GECs
Zee TV heads back to the heartland with Chhoriyan Chali Gaon
MUMBAI: Zee TV is shaking up its daily primetime with Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, a high-energy, rooted reality format that promises equal parts laughter, drama, and cultural discovery. Premiering 3 August at 9 PM, and airing daily from 9:30 PM, the show is an adaptation of Zee Marathi’s hit format Jau Bai Gavat and is produced by Zee Studios.
In this social experiment, 11 celebrity contestants leave behind their urban comforts for 60 days of rural living — no gadgets, minimal luxuries, and a crash course in village life. From milking cows to cooking on chulhas, the show blends raw challenges with genuine bonds, under the watchful eye of host Rannvijay Singha.
The line-up includes Anita Hassanandani, Krishna Shroff, Aishwarya Khare, Sumukhi Suresh, Anjuum Faakih, Rameet Sandhu, Reha Sukheja, Erika Packard, Surabhi Mehra, Samriddhi Mehra and Dolly Javed — each swapping high heels for muddy fields.
Zee chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur said, “Our original Zee Marathi format Jau Bai Gavat found success for its honest, culturally rooted storytelling that struck an emotional chord with audiences. With Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, we’ve taken that same core; the fun, the emotions, the authenticity and reimagined it for Zee TV’s wider, national audience. This show reflects our belief in going back to the roots and creating stories that are both entertaining and meaningful. It’s a fresh yet familiar narrative that celebrates the village life of India and the spirited women who call it home.”
Zee TV chief channel officer, Mangesh Kulkarni said, “At Zee TV, we’ve always believed in formats that don’t just entertain, but spark reflection and emotional connection. With Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, we’re bringing a concept that blends the raw charm of rural India with the resilience of today’s urban woman. We’re excited to see how viewers connect with this unique journey of simplicity, struggle, and self-discovery.”
With its daily slot, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon is set to become a primetime fixture, offering viewers nostalgia, novelty, and a taste of the simple life, one task at a time.
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.
