People
Manisha Sharma calls it a day at Viacom18
Mumbai: Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd chief content officer – Hindi mass entertainment Manisha Sharma has put in her papers. This is termed as the beginning of the slew of exits that are likely to follow at the media and entertainment company with Alok Jain stepping in as president and head of Colors Hindi and regional, and many senior officials being made to report to him.
At Viacom18, Sharma was associated with properties such as 24, Comedy Nights with Kapil, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Bigg Boss, Khatron Ke Khiladi, Rising Star, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, Udaan, Chakravartin Samrat Ashoka, Karmphaldata Shani, Mahakaali, Naagin and others.
Before joining Colors, Sharma was the non-fiction programming head with Sony Entertainment Television and was responsible for the channel’s content strategy and conceptualization. During her stint, she launched shows like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Dus Ka Dum, Comedy Circus, Crime Patrol and fiction properties like Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi and Kkusum. She has also worked with brands like Channel V and UTV and was associated with Miditech’s drama series – Saara Aakash as creative director.
Jain had taken on the reins at Viacom18 this July after a nearly seven-year tenure at Disney Star where he was handling P&L (profit & loss) for the company’s Telugu, Bengali, Oriya, and Kannada cluster of TV channels and Disney+ Hotstar business. Also, this April, Kevin Vaz, the head of network entertainment channels at Disney Star, resigned after a 26-year stint; he stepped in at Viacom18 as head of TV business and digital for regional networks.
People
Vineet Malhotra wins People’s Award at UK Parliament again
Indian journalist earns rare back to back honour at House of Commons
NEW DELHI: Vineet Malhotra has struck a rare double in the world of journalism, winning the People’s Award 2026 at the House of Commons for the second year in a row.
The recognition, presented at the British Parliament, makes Malhotra the only journalist to clinch the honour in consecutive years, underlining a career built on consistency, credibility and a clear-eyed commitment to storytelling that matters.
“This recognition is a humbling reminder of the responsibility that comes with journalism,” said Malhotra, senior consulting editor and prime-time anchor at NewsX. “At a time when information travels faster than ever and public discourse is often shaped by noise and misinformation, the commitment to truth and meaningful dialogue has never been more important.”
The People’s Award, earlier known as the Political and Public Life Awards, celebrates individuals who embody service, excellence and public impact. Its past roll call includes global figures such as David Cameron, Sadiq Khan, journalist Jon Craig and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
With over two decades in the newsroom, Malhotra’s career has spanned some of the industry’s most visible roles. He has served as executive editor at Tiranga TV and Times Now, and has fronted coverage around major global events including the Delhi Commonwealth Games and the London Olympics. His work often straddles geopolitics, sport and public discourse, blending analysis with accessibility.
Reflecting on the win, Malhotra described journalism in India as “a bridge between voices and visions”, adding that the honour strengthens his resolve to pursue stories that inform and engage.
As accolades go, this one does more than add shine to a résumé. It reinforces a simple idea: in an age of noise, clarity still cuts through.
