GECs
Ajay Vidyasagar to head Star’s internet, merchandising thrust
NEW DELHI: Star India, the revenue-generating arm of News Corp in Asia, is picking up the global threads being woven by its parent in the Internet and merchandising space and reorganizing its workforce accordingly.
An indication to this effect is the new responsibilities given to Star India executive vice-president Ajay Vidyasagar who had thus far been looking after the network’s marketing and communication.
As part of the changes being effected at Star India with an eye to tap new revenue generation sources, Vidyasagar will now be also responsible for the company’s soon-to-be-unveiled new thrusts in the internet and merchandising space.
In his new role, Vidyasagar will be spearheading Star’s initiatives on the Net, part of which will entail “giving an Indian skin” to global activities being undertaken by News Corp.
Meanwhile, Satya Ragahvan has moved in as head of marketing of Star India. Vidyasagar, will however continue holding the portfolios of marketing and communication.
Star sources said that activities on the Net and merchandising fronts will hot up in India in fiscal 2007 when some other major initiatives on the programming, marketing and ad sales side too will be rolled out.
Globally, Star’s parent News Corp has been prowling the Net space aggressively, prompting the likes of advertising wiz Martin Sorrell to question this haste.
News Corp’s biggest buy in the space was of course last year’s $580 million acquisition of youth networking website MySpace.com.
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.
