GECs
Sony to push digital platform Liv for ‘Indian Idol Junior’ auditions
MUMBAI: It’s time for all the little ones to strengthen their vocal cords and showcase their talent as Indian Idol Junior (IIJ) is back with a bang on Sony Entertainment Television. And this time round, Sony is looking at giving its digital platform – Sony Liv a push via the show’s auditions.
For the first time ever, IIJ will give a chance to the audience to be a part of the auditions through a digital process called Digital Ace.
To take part, all kids have to do is upload their best audio or video performances on the Sony Liv website or the Sony Liv app. A digital jury will review all the performances and will select 12 kids who will be called to Mumbai for the Jury Round. Out of the 12 performances, the top four will get an opportunity to perform in front of the show’s judges.
This second edition of IIJ will be judged by Vishal Dadlani, Salim Merchant and Sonakshi Sinha. Singer Shalmali Kholgade will be the special judge for the auditions.
The first leg of the auditions kickstarted in Kolkata on 4 April and saw outstanding participation from kids. The city also saw the show bring in a new twist to the audition process with the announcement of digital auditions.
SET SVP and marketing head Gaurav Seth said, “After the over-whelming response received last season, we are delighted to announce the commencement of Indian Idol Junior auditions. We would like to urge all the kids to show their singing talent and be a part of the new season. Digital Ace will only help kids to give the long lines a skip and impress the judges through their audios or videos. It’s definitely an endeavor that will help aspirants all over.”
Dadlani added, “I am thrilled to be part of Indian Idol Junior once again. Looking at such talented kids is an inspiration in itself. Kolkata has always given us some of our best contestants and this time too we were not disappointed. We are also looking forward to the performances of the winners of the Digital Ace. We are sure this season is going to be an equally exciting one.”
After Kolkata, the audition process will move to Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai on 11 April, 18 April and 25 April respectively.
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.
