IFTAA Awards Trophy Unveiled to Honor 26/11 Martyrs and Real-Life Heroes

In a heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the unveiling of the IFTAA Awards trophy marked a powerful moment of remembrance and recognition. Organized by social worker and entrepreneur Kushal Suresh Dhuri, the initiative aims to honor the courage of India’s real-life heroes—particularly the Mumbai Police, NSG, and other security forces who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

The event saw the presence of veteran Bollywood actresses Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure, whose words resonated deeply with the audience. Dhillon remarked, “It’s easy to be a hero on screen, but real-life heroism demands unmatched courage. Honoring those who protect us and supporting their families is not just noble—it’s necessary.” Kolhapure echoed the sentiment, stating, “Those who safeguard our nation are the true stars. We must all step forward to support their families and preserve their legacy.”

The IFTAA Awards—short for Indian Film & Television Artists Awards—are designed to celebrate both real-life bravery and reel-life excellence. The ceremony will pay homage to the martyrs of 26/11, including Hemant Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, and Ashok Kamte, whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations. The awards also aim to spotlight individuals from the entertainment industry who use their platforms to promote social awareness and national pride.

The trophy launch was a dignified affair, with a symbolic cake-cutting and a gathering of notable guests from the film, television, and public service sectors. Among those present were Waris Pathan, Imtiaz Hussain, Anand Balraj, Nilesh Malhotra, Mahi Sharma, Ramesh Goyal, Ali Khan, Resham Tipnis, Jayant Wadkar, Vijay Patkar, Vishwajeet Soni, Rajiv Nigam, Naveen Prabhakar, Sahila Chaddha, and Sanjay Mahale. Their collective presence underscored the unity between the entertainment community and civic society in honoring national heroes.

Also in attendance were senior officials and public figures including Deepak Pandit (IRS), Ravi Subarna (IRS), Anil Galgali, Uday Pratap Singh, Vinod Mehta, Pallavi Singh, Deepak Kapadia, Pappu Bhai, and Chaitanya Padukone. Actor-producer Amol Bawdhankar lent his support to the initiative, reinforcing the importance of cultural figures in amplifying social causes.

The awards ceremony is being organized under the banner of Shri Ratna Balaji Films, with Rajiv Chaudhary as director and producer. Co-organizers Surendra Pal and Ramakant Munde are overseeing the event’s execution, with Munde also managing celebrity coordination and media outreach through Munde Media. His role as Chief PRO and photographer ensured the event’s seamless documentation and coverage.

Speaking about the vision behind the awards, Kushal Suresh Dhuri said, “The martyrs of 26/11 are the embodiment of courage. This ceremony, titled ‘An Evening in the Name of Martyrs,’ is our humble effort to honor their memory and support their families. We also want to recognize those in the entertainment industry who inspire patriotism and social change.”

The unveiling of the IFTAA trophy is more than a ceremonial gesture—it’s a call to remember, respect, and respond. It bridges the gap between cinematic storytelling and real-world valor, reminding audiences that heroism exists beyond the screen. By honoring both protectors and performers, the awards aim to foster a culture of gratitude, empathy, and national unity.

As India continues to reflect on the legacy of 26/11, initiatives like the IFTAA Awards serve as poignant reminders of the sacrifices made and the responsibilities we share. Through art, acknowledgment, and action, the event promises to be a meaningful tribute to those who gave everything for the nation.