GECs
Star Jalsha to launch cookery show ‘Rannabanna’ on 16 March
MUMBAI: Star Jalsha has come up with a new delicious offering for its viewers. It is all set to host “Rannabanna”- a one of a kind cookery show which will teach the viewers an array of new delicacies from across the world including local delicacies which they can cook and relish with family and friends.
Capturing the love for food, Rannabanna, is a unique cookery show featuring a grandmother as the show host. In every episode the lovely grandmother will whip up two mouthwatering dishes for her foodie grandson. The recipes will have a traditional touch, revealing grandmother’s way of cooking as well as contemporary dishes well suited to the changing taste of the new Bengali. The warm, fun filled grandmother-grandson relationship with their common love for food will be seen for the very first time on television screen.
Star network regional entertainment CEO Kevin Vaz said, “We are supremely attentive to the continually evolving tastes of our audience. In step with their discerning preferences, our new show, Rannabanna, promises to bring a new dimension to the otherwise routine cookery shows. We are delighted to have Adani as the presenting sponsor for Rannabanna, wherein their products under the brand Fortune, will be showcased. As a strategic partner, we look forward to a long-term association with them on the project.” “We are confident that this concept will appeal to the taste buds of our audience.”, he added.
The show is being produced by Windows Production one of Bengal’s leading production houses. Windows has produced multiple successful cookery shows in the past featuring celebrities. Windows has also recently produced the blockbuster filmPosto, capturing the warm relationship between grandparents and a grandson.
Fortune Rannabanna features popular actress Tanima Sen,who will be seen as the grandmother and Star Jalsha’s popular character “Gopal bhar” aka Raktim Samanta as the grandson. While Tanima adds to the love and warmth of the show, Raktim in his innocent style adds to the fun factor of the show through light hearted banter.
Adani has come on board the show as ‘Presented by’ Sponsor showcasing their plethora of products under the umbrella brand Fortune in an integrated manner in the show. Adani Wilmar deputy chief executive officer Angshu Mallick said, "Fortune Oil always stood by the philosophy that there is nothing like home cooked food. We found Rannabanna as a concept fresh, engaging and it takes the brand ahead. The show puts the kitchen at the centre of the home and Fortune at the centre of the kitchen.With Star Jalsha and Rannabanna we found a unique proposition to reach out to the food loving Bengali audience in the true Fortune way.”
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.
