GECs
Big Magic revamps historical comedy show ‘Akbar Birbal’
MUMBAI: Big Magic has revamped its show Akbar Birbal, with contemporary content. The historical comedy will be seen in an all new avatar, bringing in freshness and innovation with quirky, relatable content and a new star cast. Triangle Films will continue as producers and the show will be shot on the set, which was redone recently.
Reliance Broadcast Network network creative director Paritosh Painter said, “In our endeavor to provide fresh new content to our viewers, we have decided to revamp Akbar Birbal, one of our highest rated shows on Big Magic. The new story line will be relatable, fresh, surprising and unpredictable with a high degree of humor. Respected and hugely popular stars like Kiku Sharda, Delnaaz Irani, and Vishal Kotian amongst others have made this show iconic and the No. 1 show on the channel. By introducing a new, younger star cast, our focus will continue to build iconic characters which are stand out, quirky and funny.”
The Akbar Birbal prequel will focus on issues, which are powerful, topical and relevant. It will feature a younger Akbar, who wants to make his own decisions, live life and rule on his own terms. Only one person encourages and allows him to do so – his biggest ally, his biggest critic, his friend, philosopher and above all, his guide, Birbal. A strong and powerful character, Birbal will act as an agent of change, a reformist as identified with today’s world, targeting solutions and transparency in governance issues, a strong protagonist who believes in democratic views and rights.
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.
