GECs
Zee TV looks at rehauling its content
MUMBAI: Get ready for a slew of new shows on Zee TV. Subhash Chandra’s flagship Hindi entertainment channel is all set to make some changes in its programming line up. And it is not just the prime time slot Zee is looking at buttressing .
While the channel has already launched Tumhari Disha to replace the non-starter Hum Sab Baraati in the evening slot, the channel is looking at building up the afternoon slot with Pancham.
In what looks like an attack of K serials, the channel is reportedly also set to debut new shows like Kareena Kareena, Kashish and Kabhie Haan Kabhi Naa within the next two months.
Pancham, the show that premieres on 30 August (Monday), is a tale of a young boy by the same name, who aims to set the world right, but he does not believe in preaching the right path to society. The show will air every Monday – Thursday at 1 pm.
Produced by Gulshan Sachdeva’s Film & Shots production house, the daily is directed by Sachin Dev. According to the story line, Pancham amalgamates the virtues of yesteryears with today’s way of living. The protagonist creates self-explanatory situations for the people to follow his verdict, without uttering a word. He is gifted with an art of solving problems in a unique way.
The protagonists role will be essayed by new comer Navnit Das, while Rohini Hattangady and Gufi Paintal play pivotal roles.
Says Zee TV head of programming Ashwini Yardi, “Pancham is a unique value driven show which offers a thoughtful message accompanied by complete entertainment to our audiences. With Pancham we will further strengthen our afternoon time slot. It is a story of a young selfless boy, of today’s generation, who is a born with talent to control our five senses, which are the beginning and end of all that exists in this universe. The preaching of Pancham will leave an eye opening impact on our viewers to learn more and realize more of these powers which are beyond imagination.”
With Pancham, the Zee Woman slot now also offers some food for soul as it deals with five elements, five senses, five virtues.
Although channel officials are tightlipped about Zee’s primetime fare, according to industry sources, the channel will be debuting three new shows – one from Nimbus Communications titled Kareena Kareena and another one from K Sera Sera Productions on new age relations called Kashish. But the one that is sure to raise a few eyebrows is a desi version of Sex And the City – Kabhie Haan Kabhi Naa produced by Rose Movies.
The show is reportedly replacing the waning Kittie Party in the 10:30 pm slot. An urban show based on daily interactions between men and the women, something the Zee English viewer has been used to so far. It will star Vishal Singh, Kushal Punjabi, Dimple, Nigar Khan, and Gautami Gadgil.
While K Sera Sera is going into production in a few days time, Nimbus has already started shooting.
All in all quite an interesting line up that Zee has in the kitty for its loyal viewers.
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.
