UP Creators Summit & Awards 2026: Sunil Grover, Harsh Gujral and Akshat Gupta to lead day one
Content creators from across Uttar Pradesh (UP) are changing the way people see and experience the state’s rich culture and communities. With their unique voices and growing digital presence, content creators are highlighting local talent, traditions and stories while also sparking new conversations around UP’s identity. And so, to honour and celebrate this vibrant creator ecosystem, the UP Creators Summit & Awards will bring together some of the state’s most influential and emerging digital voices on August 19-20, 2026, in Varanasi.The two-day event will begin on August 19 with a series of engaging masterclasses and conversations focused on the craft and business of content creation. The highlight of the second day will be the UP Creators Awards, which will recognise creators making a difference across different categories and adding to the state’s thriving creator economy.Day 1: Sunil Grover, Harsh Gujral and Akshat Gupta on UP Creators Summit & AwardsDay One will feature a fireside chat with actor-comedian Sunil Grover on the subject ‘The Act of Storytelling’. In this session, Grover– who is known for his memorable characters, comic timing and ability to connect with audiences across formats– will share the craft behind compelling storytelling. The session will look at what makes a story memorable, how creators can build relatable characters and the role of authenticity in creating content that stays with audiences.The day will also feature stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral, who will conduct a masterclass on ‘Ethical Rulebook for Content Creation’. As creators gain greater influence over conversations, opinions and trends, responsible content creation has become increasingly important. Gujral’s session will examine the ethical considerations creators must navigate while balancing humour, entertainment, authenticity and audience expectations.Another masterclass will be taken by popular author Akshat Gupta on the topic ‘Finding Your Niche’, focusing on one of the biggest challenges facing creators today: Discovering what sets them apart. This session will explore how creators can find their strengths, learn about their audience and build a clear creative identity in an increasingly crowded digital space.Over the course of three sessions, creators will gain a better understanding of the fundamental values that can help them have a flourishing creative journey, including finding their voice, creating responsibly, and mastering storytelling.Day 2: UP Creators AwardsDay One will set the stage for a larger celebration of Uttar Pradesh’s creator community. On the second day, the spotlight will turn to the UP Creators Awards, where the best creators from across the state will be recognised and celebrated for their creativity, influence and contribution to the evolving cultural and digital landscape of Uttar Pradesh.To know more CLICK HERE
