GECs
Aman, Sonali to switch shows in anniversary episodes on Star Plus
MUMBAI: It’s a unique way to celebrate a first anniversary. But trust Star Plus to take the innovative route even when it comes to something as simple as two of its shows completing one year of telecast.
The fact that both Khullja Sim Sim and Kya Masti Kya Dhuum will turn one during the extended ‘Independence weekend’ has probably also prompted the channel into getting the respective anchors to switch roles for the anniversary edition. At 8 pm on KMKD, host Aman Verma will take the place of Sonali Bendre. The lady on the other hand, will take Verma’s post as anchor of the game show at 9 pm.
Kya Masti Kya Dhuum has had, till date, over 250 children participating with 65 celebrities – Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Salman Khan, Esha Deol among them. Khullja Sim Sim has had 500 participants for prizes worth over Rs 60 million, of which Rs 25 million worth of prizes have been disbursed over 52 episodes (including Rs 1 million worth of cars).
The anniversary episode will have Verma hosting the musical talent show Kya Masti Kya Dhuum, with Sonali coming in as the guest. While Aman charms his way into the show, Sonali keeps lighting up the stage with her valuable suggestions to the new host, Aman, says the channel. In Khullja Sim Sim, Sonali anchors in Aman’s place. Both episodes have lots of gifts, cash and a jackpot prize worth over Rs 3,00,000.
According to Verma, “I’ve never done theatre before, but the very first schedule of Khullja Sim Sim itself helped me learn to control my voice. I’ve learnt a lot from Khullja Sim Sim – dealing with live audiences, which is about 400-odd people. This has instilled confidence in me. The popularity I got for Khullja Sim Sim, helped several other shows to come my way. Life has taken a turnaround.”
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.
