GECs
Bharath Raj takes charge as head of marketing for Sun Gemini and Sun Udaya
MUMBAI: Sun TV Network has tapped Bharath Raj as its new head of marketing for Sun Gemini and Sun Udaya, adding a seasoned regional strategist to its leadership bench.
With more than 15 years spent shaping brands across television, digital and print, Raj has built his reputation on a simple creed: marketing works only when it understands people. His career spans Jio Star, Viacom18 and Asianet News, where he crafted campaigns rooted in cultural nuance, timing and audience emotion: the ingredients that drive what viewers watch, remember and champion.
Raj’s strengths lie in insight-led brand strategy, audience behaviour, 360-degree campaign design and regional storytelling. His work stretches across TV, digital, outdoor, print and on-ground formats, with a focus on shaping creative systems and leading teams that deliver consistent, clear and collaborative output.
Announcing his move, Raj said he was “happy to start a new chapter” at Sun TV Network, where he will steer marketing for two of the network’s key southern channels. The appointment strengthens Sun’s push to deepen its regional footprint with sharper strategy, stronger creative engines and campaigns tuned to the rhythms of local audiences.
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.
