GECs
Distribution head Arun Mohan out of Star
The malaise of executive departures, which has hit other broadcasters such as Sony Entertainment, and Zee TV, seems to have made it to Star India’s doors too. Executive vice-president Arun Mohan, who had been in charge of the network’s distribution in India for eight-odd years, has put in his papers.
Star, it appeared had been immune to any management shake up, courtesy the successful run it had been having as the numero uno channel. But the market is abuzz with several rumours relating to Mohan’s departure. Among them: personal reasons and poor performance, and some other unprintable allegations.
Industry sources however deny that poor performance is a charge that can stick as Mohan had apparently been close to achieving the targets he had set.
Star India senior management, which is on a long leave till past New Year, was not available for comment.
The news that Mohan has put in his papers comes at a critical time. Star is currently in the process of putting in place its hiked subscription package for cable operators effectively without a distribution head. According to industry sources, Akhtar Javed, who heads the distribution team in the north, is holding the baton for the present.
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.
