Mumbai Hosts First-Ever True Vertical Awards

Mumbai (Maharashtra), February 27: The Indian entertainment industry marked a significant milestone as the inaugural True Vertical Awards concluded on a high note at the Thakur International School Auditorium in Kandivali, Mumbai. The event celebrated the meteoric rise of vertical micro-dramas—an emerging content format that has rapidly transformed the digital entertainment landscape.

With over 200 million subscribers globally and more than 50 platforms actively producing vertical content, the micro-drama format has evolved into a dynamic and influential storytelling medium within just a few years. Recognizing this unprecedented growth, Mohammad Shamim Faridi of True Dreams Entertainment conceptualized and organized the awards to honour creative and technical excellence within the vertical entertainment space.

Held under the banner of True Dreams Entertainment, the ceremony created history as India’s first dedicated awards platform for vertical micro-dramas.

Major Acting Honours

The evening’s top acting accolades went to celebrated television personalities. Hiten Tejwani was awarded Best Actor for his compelling performance in Aakhri Rasta on Quick TV, while Stuti Winkle clinched Best Actress for her role in Love Shaadi Dhokha.

In the negative role categories, Sonalika Prasad received Best Negative Role (Female) for Manmohini, and Rishi Ingle secured Best Negative Role (Male) for Double Trap on Alright TV. Dadhi Pandey won Best Supporting Actor for Beta Bana Billionaire on Quick TV, while young talent Kiara was honoured as Best Child Artist for her performance in Chaalbaaz, also on Quick TV.

Recognizing Technical and Regional Excellence

The awards extended beyond performance categories to spotlight the creative forces behind the camera. True Dreams Entertainment was named Best Production House, while Neeraj Gupta received Best Director (National).

Vidhata Ki Wapsi on Quick TV won Best Action Drama Series, and Valmiki Films was recognized for Best VFX for Amar Yoddha. Vikas Mahto earned Best Writer for Chaalbaaz.

Regional storytelling also took center stage. Dishant Guliya was applauded for Dost Bani Sautan (Haryanvi), alongside Monika Sharma for Tabah Tere Ishq Me. In the Rajasthani segment, Ankit Bhardwaj and Bhumi Gaur were acknowledged for their performances, while Urgesh Prasad Ujala received the Best Bhojpuri Director award. The highest-viewed series recognition went to Gold Digger Kahin Ki on Story TV.

A Night of Celebration and Glamour

The ceremony opened with a soulful Ganpati performance, setting a spiritual tone for the evening. High-energy dance acts choreographed by Irshad Khan and his team elevated the entertainment quotient throughout the night.

The event was hosted by actor-anchor Tarun Khanna and actress Aman Sandhu, who kept audiences engaged with their charismatic presence. Hiten Tejwani frequently joined them on stage, adding humour and spontaneity to the proceedings.

Prominent industry personalities, including Abhay Sinha (IMPAA), Sachin Tyagi, Maninee De, and Dadhi Pandey, attended the ceremony. Television star Waqar Shaikh, present as a guest, expressed admiration for the rapidly growing format, stating that he hopes to soon work in vertical shows and return next year not just as a presenter but as an award recipient.

The audience was treated to lively stand-up performances by Rahman Khan and Rajiv Nigam, while actors Naina Chhabra, Smriti Khanna, Ashish Mishra, Vasant Kumar, Rishikesh Ingle, and Srishti Gupta delivered memorable stage appearances.

In a heartfelt gesture, the organizers also honoured spot boys, acknowledging their indispensable contribution to production teams.

Concluding the evening, Shamim Faridi announced that the full awards ceremony will soon be available for streaming on a vertical content platform, extending the celebration to digital audiences worldwide.

The True Vertical Awards have set a new benchmark in recognizing innovation in short-format storytelling, underscoring the growing prominence of vertical entertainment in India’s evolving media ecosystem.