GECs
Harlequin goes the reality way with ‘Mr Romance’
MUMBAI: Leading publishers Harlequin have found the next ‘Mr Romance’ to grace the covers of its books. Harlequin has teamed up with Oxygen to find the most romantic man in America on the popular reality show Mr. Romance.
Throughout the series, romancers-in- training entered a veritable “romance boot camp” and competed in front of a panel of celebrity judges/guests and romance professionals, including Fabio, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard and TV personality Tina Malave.
Randy Ritchwood, a truck driver from East Orange, NJ known for his street smarts and big heart, out-charmed the other contests and emerged as Mr. Romance. Andrew Larson, originally from Portland, Ore., a devoted outdoorsman and Alaskan Charter Boat Captain, won the Oxygen Viewers’ Choice contest, with over 45,000 fans voting on Oxygen.com.
Both winners were photographed by professional book cover photographer, Michael Alberstat for future Harlequin covers. Ritchwood will grace the cover of The Long Hot Summer by Rochelle Alers (December 2005) as well as an upcoming title from Harlequin’s soon-to-be-launched African-American line in July 2006. Larson, on the other hand, will be featured on the cover of a historical romance Midnight Marriage by Victoria Bylin (January 2006).
“I’m honored to be the modern face of romance. I’m certain that being on the cover of a Harlequin romance will change both my professional and love life,” said Ritchwood.
“Harlequin c
overs have evolved considerably and today’s covers reflect what our readers want — a more realistic, edgy and modern image of romance. Harlequin has pushed the boundaries of women’s fiction and now provides books for all moods including mystery, fantasy, chic-lit, Christian lines and a new line coming this summer for the women in the next stage of their lives,” said Mr. Romance judge and Harlequin creative art director Deb Peterson.
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.
