GECs
SaharaOne unveils two properties; plans big marketing push
MUMBAI: As part of their aggressive plans to ramp the programming on the network, SaharaOne has unveiled two more properties in connection with their sixth property roll out. These include the weeklies Zaara Pyaar Ki Saugat, which is slated to kick off on 4 December at 8 pm and Ghar Ek Sapna, which is targeting an 18 December launch.
Following the launch of the two shows Solhah Singaarr and Kuch Apne Kuch Paraye, the channel is looking to make a big noise around the launch of Zaara Pyaar Ki Saugat with live outdoor screenings of the first episode in certain pockets of Mumbai including Mahim Causeway, Mohammad Ali Road and Azad Maidan.
Expectedly, the channel will roll out marketing initiatives via print, outdoor and radio. But in addition to this the channel is also looking to heavily utilize the internet with contests, games and blog sites like the hugely visited community website Orkut, says SaharaOne marketing head Rajeev Chakraborthy.
The marketing plans for Ghar Ek Sapna are yet to be cemented, which Chakraborthy was apprehensive to disclose.
Commenting on the relevance of the themes for both shows, SaharaOne programming head Kalyan Sundaram says that research from smaller towns and cities have shown that this ‘women dominated’ audience prefers to identify with the non-progressive home bound Indian female as opposed to women achievers such as journalists and lawyers. This explains the move back towards narrating the story of the traditional homemaker.
The channel has recently been boasting of the two new shows generating good numbers and CEO Shantonu Aditya seems confident that the latest additions will garner the same. In line with their programming fight plan, two more non-fiction properties will be unveiled, following which two big properties will emerge in January and February next year. These will tread the reality path much like what competition is doing, only this will be in the form of a game show.
In another attempt to up their ratings and beat Sony to the third spot in the general entertainment genre, Aditya added that the channel has also lined up a bank of movies from their own stable including Khosla Ka Ghosla and Dor.
Aditya adds, “In keeping with our mission to continually provide quality entertainment to our viewers and fulfilling our promise of newer shows, we are pleased to present Zaara Pyaar Ki Saugat and Ghar… Ek Sapna. With the launch of these two shows we have not only revamped the primetime band but have also expanded viewing time. The channel has been at an upswing over the last few weeks and our numbers are only getting better. I am certain that the new shows that will be launched over the next couple of months will take us to greater heights.”
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.
