GECs
Viacom18 Studios’ Andhadhun and Padmaavat win big at the 66th National Film Awards
MUMBAI: Establishing itself as a pioneer in showcasing path-breaking films for audience across the landscape, Viacom18 Studios, the motion pictures arm of Viacom18, won big at the 66th National Film Awards for its films Andhadhun and Padmaavat.
The 66th National Film Awards recognises the best in Indian cinema and the announcement was made in the national capital this evening. While Andhadhun was adjudged as the Best Hindi Film and Best Adapted Screenplay, Padmaavat won laurels for Best Choreography, Best Music Director and Best Male Playback Singer. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana was declared the Best Actor for Andhadhun.
Speaking on the success of the films, Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, said, “After Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Mary Kom & Queen, Andhadhun wins the National award in the best film category. I feel deeply honoured and humbled that we are doing something consistently right with our films. Padmaavat winning gives me a great sense of fulfilment given the tough journey we all had. My compliments to Sriram Raghavan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the stellar cast of both the films & teams that made this possible.”
Viacom18 has been a pioneer in producing award winning films such as Bhaag Milka Bhaag, Mary Kom and Queen to name a few. The studio has carved its place in the industry at the pinnacle of entertaining and meaningful cinema.
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.
