GECs
Zee TV appoints new European syndication head Janice Strangward
MUMBAI: Sunita Uchil, chief business officer, International ad sales, Global syndication and production of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) announced the appointment of Janice Strangward as head of European sales syndication based out of London. Strangward previously held senior executive roles at Discovery Networks Europe, Passion Distribution, EOne and Al Jazeera Media Network.
“We are delighted to have Janice join the Zee team to head up UK and European sales syndication. As a globally recognized, and highly-respected executive, Janice is ideally placed to lead our European growth strategy. The Zee library contains many top rating and award winning local formats. Janice will work on adapting these for the European market. She will also lead our co-production strategy in the region.” said Uchil. “Zee continues to strengthen its reach around the globe and we look forward to great success in the European market.”
“Zee is one of the world’s top television brands, with a fantastic premium catalog full of rich dramas, informative and entertaining documentaries and engaging family programs. I am pleased to become part of the Zee family,” said Strangward. “And I am excited to share Zee’s great programming from both, Zee Bollyworld and Z Living libraries with European audiences.”
Strangward started her sales career with CBC in its London based international sales office. She subsequently spent 11 years at Discovery Networks Europe rising to become Regional Program Sales Director, leading their content sales and strategy across UK & EMEA. Most recently, Strangward managed programme sales across Europe on behalf of the Al Jazeera Media Network.
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.
