Leading faces from Indian cinema came together at ZEE Samvad with Real Heroes 2026, hosted by ZEE Media Corporation Limited on February 6, 2026, at The Fairmont, Mumbai, for an evening of conversations and recognitions highlighting influence beyond the screen.
Actor Hina Khan spoke openly about her battle with Stage 3 breast cancer, sharing that accepting the diagnosis was one of the most difficult phases of her life. She spoke about the physical and emotional limitations that come with the illness and said her willingness to live played a crucial role in her recovery. Hina added that continuing to work helped her cope mentally through the process. She was felicitated by Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, ZEE News, during the session.
In a conversation with Gul Panag, actor Sonu Sood reflected on the idea of heroes, calling his parents and teachers his first role models. Addressing questions around politics, he said that while he has received offers, entering politics demands complete accountability and time commitment. He also spoke about the impact of cancel culture on actors and strongly advocated limiting children’s access to social media, emphasising that technology should be used for education and skill development. Sonu Sood was felicitated by Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor, ZEE News, for his contribution and social impact.
Actor Rakul Preet Singh spoke about building her career without a film background and adapting to the evolving film industry. Addressing the nepotism debate, she said that while access to opportunities may differ, long-term success depends on audience acceptance. She also highlighted how OTT platforms have encouraged creators to push storytelling boundaries. Rakul Preet Singh was felicitated by Mayank Agrawal, CEO, Galantt Group.
The event also featured appearances by Adah Sharma, Madhur Bhandarkar, Shefali Shah, Radhika Madan, Mona Singh and Ahan Shetty, who were recognised for their contribution to cinema and popular culture.
ZEE Samvad with Real Heroes 2026 continued to serve as a platform for honest conversations where cinema, responsibility and real-world impact intersect. #ZeeSamvadWithRealHeroes
