Bengaluru, Oct 13: The second edition of GQ Heroes 2026 took place from 9-11 October at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, bringing together influential voices across film, fashion and sport for a programme of conversations and curated experiences celebrating the individuals and ideas shaping their respective fields. The event was supported by partners Ajmal Dubai, Suuraj Popley, Meghalaya Tourism and Mercedes-Benz, with Floral Partner by Phool & Pheras.

“The Second Edition of GQ Heroes — A Festival of Ideas — was our most distinct, unique experiential program to date. Set against the backdrop of the historic Nandi Hills, GQ Heroes is a platform where our community can learn, discover, laugh, and meaningfully connect.” - Che Kurrien, Head of Editorial Content, GQ India

GQ Heroes opened on 9 October with GQ GOLF × The Glenlivet, a golf session at Prestige Golfshire Club that brought together sport and lifestyle. The evening continued at JW Garden Pavilion with a welcome note by Che Kurrien, Head of Editorial Content at GQ India, followed by a series of GQ Heroes sessions.

In a conversation with film critic Rajeev Masand, Huma Qureshi spoke candidly about the disorientation of her early years in the industry, recalling how, despite being praised as a promising newcomer in 2012, she felt like an imposter among her peers. “I’m really enjoying growing older,” she said, describing the calmness and ease that have come with a stronger sense of self.

The programme then turned towards Meghalaya, a state whose musical culture has become central to its contemporary identity. Songwriter and producer Chegim Durama took the stage with his bandmates. Hailing from Tura, Durama has been exploring music since the age of 13, bringing together folk and soul while drawing on his Garo roots. Continuing the exploration of culture and place, GQ’s culture editor Sanjana Ray spoke with contributing editor Vivek Menezes. The evening concluded with dinner and cocktails at East: The Asian Living Room, bringing guests together for an opportunity to connect beyond the sessions.

The conversations continued on 10 October, opening with actor Sobhita Dhulipala in conversation with Renuka Modi, Condé Nast India’s director of editorial operations. The discussion explored individuality as a form of self-possession, with Sobhita’s own journey, from Miss India Earth to a multilingual acting career, equally defined by refusing easy categorisation. “I don’t feel the need to belong,” she said. “And in that, there’s freedom. In that, there’s courage.”

The day’s programme also featured Raghava KK and AD Singh, who joined the line-up of voices bringing their experiences and perspectives to the GQ Heroes stage.

Guests then came together for an experiential sit-down lunch at Aaleeshan, presented by Ajmal Dubai, before the conversations resumed with designer JJ Valaya.

Cricketing great Ajinkya Rahane joined GQ’s contributing editor and prominent sports journalist Jamie Alter to revisit India’s remarkable 2020-21 Test series victory in Australia. Reflecting on the mindset required to compete at the highest level, Rahane said,

 “Sometimes as a sports person you’ve got to bluff. Even if you’re scared, you’ve got to bluff to your opposition.”

The festival’s final conversation paired actor and producer Ali Fazal with film critic Rajeev Masand. Fazal spoke about producing stories with his wife, Richa Chadha, and his desire to see Indian narratives travel without being engineered to fit Western expectations. Fazal reflected on the unprecedented journey of Mirzapur from streaming phenomenon to theatrical success, while describing the emotional demands of inhabiting Guddu across seasons.

The day’s conversations and experiences were complemented by dinner and cocktails, giving guests an opportunity to connect and continue discussions beyond the sessions.

Adding to the experience, guests received curated goodie bags featuring a selection of products from the event’s partners and collaborators. These included the Forest Ember Gift Set from Seva Home, the Royal Medium Pour Over Coffee from Nandan Coffee, branded apparel from Crepdog Crew and Rebel Art Division, and the AMINU Time Capsule featuring the Longevity Serum and Milky Mineral Sunscreen, the Glow Mask Sheets from The Face Shop and Eri silk stoles from Meghalaya Tourism.

The second edition of GQ Heroes brought together individuals and ideas through conversations, performances and curated experiences, creating space to exchange perspectives and celebrate those making an impact across their respective fields.