GECs
Adlabs expanding into FM, home video; to pump in Rs 5 billion
MUMBAI: Adlabs Films Ltd is planning to invest Rs 5 billion over the next three years for expansion of its operations, entering into new areas, and making acquisitions.
The company aims to raise up to $100 million through issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCBs). The board will meet on 8 December for this purpose. “We are targeting $100 million. But it could be in the region of $50-100 million, depending on the response and terms that we manage to get for the FCCB issue,” says Adlabs Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.
Adlabs plans to foray into private FM broadcasting and has expressed interest in bidding for radio stations. It is also getting into the home video segment. “The investment towards radio would be approximately Rs 1.25 billion, if we manage to get the maximum stations that are allowed to an individual operator,” says Shetty.
In the multiplex business, Adlabs aims at adding up 100 screens by the end of FY 08. It already has 35 screens. “We will be making an investment of Rs 2 billion towards multiplexes,” says Shetty.
For film production, the plan is to produce at least seven-eight movies and pump in Rs 500-600 million a year. The company has tied up with noted film makers for a longer term. Ram Gopal Varma, for instance, will be making 12 films for Adlabs. Vipul Shah has been tied up for three movies and Prakash Jha for two. “We are negotiating with Ramesh Sippy. We plan to produce at least seven-eight movies a year from FY 07 onwards,” says Shetty.
Adlabs is also looking at expanding through acquisitions. “We are in negotiations with a few companies,” says Shetty.
Early this year, Anil Ambani’s Reliance Land Pvt Ltd acquired 51 per cent stake in Adlabs for a total consideration of Rs 3.6 billion.
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.
