GECs
Ahead of new channel launch, Sahara gets new distribution head in Rakesh Lamba
MUMBAI: With an aim to further beef up its distribution activities, Sahara India has got itself a new national distribution head in Rakesh Lamba.
Lamba would be focussing, for the time being, on the distribution of the news channels of Sahara as the group is intending to finally launch its Delhi/NCR centric news channel, Sahara Samay Delhi, by month-end.
Sahara Samay’s head Ambikanand Sahay confirmed the development saying, “Just wait and watch. We’d be getting more personnel in the distribution and marketing division to beef up the activities.”
Lamba comes to Sahara from S1, a Delhi-centric news and infotainment channel that is still to launch. He has also done stints in the distribution division of Zee Telefilms in the mid-1990s.
Meanwhile, Sahara’s Delhi-specific news channel is now ready for launch. The test signals have been on for quite some time now. Sahara sources said that by “month-end the channel should definitely get formally on air.”
For the purpose of giving a push to the news channels, the company is also in the process of recruiting personnel in the marketing division.
In addition, the Mumbai-specific news channel would also be given a new look in a month’s time. According to Sahay, “The channel would have a totally new look and feel, plus a revamped content line up.”
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.
