GECs
Prasar Bharati takes nostalgic ride with new channel DD Retro
MUMBAI: Prasar Bharati is all set to take people on a nostalgic ride after the success of Ramayan and Mahabharat re-runs with its new fourth general entertainment channel DD Retro. The channel will air some of the old iconic shows like Upanishad Ganga, Mahabharat, and Chanakya, among others. Currently, it is available on DD Free Dish which reaches out to almost 30 million people across the country.
In an earlier interview with Indiantelevision.com, Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati said: "After the news of Ramayan made headlines and social media trends were dominated by it, we have had a flood of rights holders themselves approaching us with iconic content that aired in the past on DD."
Last week, two of Doordarshan's general entertainment channels, DD National and DD Bharti entered the top ten channels list in urban as well as pay platforms. DD National grabbed the leading position with the broadcast of old shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktiman, etc. DD National also started airing Subhash Sagar's Alif Laila. Prasar Bharati's aim is to ensure that people will get to watch their favourite old shows during lockdown.
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.
