At the Chetak Screen Awards 2026, Ahaan Panday was awarded the Breakthrough New Actor (Male) for his role in the film *Saiyaara*. The competition included other debut performers such as Mohit Agarwal, Aaman Devgan, Samuel Abiola Robinson, and Aishvary Thackeray. The awards ceremony was held in Mumbai, with Anupam Kher and Neeraj Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto, presenting the trophy. The event was hosted by prominent personalities including Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt and comedians Zakir Khan and Sunil Grover. Instituted by The Indian Express Group, the Chetak Screen Awards honor excellence in cinema and OTT platforms based on merit and peer recognition. The nominees and winners were selected by the Screen Academy, which comprises 53 respected filmmakers and cultural figures, ensuring a fair evaluation process guided by detailed grading guidelines designed by Dr. Priya Jaikumar. The ceremony was broadcast live on YouTube, Sony Entertainment Television, and Sony LIV.