GECs
Colors to premiere new show ‘Barrister Babu’ on 11 February
MUMBAI: Through its upcoming drama series, Barrister Babu, Colors’ presents an inspiring journey of Bondita, who with the help of her companion Anirudh finds her purpose, breaks the glass ceiling and becomes a ‘Barrister Babu’. Produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions, the show is set to premiere on 11 February 2020 and air every Monday to Friday at 8.30 pm, only on Colors.
Viacom18 hindi mass entertainment and kids TV network head Nina Elavia Jaipuria says, “Stories have the power to inspire lives, win hearts and above all, change mindsets. Over the years, COLORS has consistently presented content tuned towards highlighting social evils through shows like Balika Vadhu, Udann, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, and many more. Right from Meher’s determination, Vidya’s dedication to Pinky’s unbreakable spirit and now Bondita’s inquisitiveness, we have introduced viewers to strong and endearing female characters. With Barrister Babu, we will highlight how Bondita and Anirudh rather than succumb to traditions and cultural practices join forces to rise above all odds and bring about a radical change in the society.”
Set against the backdrop of Kolkata, an eight-year-old Bondita is being married off to a 60-year-old man. But as fate would have it, her life takes a sudden tragic turn.While she becomes prey to social injustice, fate leads her to her husband Anirudh, a London-return Barrister who wishes to liberalize women and unstrap them from cultural stereotypes. As he pledges to fight against the age-old norms and help Bonita find her identity, he unfolds a pathway for her to become a Barrister Babu. While Bondita asks some thought-provoking questions, Anirudh through her journey tries to fight them. Will Bondita and Anirudh be able to fight against this broken culture and mark the beginning of a revolution?
Viacom18 hindi mass entertainment chief content officer Manisha Sharma says, “Fighting societal norms and injustice takes a lot more than just courage. To bring about a positive change, one needs to set an example for others to follow, and this is what we aim to bring alive through Barrister Babu. It traces the journey of a young and curious Bondita who becomes a victim of the injustice, but fate leads her to her mentor Anirudh. It’s their journey together of starting a new revolution and giving the nation a female ‘Barrister Babu’.
Shashi Sumeet Productions producer Shashi Mittal says, “With this unique show, we are trying to blend important social issues that women face with an intriguing storyline. To weave the challenges faced by women in pre-independence into the narrative was definitely challenging, but we are happy with the story that has emerged from this. With strong characters and a refreshing plot, Barrister Babu is a show that is both relatable and interesting. Viewers will not only connect with these characters but will also get to get a close glimpse of a very different era.”
Talking about the show, Aura Bhatnagar who plays the role of little Bondita, says, “This has been a dream role for me to play, and I am thankful to COLORS for giving me this opportunity. I love how Bondita is a curious child and I can relate with the questions she has. I could not have chosen a better show to make my debut with on television and I will ensure that I do justice to the character."
Pravisht Mishra who will be seen playing the role of Anirudh says,“This is a unique concept that we are witnessing on Indian television. My character is that of a Barrister who is ahead of his times. He is a progressive person who is bent on ridding India of orthodox customs. He immerses himself in Bondita’s education and becomes an ideal mentor to her. He channelizes Bondita’s natural curiosity and uses it to coach her.”
Focusing on journey of Bondita, COLORS has designed a 360-degree campaign backed by strong print, digital, radio, on-ground and television plans to create major impact.
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.








