GECs
Bigg Boss 19 gets a full house of sponsors before drama even begins
MUMBAI: Before a single fight erupts or a tear is shed, Bigg Boss 19 has already pulled off its first big win, a full house of nine heavyweight sponsors, proving its unmatched pull in India’s reality TV arena. Premiering Sunday, 24 August 2025, across JioHotstar (9 pm) and Colors (10.30 pm), the Salman Khan-hosted show enters its 19th season with the theme “Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar”, where for the first time in the franchise’s history housemates hold the power to make decisions. The Parliament-inspired house promises a cocktail of people politics, power plays and unpredictable twists, all with unfiltered consequences.
On the advertiser side, the line-up is as eclectic as the show’s contestants: Vaseline, Appy Fizz, Danube Properties, Flipkart, Citroën, Silver Coin Atta, Manforce, Lakmé Peach Milk, and Haier. From FMCG giants to auto brands, the mix underscores the show’s rare ability to capture consumer attention across categories.
“Bigg Boss remains the top choice for brands seeking unparalleled reach,” said JioStar head of revenue for entertainment Mahesh Shetty adding that its seamless integrations deliver “unmatched value for both audiences and advertisers.”
Returning sponsor Vaseline is back as co-presenting partner, with HUL’s Pratik Ved calling the association “a platform to showcase its upgraded product portfolio while staying India’s official skincare partner.” Meanwhile, Appy Fizz’s Nadia Chauhan dubbed the show “culturally relevant rocket fuel” for brand engagement, while Danube Group’s Rizwan Sajan highlighted last season’s “record-breaking global viewership” as reason to double down.
Auto major Citroën, rolling out its India 2.0 strategy, sees the show’s raw energy as the perfect match for its refreshed product line-up, with Citroën MD Shailesh Hazela saying it allows the brand to “embed itself into the rhythm of Indian lives.”
With 18 years of dominance, a 24×7 live feed, and its enduring power to spark conversation across 240 plus countries via JioHotstar, Bigg Boss 19 isn’t just a show, it’s India’s biggest pop culture juggernaut. And this year, the nation’s “gharwalas” get the gavel.
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.
