GECs
Adil Memon rises to helm Zee Mena: From marketing maverick to media monarch
MUMBAI: Adil Memon, Zee Entertainment’s long-standing content and marketing whiz, has now taken the hot seat as acting territory head – Mena at the broadcaster. After nearly 18 years of crafting desi drama into Arabic hits, Memon’s elevation signals a stronger push into cross-cultural storytelling and commercial innovation.
The media veteran is best known for pioneering co-produced Arabic originals based on Indian formats—a savvy blend of Indian cinema flair and Middle Eastern flavour that’s helped Zee cement its regional footprint.
In his new role, Memon’s mission is clear: supercharge Zee’s linear, digital, and production arms for both south Asian expats and native Arab audiences, while dreaming up stories that cut across borders.
From scaling eyeballs to growing co-pro IPs, his past titles—executive vice president, vice president, and content head—read like a masterclass in media manoeuvring. With stints across TV, print, and digital, plus a side-hustle passion for real estate, Memon brings a 360° business lens to the role.
Whether it’s tightening revenue screws, building local alliances, or just knowing what makes viewers tick, Memon’s got it mapped. Here’s to a new innings—Zee style—in the ever-booming Mena media bazaar.
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.
