GECs
‘Masterchef’ awards Paneer Makhani as India’s favourite veg dish
MUMBAI: In an all India voting poll initiated by Star Plus, Paneer Makhani emerged as India’s favourite veg dish among the top 10 popular dishes suggested by MasterChef judges, Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar.
The 10 dishes which included Rajma Chawal, Dum Aloo, Sarson Da Saag, Dal Makhani, Chana Masala etc. were shortlisted by the three judges, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, Vikas Khanna and Ranveer Brar and the resultant most favourite dish was Paneer Makhani with a whopping 40 per cent votes. Now this winning dish is to be integrated in the on air show as one of the dishes to be made. This All India poll was not just supported by the Masterchef Judges but even the other actors of Star Plus voted for their favourite dish. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor said, “Everyone has a different choice when it comes to food, people, views but nobody has ever taken the initiative to find out what the majority stands with and Star Plus has done just that by taking a step to know India’s favourite Veg dish and surprisingly it is also my favourite dish – Paneer Makhani”.
Vikas Khanna, the Michelin Star Award winner said, “I value vegetarian food more after living in the States and you will be mighty surprised to know that a lot of foreigners as well support vegetarianism…as veg food too has several choices and flavours. I am glad that this not just another research because this initiative will be taken a step forward by the MasterChef kitchen by including the dish in our show”.
Star plus is championing the growing food culture through Masterchef and this is a one of its kind initiative to bring to limelight the fandom behind veg food like Paneer Makhani.
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.
