GECs
Zee Trendz looks for mininum one hour of local content daily
MUMBAI: Like its sibling Zee Cafe, fashion channel Zee Trendz has decided to increase local relevance for viewers. To achieve this, it is looking to have minimum one hour of original local content everyday from next month.
The channel is therefore set to unveil a slew of homegrown initiatives. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on the same Zee Trendz programming head Madhuri Malhotra says that the channel is looking at a few tie ups to help it go beyond only showcasing clothes.
One local show Trendzsetters will launch in the middle of next month. It will be a personality driven show based on the lives and careers of prominent figures in the Indian fashion world. People showcased will express their views on current issues, their preferences, hobbies and what makes them tick in an increasingly competitive environment. Viewers will also hear their comments on the goings on in the fashion world.
Malhotra adds that the channel will be travelling to Goa at the end of this month to cover Malini Ramani’s launch of a swimwear and bikini line. Designer Wendell Rodericks will also be launching a new line.
The channel is also looking at the possibility of introducing different formats. One might look at different brands like Wills Lifestyle. Another could focus on the latest gadgets and gizmos. There might also be an Agony Aunt type of show in the future. Here, viewers can send in their difficulties and views on a subject. A panel of four to five experts including a psychologist and a beautician will give their advice.
“With this we are hoping that viewership for the channel will grow. We are also hearing a more positive response from the advertising fraternity. Earlier, most of our content was from abroad and so Indian advertisers found it difficult to fit in. One area of difficulty though continues to be distribution. This is because the channel is very niche. Our distribution arm SitiCable is carrying Zee Trendz in the localities where they are present. We are also talking to the other MSOs and cable operators,” says Malhotra.
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.
