Young Uttarakhand Cine Awards 2026: Regional Cinema and Music Shine at Bharat Mandapam

New Delhi: Uttarakhand’s regional cinema, folk music and culture took centre stage at the Young Uttarakhand Cine Awards (YUCA) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on August 30.

The awards honoured artists, filmmakers, singers and musicians for their contribution to Uttarakhand’s regional entertainment industry in 2025.

Veteran theatre artist Bimal Bahuguna received the Young Uttarakhand Lifetime Achievement Award, while Padma Shri awardee and renowned Jagar singer Pritam Bhartwan was honoured with the Gopal Babu Goswami Legendary Singer Award.

‘Raibar’ Wins Best Film

The film ‘Raibar’ emerged as the major winner, securing Best Film, Best Director (Shishir Uniyal), Best Actor (Sunil Singh), Best Story, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actress and Best Background Music awards.

The film also received a ₹1 lakh cash prize from Abhivyakti Ki Karyashala for being named the Best Film of 2025.

Music Artists Honoured

Narendra Singh Negi won Best Lyricist for Ku Rai Hola Chhuyal, while Kushal Singh Neel won Best Composer and Ganesh Martolia and Ruchi Jangpangi won Best Singer and Best Female Singer respectively for Panchachuli Desh.

The ceremony also featured colourful folk music and dance performances. A special live performance by Narendra Singh Negi was a major highlight, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

YUCA 2026 once again highlighted the growing national recognition of Uttarakhand’s regional cinema, music and rich folk culture.

Himalayan Live Bureau