While Dhurandhar 2 dominated the Hindi categories, Tarsem Jassar’s spiritual epic took center stage for the North, proving that "Pollywood" storytelling is reaching new heights of national recognition.
The Big Wins for 'Guru Nanak Jahaz'
The film, which resonated deeply with audiences for its historical and spiritual depth, bagged three of the most prestigious trophies in the Punjabi language block:
Best Film: Awarded to Vehli Janta Films and True Roots Productions.
Best Actor: Tarsem Jassar received the trophy for his powerful and nuanced lead performance.
Best Director: Sharan Art was honoured for his visionary handling of the ambitious subject matter.
Sargun Mehta Wins Best Actress
While Guru Nanak Jahaz swept the male and film categories, the Best Actress (Punjabi) award went to the "Queen of Pollywood," Sargun Mehta, for her stellar performance in 'Sarbala Ji'. This win further solidifies her status as one of the most consistent and decorated performers in the industry.
INCA 2026: Punjabi Winners at a Glance
Category Winner Film Best Film Vehli Janta Films Guru Nanak Jahaz Best Actor Tarsem Jassar Guru Nanak Jahaz Best Actress Sargun Mehta Sarbala Ji Best Director Sharan Art Guru Nanak Jahaz
A National Platform for Regional Excellence
The INCA Awards, promoted by Vishnu Vardhan Induri (the mind behind SIIMA and CCL), aim to be the "Indian Oscars" by bringing all regional industries under one audited, peer-driven voting system.
The "Dhurandhar" Connection: The night also saw Ranveer Singh win Best Actor (Hindi) for Dhurandhar 2 and Yami Gautam Dhar win Best Actress for Haq.
The Celebration: During his acceptance speech, Tarsem Jassar expressed his pride in representing Punjabi culture on such a massive stage, noting that the recognition for Guru Nanak Jahaz belongs to the entire team that worked tirelessly to bring this historical narrative to life.
SantaBanta Verdict:
For 'Guru Nanak Jahaz' to win "Big" in a room full of pan-Indian superstars like Allu Arjun, Rajinikanth, and Shah Rukh Khan is a testament to the evolving quality of Punjabi cinema. Sharan Art and Tarsem Jassar have not just made a hit film; they’ve created a piece of art that has now been stamped with national excellence.
