GECs
Akash Chawla heads to Essel Vision as business head
MUMBAI: To enhance Essel Vision Productions (EVPL) from its current size into a business, which is larger in terms of reach to multiple channels and languages, Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zeel) has appointed Akash Chawla, who has successfully been heading the marketing function for national channels at Zeel, to now take charge as the EVPL business head.
Chawla has been given the mandate to head the TV production (all languages), movie production (all languages except Marathi), studio production business, digital and online production, events and IP creation. He will drive the organisational aspiration of EVPL and contribute in multiplying its business from its current business levels. For this role, Chawla will report to EVPL CEO Nittin Keni.
“Essel Vision is very focused in the film and television production, digital, events and the IP creation business. Having spearheaded marketing for Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Classic and Zee Cine Awards, Akash has worked successfully towards the launch of three of ZEEL’s new brands in the last one year – &pictures, Zee Anmol and Zindagi. He will work towards strengthening our presence in Hindi and other languages movie production & marketing and the digital business to catapult the organization’s ambitions to the next level,” said Keni.
Keni added, “We will produce content not just for the Indian audiences but also for companies and audiences the world over. While IP rights provide the foundation upon which innovation is shared and creativity is encouraged, the digital age provides many opportunities within the entertainment media industry to improve efficiency, costs and viewer experiences. Everything we do is driven by an unyielding passion for excellence-and an unfaltering commitment to develop the best products. We are in talks with various leading collaborators for the same and will soon announce new initiatives.”
Essel Vision’s consistency and success are built on its unwavering dedication to setting benchmarks and excellence. It has already made a mark on the map of Television and Feature Films – both in the Hindi and Marathi space.
With blockbuster films like ‘D-Day’, ‘Gulaal’, ‘Natrang’, ‘Kaaksparsh’, Essel Vision has taken its first steps to another high with its ventures like “Time Pass”, ‘Lai Bhari’ and ‘Duniyadaari’ which have been the highest grossers in the Marathi film space. Its other creation ‘The Lunchbox’ has already received accolades around the world.
In the television space, the company has been successful with qualitative programs like ‘Fear Files’, ‘Dance India Dance’ and ‘India’s Best Dramebaaz’, ‘Saregama’, ‘DID L’il Masters’, ‘DID Super Moms’, on Hindi TV, and ‘Eka Peksha Ek’ and ‘Fu Bai Fu’ amongst others on Marathi TV. The upcoming feature films include ‘Mad About Dance’ which is promoted by Shah Rukh Khan himself and another film called ‘3AM’ (horror film) is on the anvil.
Just as ZEE is an innovative leader in developing new business models for the evolving television and film landscape, Essel Vision’s objective is to be a one-stop shop for all film, television, digital, events & IP creation related services where it will produce, co-produce, market and distribute.
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.
