GECs
Star’s ‘Kahaani…’ goes to Melbourne
MUMBAI: Star Plus’ Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii has taken a flight to Melbourne, Australia. In a strategic move to add zest to the prime time drama and tap into the mind set of the growing Indian travel market, producers from Balaji Telefilms worked in association with the Australian Tourist Commission (ATC) to create a plot that unfolds in Melbourne.
Kahaanis Om, Parvati, Shruti and Aryaan are caught in a twisting and scheming story line that captures stunning aqua marine Melbourne aquarium, the Federation Square the new centre piece of Melbourne, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat Wildlife Park and the Royal Botanical Garden. Other locations the crew will be shooting include the Crown Entertainment Complex and the beautiful bay-side environs of St Kilda.
Australian Tourist Commission general manager, South and South East Asia Maggie White said, “India is a key emerging market for Australia and, thanks to Balaji, millions of viewers across India will be exposed to Melbournes vast spectrum of experiences set against the backdrop of the worlds most livable city.”
“Melbourne wears its history close to its heart and its urban sophistication on its sleeve. Divided into precincts containing a treasure trove of individual attractions, unique characteristics and cultural adventures, these individual locales span the landscape of this beautiful city from the river to the sea. Artistic, entertaining, historic and cosmopolitan, this life story of marvelous Melbourne reflects in every aspect of the destination,” said White.
Balaji Telefilms creative director Ekta Kapoor said, “A well etched story line coupled with scenic locales is a potent combination for any visual drama on television or film. Melbourne provided the perfect visual landscape that was scenic and artistic as well as glamorous. Melbourne has it all.”
“Black Cat Production house is thrilled to be the line producer for Balaji Telefilms and help showcase Melbourne in all its splendour. It has been great fun working with the Indian crew and combining the best of the vibrant locations of Melbourne, the energy of the Indian crew and the professionalism of our Australian crew,” says Black Cat Productions EP Mitu Bhowmick.
Balajis crew is currently shooing for 15 days starting first week of April 2004 in Melbourne. The Balaji visit was co-sponsored by Tourism Victoria.
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.
