GECs
Zee commissions reality TV show ‘Prisoner of War’, set to launch 17 new serials
Zee TV on Monday laid down the gauntlet to its rivals and announced the commissioning of India’s first ever Reality TV show. Announcing the launch of POW (Prisoner of War), Indian television’s pioneering effort in the realm of reality TV, Partha Pratim Sinha, senior vice-president marketing, Zee TV said: “Reality television has already proved its credentials in the West, becoming the most popular genre of television ever. The reality TV concept has caught the imagination of viewers across the world, irrespective of age, sex and social background. We are today presenting the future of Indian television.”
According to Sinha: “POW and Reality television are the spearhead of a brand new programming initiative being developed by Zee TV. This initiative will see the roll out of over 17 new programmes over the course of the next two months. While we have already rolled out some of the new programmes such as Aanchal ke Chaoon Main, Ankahee, Gardish, Samandar and Hamare Tumhare, we will shortly be introducing further additions to our programme portfolio. This will make Zee’s programming content the most comprehensive of any channel in India.”
Madhavi Mutatkar, president, Zee TV, said while announcing the new shows being introduced by Zee TV, “Zee’s programming content is undergoing significant changes, providing the viewer with a channel which ensures a multiplicity of choice and viewing delight. Zee’s positioning as an entertainment channel with broad based appeal will be enhanced by these additions to our channel. Shows such as Chandan Ka Palana, Resham Ki Dori, Sansaar, Ek thi Rajkumari, Yeh Dil Kya Kare, Pradhanmantri are scheduled to air over the course of the next few weeks. These programming innovations by Zee will provide wholesome entertainment for TV audiences in India.”
POW is a Zee in-house production and will be directed by Vivek Agnihotri. The contestants will be called next week and there will be nine per show, Sainath Aiyar, Zee’s head corporate communications, said.
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.
