GECs
After the tiger for MAX, its ‘Chhota Birbal’ for 2NZ
MUMBAI: After the success of the tiger animation he did for the SET MAX for the ICC Champions Tournament, animator Kireet Khurana is ready with Chhota Birbal , an indigenously created and developed cartoon character.
2NZ ( Toons), Khurana’s animation company is currently working on an animated television series based on Chhota Birbal’s adventures, The Indian Express has reported.
Playing his cards rather tactfully, Khurana introduced a series of Chhota Birbal comics to familiarise the target audience with the character. However, overcome by the overwhelming response to the comic released every month; he is now set to launch its merchandise.
“City children read foreign comics and watch a lot of foreign cartoons. Through Chhota Birbal we want to make them appreciate our folk tales, our kind of humour and wisdom,” 2NZ Toons, chief executive officer, Khurana has been quoted as saying in the report.
The Chhota Birbal series is about child Akbar who bored with his palace goes out with his loyal retainer . He then meets the smart and witty Chhota Birbal and his friends who live a life full of fun and adventure . Akbar immediately befriends Birbal , and together they embark into a series of adventures .
Kireet the son of acclaimed animator, Bhimsain, has won many national and international awards for his animation work. Apart from a lot of advertising work, he has also directed and animated films for Unicef and National Film Board of Canada.
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.
