With the visionary leadership of Mr. Mahendra Gangadharan, the inaugural BIG Awards 2025 set a new benchmark for India’s event and experience landscape.
On 31st August 2025, the inaugural BIG Awards 2025 took place in the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield, Bangalore. Powered by Neferrtiti Weddings and led by the visionary Mr. Mahendra Gangadharan, the event was more than just an award gala. With 800+ attendees, 300+ planners, and 100+ winners, it was the beginning of a movement to position India as the global hub for events, uniting pioneers, empowering creators and setting the stage for a new era of excellence.
A Legacy of 35+ Years, A Future of Generations
At the heart of BIG stands Mr. Mahendra Gangadharan, who has been the connoisseur of scale, the custodian of creativity, and the patriarch of India’s most celebrated experiences for over three and a half decades. From intimate unions to global spectacles, Mahendra’s touch has always been marked by flawless precision, emotional storytelling, and an innate ability to unite people under the grandeur of a shared moment.
What began as one man’s dream has blossomed into a generational mission, ensuring that India’s creative voice echoes on the global stage. BIG, under his stewardship, is no longer just an awards platform—it is a cultural institution. An institution that honours veterans, elevates rising stars, and positions India as the pulsating heart of the world’s event narrative.
As the world now looks to BIG as the Oscars of the Event Industry, it carries forward not only the grandeur of its debut but also the depth of a man’s enduring belief: that India’s talent, artistry, and imagination deserve a stage without borders.
“BIG Awards is not just a celebration—it is the legacy of an industry, the voice of its veterans, and the stage for its rising stars,” says Mahendra.
Read Also: Bollywood Celebs’ Iconic Looks in Giorgio Armani Designs
Icons, Innovation & Impact
BIG Awards 2025 recognised legends and changemakers:
- Media Baron of the Year – Wedding Affair
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Mr. Rituraj Khanna
- The Empress of Events—Mrs. Geethanjali Santosh
- Green Impact Award – The Echoes of Earth
Strategic Advisor Srikant Kanoi amplified the industry’s hospitality voice, uniting hoteliers and hospitality brands as key collaborators in this global movement. Mr. Rajnish Rathi, Editor of Wedding Affair, received the award from Mr. Nitin Tandon, Director of The Bharat Hospitality – TBH.
From Dream to Destiny: The BIG Foundation & Influencers
The launch of the BIG Foundation and BIG Event Influencers marked the beginning of BIG’s journey as more than a one-night celebration.
- The BIG Foundation will focus on education, mentorship, sustainability, and global collaborations.
- BIG Event Influencers will bring together international thought leaders to shape the conversations defining the future of the industry.
And to give this movement a voice, BIG introduced “We Rise”—the Anthem of the Event Industry. “An industry this powerful needs a voice—with ‘We Rise,’ the world will hear it loud and clear.”
The Minds Behind BIG Awards 2025
The BIG Awards 2025 was not just an event—it was a vision brought to life by creative powerhouses. At its core was Darshan Prakash, Curator and Craft Lead, whose 18+ years in branding, events, and multimedia made him the architect of the spectacle. From conceiving the name and designing the trophy to shaping the event’s aesthetic and cultural weight, Darshan ensured every detail carried artistry, intention, and ambition. Complementing him was Dishti Raju, the Brander, who gave BIG its voice and narrative. With over a decade of expertise in luxury branding and marketing, she positioned BIG as more than an awards show—it became a global lifestyle statement, blending storytelling, prestige, and aspiration.
Driving flawless execution was Siddarth Mahendra, Production Director and Orchestrator, who carried forward his father’s 35+ year legacy with precision-driven leadership and production excellence. For him, BIG is not just one night of grandeur but a platform of lasting global relevance through initiatives like the BIG Foundation and BIG Event Influencers. Together, these three visionaries transformed BIG Awards into a movement that showcased India’s creativity, credibility, and ambition on the world stage.
Read Also: Master the Quiet Elegance Aesthetic Wedding Decor
With the power of legacy (35+ years), curation (18+ years), branding (10+ years), and next-gen production vision, BIG Awards 2025 has envisioned positioning itself as the Oscars of the World Event Industry.
“BIG Awards isn’t just India’s global stage—it’s the industry’s invitation to the world: come, celebrate, and rise with us.”
Subscribe to Wedding Affair for everything wedding.
