GECs
Zee takes drama, factual and lifestyle shows to MIPCOM, celebrates 25 years
MUMBAI: Global Content Hub by Zee, the syndication division of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), has announced its slate of new shows for MIPCOM 2017. This MIPCOM also marks the start of 25 years in business for Zee TV, one of of the leading Indian broadcasters with a reach in 171 countries.
Debuting at the market is Lala’s Ladiez, Zee’s first-ever English adaptation. Based on Zee’s Indian comedy series Hum Paanch, the story is about a father living with five spirited daughters and his English wife. Each daughter possesses a different personality – one being a feminist; another is all beauty and no brains; yet another is an eco-warrior; a smart tomboy with the youngest being the most fearless. A Zee Format Factory initiative, this 20-part series is being produced in the UK by Endemol Shine.
Zee’s Indian dramas – Piya Albela, Kundali Bhagya, Woh Apna Sa, Kundali Bhagya are coming to MIPCOM for the first time.
Piya Albela is a modern love story revolving two people who are worlds apart in character. Naren is a thoughtful and spiritual young man, studying psychology at college, while Pooja is a very modern woman. Naren’s business-tycoon father hires Pooja to entice his son away from his austere life to join the family business. Pooja comes to understand Naren and develop a deep bond. Woh Apna Sa – an Indian drama series about a troubled marriage and the potential love triangle.
Kundali Bhagya is a spinoff of the family series of the very popular Indian drama series, Kum Kum Bhagya, and the show is about two young girls Preeta and Shristi who discover the existence of their mother ‘Sarla’ and sister Pragya after the death of their father.
Coming from Zee’s US lifestyle catalogue, Z Living, 34 hours of fresh content have been added to the outstanding library of 1700 hours of health and lifestyle content.
All are produced in the US in English-language including Conquered, showcasing uplifting stories about people from the everyday to the influential who have broken boundaries and conquered obstacles to achieve their goals in fitness, relationships, career, health and more as well as a second season of Altar’d — the popular wedding reality series featuring fitness and nutrition experts who work with a future bride and groom to shape them up for their big wedding day; Yoga Girls is a never-before-seen side of yoga in Los Angeles, a cut-throat city where the practice can sometimes lead to kicking some serious “asana” and Big Fat Truth is available featuring host/mentor, JD Roth, one of television’s most experienced producers of transformational programming.
JD helps contestants in this inspiring reality series, inspiring people to change their lives and gain the rewards of a healthier lifestyle.
Family reality competition programming along with the format is also being featured at MIPCOM. “India’s Asli Champion… HAI DUM!” is hosted by Suniel Shetty. This uniquely crafted show aims to find and crown the “fittest Indian.” After an intensive search across India, 12 contestants, six boys and girls each, coming from different walks of life, have been short-listed for the competition. These 12 contestants battle it out in the ultimate test of physical and mental endurance to win the glorious title of India’s Asli Champion.
From Zee’s Format Factory, come several scripted and non-scripted formats including: surreal scripted series Phantasmagoria, game show Moksha, scripted comedy Love Thy Neighbour, and family competition, Asli Champion.
ZEEL’s chief business officer – international ad sales, global syndication and production Sunita Uchil said, “Global Content Hub by Zee has dynamic new drama and comedy series, exciting formats – both scripted and non-scripted — as well as inspiring, English-language, mainstream lifestyle programmes from our US channel, Z Living.”
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.
