GECs
Channel [V] heats up Asia’s live concert scene
MUMBAI: Pan Asian music broadcaster Channel [V] is heating up Asia’s concert scene with a series of live concerts to be staged in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore in January 2007.
The channel will bring music aficionados music and live concerts from such diverse acts as operatic supergroup Il Divo; Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter-pianist John Legend; and post-grunge modern rockers Hoobastank. The brioadcaster is also promoting the concerts of Korean sensation Rain in Malaysia and Singapore.
Star executive VP, content Ross Crowley said, “These concerts celebrate Channel [V]’s commitment to bringing world-class music to Asia both live and on-air. We’re proud to support these and other outstanding international and Asian musicians with original programming, concert ticket giveaway contests and dedicated online initiatives. Channel [V] is devoted to promoting quality music throughout Asia.”
Channel [V] has associated itself with a number of other international artists’ Asian tours. The channel was the official TV partner of the concerts of British rock group Oasis, Grammy-winning hip hop singer Kanye West, New York punk pioneer Blondie, Glasgow rock quartet Franz Ferdinand and sassy pop act Pussycat Dolls. In addition, sister channel STAR WORLD was the official TV partner for the July 2006 concert of Coldplay in Hong Kong and the upcoming Eric Clapton tour, which will take the legendary guitarist and singer through Hong Kong and Singapore early next year.
To build up momentum for the concerts of Il Divo, John Legend, Hoobastank and Rain, Channel [V] will launch a number of programmes such as the Il Divo Special and a series of special On the Record episodes.
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.
