to celebrate the achievements of those who have laboured with dedication, creativity, and passion is a profound reminder of the beauty of human potential," Chief Justice Kant said.

"I am nervous and excited for Homebound's chances at Oscars, not only because it's our film, but also because there's a responsibility on us to make our country proud. I will work very hard, but I'll be honest I'm not expecting. I just want to make India proud at the global stage," director Neeraj Ghaywan said after receiving Director Of The Year at NDTV Indian Of The Year.

#IOY2025 | "Nervous for Oscars": Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan#NDTVIndianOfTheYear | @ghaywan pic.twitter.com/H8cGU5Yh7l

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

#IOY2025 | Here's what Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu said about Artificial Intelligence at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/DogwnUI7sw

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Neeraj Ghaywan talks about why he makes social dramas such as Homebound and Masaan.

"No one is talking about the marginalised people or people who belong to different backgrounds. Our stories are only limited to 15% of our population... City is not the villain, it however, makes us one. 

"Our eating habits, religion, and caste, or ideology may be different, but what's most important is empathy and humanity. Not just towards who look like us or talk like us, but also towards those who are different to us. We should not discount the humanity between us," the filmmaker said. Read more here.

#IOY2025 | "Important stories must be told": Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan#NDTVIndianOfTheYear | @ghaywan pic.twitter.com/hhvJ7W7Rpy

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan on Friday received the Director Of The Year at NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025.

Neeraj Ghaywan's second directorial feature Homebound has made it to the Oscars 2026 shortlist. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, the pandemic-set film follows a journey of two childhood friends Shoaib and Chandan from a small town in Madhya Pradesh who dream of becoming police officers as they navigate socio-political-economic barriers.

#IOY2025 | Neeraj Ghaywan Wins Director Of The Year Award at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear @ghaywan pic.twitter.com/cnUiKb4Orf

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Chief Justice Surya Kant today graced NDTV's "Indian of the Year 2025' and said he was in "sheer awe" at the talent gathered under a single roof.

"I find myself in sheer awe at the talent being honoured today," Chief Justice Kant said.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant delivers keynote address at NDTV 'Indian of the Year' awards 

After a video of her mother Sridevi receiving Indian Of The Year award at 2012's event was played at Indian Of The Year 2025, Janhvi Kapoor said she was "moved" by the gesture.

"I could tell she was very excited to receive the award. We both are very nervous speakers. Thank you so much for sharing this (moment) with me. This part (Sridevi's death) of my personal life is out in the open as a public person. I'm forced to put on a brave face and behave all proper... But this is a personal moment, it is special award. This (seeing my mother on screen here) made it even more special. I am very moved," she added. Read the full story here.

#IOY2025 | Janhvi Kapoor Gets Emotional Seeing Mom Sridevi Receiving Indian Of The Year 2012 #NDTVIndianOfTheYear | @thejaanhvi pic.twitter.com/etT2VSCT8d

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Janhvi Kapoor said she has learnt several lessons from her parents Sridevi and Boney Kapoor's love story.

"Loyalty, trust, respect, space, room to grow, not curb their experience and trust their instinct," the actor said on stage at NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025. 

#IOY2025 | Janhvi Kapoor Reveals Lessons From Parents Sridevi And Boney Kapoor's Love Story #NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/bEahxlsXke

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

In her acceptance speech, Janhvi Kapoor said, "This means a lot to me. It's ironic that I did this film (Homebound) wanting nothing in return, but it's given me this award and more. This film has given me an opportunity to view the cracks in the society and yet believing in the unity."

"It's teamwork," adds Dr. Kavita Satav. "More than 75 surgeons are coming to our centre and giving free services," she explains.

On Friday, Janhvi Kapoor was named Actor Of The Year (Female) Award at NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025. This year, Jahnvi starred in three films, Param Sundari, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, and Homebound, which is India's official entry to Oscars 2026. She will next be seen in Peddi, a Telugu movie fronted by Ram Charan. Read more.

#IOY2025 | Janhvi Kapoor Wins Actor Of The Year (Female) Award at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear @thejaanhvi pic.twitter.com/iAOlNjg0UI

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Dr. Ashish Satav and Dr. Kavita Satav have served more than a million tribal people in the forests of the Melghat region of Maharashtra. They founded the MAHAN Trust (Meditation, AIDS, Health, Addiction, Nutrition) in 1997.

