GECs
Asianet strikes a floral chord with world’s first Poopaattu for Onam
MUMBAI: When flowers sing, Onam dances to a new tune. Asianet, Kerala’s top entertainment channel, has unveiled the world’s first Poopaattu (Flower Song), blending tradition with cutting-edge bio-sonification technology for its #Coloronam campaign.
Created by music director Justin Varghese with vocals by singer-actor Remya Nambeesan, the track is no ordinary festive jingle, it’s a composition crafted from the natural vibrations of Onam flowers such as Thumba, Thechi, Chembarathi, and Shankupushpam. These subtle frequencies were captured, converted into notes, and layered into an original soundtrack that’s as scientific as it is soulful.
The idea stems from the age-old Pookkalam (floral carpet) tradition, where each bloom held meaning Thumba symbolised sanctity, Mukutti prosperity, and Thechi devotion and strength. By turning these floral associations into music, Asianet hopes to revive cultural connections for modern audiences.
“With Poopaattu, our aim was to show how cultural storytelling can be reimagined through innovation,” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment (South) Krishnan Kutty. “Onam is deeply emotional for our audiences in Kerala, and by combining tradition with technology, we’ve built a campaign that resonates locally while showcasing our ability to lead with fresh ideas.”
The accompanying video mirrors the community spirit of Onam families and friends handpicking blossoms, weaving intricate Pookkalams, and celebrating togetherness with joy and generosity.
For a festival rooted in colour, fragrance, and symbolism, Poopaattu adds a new sensory dimension: sound. By bridging heritage and innovation, Asianet is not just celebrating Onam but orchestrating it, one flower note at a time.
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.
