GECs
Star Plus’ ‘AKRHZ’ aims to infuse optimism in life with Amitabh Bachchan
MUMBAI: Star Plus’ upcoming show Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi is soon going to beam across television screens. The show will showcase Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan in a pivotal role as he embarks upon a journey to celebrate life and aims to infuse optimism in people.
As was previously reported by Indiantelevision.com, the show will go on air from 18 October and will be aired on Sundays at 8 pm.
Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi aims to inspire people to change their outlook, and cherish the good that life has to offer, apart from entertaining them of course.
Star India COO Sanjay Gupta said, “Entertainment when done with a sense of purpose can be a very powerful tool, one that can break the cynicism and bring about happiness. As a network, we have always strived to inspire a billion imaginations while working towards giving our audience something new and exciting. And with Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi, we are happy to collaborate again with Amitabh Bachchan on a project, which is so special. Off late, an overexposure of negative news has impacted our perspective towards life, so the show is an attempt to bring back a sense of optimism.”
Sharing his views about the show, Bachchan said, ”The show is all about a celebration of life and people who have made a difference. I am working with Star after a gap of 15 years and wanted a project that befitted the legacy. Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi is One such endeavour that will make you smile, dance, clap and go ‘HuuHaa’ with joy. Life Is all about living, loving and celebrating moments with pepole who put a smile on your face and it is celebration that matters most.”
The channel has roped in Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsor and Cadbury Dairy Milk as the powered by sponsor.
Maruti Suzuki India marketing and sales executive director R S Kalsi said, “We at Maruti Suzuki always believe in making a difference to every Indian and our inspiration comes from one place – India’s hopes, dreams and aspirations. It’s a privilege to be associated with a show that shares the same belief. Our vision is to be the ‘Pride of India’ and Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi celebrates the pride of the ordinary people who have contributed and made a difference to the society in some form or the other.”
“Cadbury Dairy Milk has always stood for triggering joy through unlocking relationships and this program is all about people who go beyond to bring joy to the lives of others. CDM stands for generosity, optimism and authenticity and we felt that the stories of AKRHZ mirror those very values- hence it seemed like a great,” added Mondelez India director Prashant Peres.
The show is based on the Tonight’s The Night format, which is owned and produced by BBC Worldwide.
The extensive marketing campaign by Star Plus before the launch of the show, has led to immense curiosity and discussions all over. The first teaser of the campaign received over one million views on Facebook in less than 20 hours, creating a new benchmark for TV shows. The creative campaign has been conceived by O&M and produced by Bubble Wrap Films.
The punch line of the teasers, ‘Huuhaa’ got the nation talking about the show with #HuuHaa trending on social media. The entire campaign on social media has received over 400 million potential impressions till date creating a lot of positive buzz. This will be followed by a marketing blitz on television, radio, digital and outdoor.
HuuHaa to that!
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
