GECs
‘KBC 8’ to roll out in August
MUMBAI: One of Sony Entertainment’s biggest property, knowledge-based show, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is back and hopefully with a spike in viewership this time! In season eight of the game show, Cadbury continues to be the title sponsor and is powered by Idea.
KBC, the Indian adaptation of the original format, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, catapulted Star Plus’s popularity and boosted Sony’s viewership once upon a time. In season seven, it completely surprised viewers with a new avatar in terms of format, level of audience engagement, prize money and so on, but did not go well as expected in terms of ratings.
In order to gain more attraction this time, the channel has started to create buzz well in advance. Big Synergy director Anita Kaul Basu revealed that the show will go on-floors in July and on-air sometime in August. She further revealed that there will be a few changes in the format as well but that is all on ideation stage currently. “It is too early to talk on this. We have a lot of ideas as to how to go about it, but we haven’t given a nod to any,” said Basu.
Basu who has given a new dimension to Indian television by producing KBC believes one needs to keep re-inventing to bring in the fresh perspective. Whether it is in terms of format or creative, with every season it has enthralled the audiences with its content.
Hosted by inimitable host, Amitabh Bachchan, this season has kicked off with the line – “Iss manch se koi bhi khali haath nahi jaata”. Registrations for the same have already started from 5 May where questions are asked regularly on Sony at 9pm every night.
Potential participants have to answer these correctly in order to have a chance to be on the hot seat. This season, aspiring contestants have access to two new platforms to reach the hot seat: They can download the KBC official app and register by sharing the correct answer, their age and gender. Also registration is possible via sending an SMS to 5252525 with the correct answer along with necessary details.
Idea users can register themselves simply by sending an SMS from their Idea mobile. Additionally, viewers can also opt for registration through BSNL landline phones or via Idea IVRS code. Alternatively, viewers can log on to kbcsony.com to register for their shot at the ‘Hot Seat’.
In an earlier interaction, MSM CEO NP Singh had agreed to the fact that KBC needed some innovation with every season. “We have to continue to innovate and so we have brought several innovations in KBC. Though it was well received in the beginning, eventually it settled down at a lower number. But that doesn’t mean there is fatigue with the format of the show. We will do something more when we bring KBC the next time.”
Sony SVP head- marketing Gaurav Seth believes that the show is a reflection of the hopes and aspirations of millions of people who are looking at transforming their lives. He said, “This year we are attempting to bring the show closer to our viewers by engaging various mediums through which they can enhance their chance to be on the much coveted hot seat. We are confident that once the season gets underway, it will strike a deep emotional chord with the entire country, like never before.”
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.
