GECs
Big Magic launches weekend series as extension of ‘Akbar Birbal’
MUMBAI: Big Magic is set to extend its historical comedy series – Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal.
The new series titled Chatur aur Chalaak, Birbal aur Viraat has been conceived to deliver wit and comedy with intriguing story-telling and new characters. The show launches on 31 January at 9 pm.
The hour long offering will see the introduction of Viraat enacted by TV actor, Rohit Khurana who joins the artist line up on the show like Kiku Sharda, Vishal Kotian, Delnaaz Irani, Kishwer Merchant and Thakur Anoop Singh.
This programme offering is in keeping with the channel’s efforts to deliver original content for its viewers.
The new series will showcase some interesting mysteries being solved by Birbal and his aide Viraat.
Big Magic creative director Uditanshu Mehta said, “Chatur aur Chalaak, Birbal aur Viraat is a natural extension of Akbar Birbal, which is popular amongst age groups. We are launching this as weekend series due to more available time for our viewers. Big Magic has grown as a favourite comedy destination on the foundation of original and differentiated programming. The consumer today is spoilt for choice, which makes it critical for us to deliver engaging and original content that is backed by insights.”
Sagar Pictures brings in the expertise on the production front. Moti Sagar said, “We are proud to be associated with the Akbar Birbal show on Big Magic. Mythology and historical fiction has always been our forte, but with this we added a layer of humour to our experience. Creatively we have looked at every small detail to re-create the grandeur of Mughal era on television. The results have been satisfying till now. We look forward to creating another successful extension and are confident that our viewers will love Birbal and Viraat.”
Creator of the show and head of script shop Big Ideas, Paritosh Painter added, “It is the first around a young boy who is accepted by Birbal as his protégée and is reformed. Our viewers wish to see more shades of the very witty Birbal and hence the introduction of a new character as an aide to Birbal in Viraat. It is the coming together of these two extremely bright minds, played out in the Moghul era, that is poised to deliver one hour Saturday night entertainment packed with comedy, suspense and intrigue for a wholesome family viewing.”
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.
