GECs
Star Plus bags ‘Main Hoon Na’ telecast rights
MUMBAI: Star Plus has acquired the worldwide telecast rights for blockbuster movie Main Hoon Na, even as Sony has run away with the two biggest hits of the year, Kal Ho Na Ho and Koi Mil Gaya.
Zee, which had bagged the hit movie Munnabhai MBBS was tipped to bag Shahrukh Khan’s big budget Main Hoon Na. Incidentally, Zee has rights to the other movies from Khan’s production house like Chalte Chalte and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
Although the channel officials are tight-lipped, industry sources say Star bagged the movie rights for a sum of Rs 60-70 million.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Star India vice president content and communications Deepak Segal confirmed the rights were with Star, but refrained from specifying how much was paid for it.
Star Plus will slot the movie as part of its new year bonanza, a company source said. The movie, however, will be premiering in the UK as a part of the channel’s Christmas special.
Star Plus’ has never been looked at as ‘blockbuster channel’ but the channel has sporadically premiered movies that have worked well for the channel. The channel is also known to weave unique promotion campaigns and contest.
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.
