GECs
Child prodigies on Colors’ ‘Chhote Miyan Dhaakad’ from 25 Mar
MUMBAI: Bringing double bonanza of endless laughter and giggles is Colors’ newest offering, Chhote Miyan Dhaakad.
Putting spotlight on the little laughter-whizzes of our country, this fresh take on comedy, laden with innocence, will lighten up the primetime viewing of the audiences over the weekend. Guiding these little wonders while they brighten your mood with their guileless humor will be comedy connoisseurs and judges, Neha Dhupia and Sohail Khan and anchored by Bharti Singh.
Produced by Endemol Shine India, Chhote Miyan Dhaakad will witness the young brigade team up to generate fresh waves of laughter starting 25 March, every Saturday and Sunday at 6pm and 10pm on Colors.
Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “At Colors, we have attempted different formats within the comedy genre. This time we decided to let the children take the centerstage and show their alacrity in the art of comedy. Neha and Sohail are great with kids and we found them to be a perfect fit for the show with Bharti guiding them with her enthusiasm as an anchor.”
Chhote Miyan Dhaakad, a battlefield of comic jibes, will be waged by 12 budding laughter gurus. Using stand-up comedy as their weapon of choice, these contestants, handpicked from across the country, will show audiences why they are superior than, if not as good as, any adult comedian. Divided into three groups of four each, these young powerhouses will not only showcase group performances but also solo acts that will prove their mettle on the laughter stage. Joining the budding group of talent will be their partner-in-crime and host Bharti Singh, who will encourage the contestants to push the envelope with their performances.
The most daunting job, though, will be that of comic buffs Neha Dhupia and Sohail Khan who will be tasked with the role of the Principals of the comedy arena as they judge the tiny tots’ attempts to set the laughter ball rolling across the country.
Commenting on his role as judge, actor Sohail Khan said, “Chhote Miyan Dhaakad goes where no other comedy show has gone in the past; it recognizes the talent of the younger generation and gives them the platform to entertain the entire country with their antics. The rib-tickling moments that these young crusaders have been creating during the course of the shoot makes us believe that they’re the next big thing on television. I am extremely proud to be able to partake in their journey, and commend Colors for putting the spotlight on their comic prowess. These little wonders will spin their magic and take the nation by storm!”
Adding further, Dhupia said, “Chhote Miyan Dhaakad is a format that tugs at the innocence and simplicity in humour, delivered with utmost confidence by young talent. Colors has a strong legacy in delivering interesting comic formats and content, and I am happy to be associated with this show. I especially love the fact that I got an opportunity to witness the budding talent that hold the potential to emerge as tomorrow’s comic stalwarts.”
Ranging between 4 & 14 years of age, the up and coming comedy brigade who will compete on the Chhote Miyan Dhaakad laughter playground include Kavya Ramani (Mumbai), Agrima Dogra (Noida), Vedansh Pagare (Indore), Parth Dhamija (New Delhi), Ridhima Taneja (Ludhiana), Manav Khyali (Rajasthan), Sargam Khurana (New Delhi), Keyan Gadia (Indore), Preetjyot Singh (Ranchi), Tamanna Dipak (Assam), Divyansh Dwivedi (Ludhiana), and Tasheen Shah (Mumbai).
Endemol Shine India MD & CEO Deepak Dhar said, “Talent comes in many forms, shapes and sizes. The most appealing one, though is that which resides in children. Chhote MIyan Dhaakad puts together 12 rip-roaringly hilarious children who only strive to entertain the viewers and the judges with their performances. They are the true USP of the show; their unexploited and unadulterated talent forming the foothold for a true-blue family entertainer. With Chhote Miyan Dhaakad, we hope to create an unparalleled viewing experience which will grab audience attention and bring a smile to their faces every weekend.”
To promote Chhote Miyan Dhaakad, Colors has devised an extensive 360-degree integrated marketing and digital campaign whose outreach extends to various touchpoints across conventional and social media platforms.
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.