Anurag Chauhan, Director, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Axis Max Life Insurance and Kiran Nadar, Founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art present the award to Dr. Ashish Satav and Dr. Kavita Satav.

The SaaS industry is said to be under threat because of AI. If, as a tech company, we don't want to miss this turn of AI, that's what keeps us on our toes. But if we navigate it, we'll be even bigger, Sridhar Vembu said. 

Journalist Bhim Singh Bhavesh won NDTV's 'Social Impact Of The Year' award.

For over two decades, he has devoted himself to uplifting Bihar's marginalised Musahar community through initiatives in education and social empowerment. His tireless efforts, including enrolling thousands of children in schools through his foundation 'Nayee Asha', have transformed several lives. In recognition of this extraordinary commitment, he was conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award this year. 

Sridhar Vembu is the founder of Zoho Corporation, a global SaaS company, celebrated for building a major tech firm from rural India without external funding. Through initiatives like Zoho Schools and his strong advocacy for "Make in India" in technology, he has significantly contributed to rural development in the country. His achievements were recognised with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021

Sridhar Vembu, Founder and former chief executive officer of the Zoho Corporation, won NDTV's 'Disruptor Of The Year' Award.

On stage, Ahaan Panday read out Saiyaara co-star Aneet Padda's note for NDTV Indian Of The Year.

#IOY2025 | Ahaan Panday reads out a special message from his Saiyaara co-star Aneet Padda #NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/7BnJos1zmC

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Talking about his Saiyaara co-star Aneet Padda, Ahaan Panday said, "She used to get very annoyed with me on set when I used to say that I'm a senior to her in age. But Aneet is very senior to me in both talent and ability. She is a mammoth of talent. I have learnt so much from her. Besides Mohit Suri, I owe my growth to Aneet." 

Read the full story here.

#IOY2025 | #AhaanPanday one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025, who catapulted to stardom after the release of Mohit Suri's #Saiyaara is at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear2025 event venue
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

"Looking at this reminds me of the first medal I won. It was a silver medal for a 100 m race. My dadi and mumma had come. I was very frustrated it was not gold. I thought, 'Why didn't I win gold?' Some time passed, my grandmother said, 'It's not about winning medals, it's about putting your heart into it. When you win a gold, go up on the stage but make sure don't give the audience a sob story'," said Ahaan Panday after he was named Debutant Actor Of The Year at NDTV Indian Of The Year.

#IOY2025 | "This is my gold": Ahaan Panday after winning Debutant Actor of the Year Award at #NDTVIndianOfTheYear pic.twitter.com/qK11ck3Zfp

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

The actor said, "I owe this to Mohit Suri, my wonderful co-actor Aneet Padda, the team of Saiyaara and my grandmother is dancing up there."

"I have found my calling, this might look like silver, but this is gold," he added. 

Ahaan Panday, who made his acting debut with this year's blockbuster musical romance drama Saiyaara, honoured with the Debutant Actor Of The Year Award at NDTV Indian Of The Year. Read more.

Chaired by Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, the jury panel includes Rajiv Memani, Chairman & CEO of EY India and President of CII; lawyer Cyril Shroff, Managing Partner of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; Rajiv Kumar, former Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; global finance expert Rajeev Misra, CEO & Co-founder of One Investment Management and former CEO of SoftBank Vision Fund; and actor Sharmila Tagore, former Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification.

The NDTV 'Indian Of The Year' awards ceremony has begun. The event will honour standout contributions across various fields, including business leadership, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture, and science.

#IOY2025 | What is #NDTVIndianOfTheYear2025 all about? @vishnundtv gives a detailed explanation
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

The NDTV 'Indian Of The Year' Awards that honour exceptional people from different walks of life are to begin shortly. 

The Ba***ds of Bollywood director and Chhaava star Vicky Kaushal arrive together at Delhi airport for NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025.

#IOY2025 | Vicky Kaushal, Aryan Khan arrive for #NDTVIndianOfTheYear2025
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

The stage is set for the Indian of the Year awards as India stands at a defining moment, shaped by ideas, driven by intent, and powered by people who dare to imagine differently.

"An excellent initiative of recognising the talent": Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on #NDTVIndianOfTheYear2025@JayaKNdtv pic.twitter.com/mRQGCfVT5k

— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

"The 'Indian of the Year' awards are at the heart and soul of what NDTV stands for. We honour the finest in the country from different walks of life," said Vishnu Som, Executive Editor, NDTV. 

