GECs
Zee responds to stock exchange query on layoff media report
MUMBAI: In a regulatory filing with the BSE on 3 December, Zee’s company secretary Ashish Agarwal insisted that recent job cuts are merely part of an “omni-channel approach” to create a “more agile and collaborative organisation structure.” The clarification came after the Economic Times reported fresh layoffs hitting the company as its business suffers from the collapsed Sony deal.
But Zee’s corporate jargon can’t hide the timeline. Back in April 2024, managing director and chief executive Punit Goenka proposed a “lean organisation structure” that would axe 15 per cent of the workforce “over a period.” That’s corporate-speak for: brace yourselves.
The company is adamant this “optimisation” is an “ongoing exercise based on business dynamics” with “no impact on operation/performance.” Translation: we’re cutting staff but everything’s fine. Honest.
Zee reassured stock exchange officials that it has “always complied” with disclosure requirements and will continue doing so. Which is reassuring, given that’s literally the legal minimum.
For a company that once dreamed of becoming a media colossus through the Sony merger, Zee is now learning that sometimes less isn’t more—it’s just less.
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.