Bollywood stars Janhvi Kapoor, Aryan Khan, and Ahaan Panday, and members of the Indian women's cricket team, have arrived in Delhi for NDTV's 'Indian of the Year 2025' awards ceremony.

National Award winner Vicky Kaushal has arrived in Delhi for NDTV Indian of the Year 2025. He was most recently seen in the period epic film Chhaava, which is one of the highest earning Hindi movies of this year. Directed by Laxman Utekar, the movie earned over Rs 600 crore in India.

This year has also been special for Vicky Kaushal as he and Bollywood star, his wife Katrina Kaif welcomed their first child, a son, in November. Catch the actor talk films and life at NDTV Indian Of The Year tonight.

The Ba***ds of Bollywood director Aryan Khan is in Delhi to participate in NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025. This marks the debutant director's first-ever appearance on a public stage. 

Shubhanshu Shukla arrives in Delhi for NDTV #IOY2025
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

A quick look at behind the scenes of NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025 with NDTV's @TJhumroo
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Since the very first 'Indian of the Year' was held in 2005, NDTV's signature event has grown to become an important platform to honour individuals and organisations dedicated to the nation's progress. The awards have consistently celebrated India's heroes, famous or unsung, acknowledging their extraordinary contribution to society.

"No matter how different we may be from each other... Even if we have a difference in opinion or ideology, it is important for us to be united... Perhaps it is the need of the hour. Our film Homebound also gives out the same message," Neeraj Ghaywan told NDTV.

At NDTV Indian Of The Year, the filmmaker will also be joined by Homebound actor Janhvi Kapoor. He is also expected to interact with Vicky Kaushal, star of his critically-acclaimed debut Masaan. 

Saiyaara star Ahaan Panday, who has arrived in Delhi to take part in NDTV Indian of the Year, took selfies with fans gathered at the airport.

The actor, one of the breakout new performers of 2025, was greeted by his admirers as he was exiting from the airport. After Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday is gearing up for an action romance movie to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar for Yash Raj Films. 

Actor Ahaan Pandey in Delhi for NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025, speaks exclusively to NDTV's @JayaKNdtv
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Homebound director Neeraj Ghaywan says, "I'm fortunate to be in the company of such illustrious personalities who are receiving this award (NDTV Indian of the Year) tonight. It's a great occasion. I'll get to spend time with them and interact with them. I thank NDTV from the bottom of my heart for choosing me as the Indian of the Year."

Ahead of NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025, 'Homebound' director Neeraj Ghaywan (@ghaywan) speaks to NDTV's @JayaKNdtv on NDTV #IOY2025, his film and more - Watch
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Director Neeraj Ghaywan has arrived in Delhi to participate in NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025 on Friday evening. His film Homebound was recently shortlisted for Oscars 2026. It is India's official entry to the 98th Academy Awards in the Best International category. 

Aryan Khan, who made a spectacular directorial debut with The Ba***ds of Bollywood on Netflix, is on his way to Delhi to take part in The Indian Of The Year 2025. Know more about how Aryan Khan stood out as a star kid despite being behind the camera this year. Read.

Director Aryan Khan leaves for Delhi for NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025
Watch him from 6 PM onwards only on the NDTV Network & https://t.co/5fVqdvooT0
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 19, 2025

Continuing its tradition of honouring excellence, NDTV will recognise and celebrate outstanding Indians across 14 diverse categories - ranging from science, business, health to sports, entertainment, culture and science.

Watch NDTV Indian of The Year 2025 LIVE, 6 pm onwards only on NDTV Network and ndtv.com/indianoftheyear

Saiyaara star Ahaan Panday has reached Delhi to participate in NDTV Indian Of The Year 2025. Ahaan Panday made his acting debut with Mohit Suri's intense musical romantic drama Saiyaara, which released to both commercial and critical success earlier this year. 

The actor played the role of a heartbroken rockstar Krish in Saiyaara, which is among one of the highest grossing Hindi films of the year. It earned almost Rs 400 crore at the box office in India.

You watched history unfold. Now meet Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian who pushed beyond Earth's limits, at the NDTV Indian of The Year 2025. Don't miss this extraordinary story - only on NDTV Network & ndtv.com/indianoftheyear.

One performance. A thousand emotions.
Meet the actor who made the nation roar. Watch Vicky Kaushal live at the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 on December 19th.
Save the date!#NDTVIndianOfTheYear #NDTV #VickyKaushal
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— NDTV (@ndtv) December 13, 2025