GECs
Colors bolsters its primetime with Namak Issk Ka
MUMBAI: She is known to win hearts with her thumkas and flamboyance. Wearing her bright lipstick and sheer exuberance, she sets the stage on fire with her impeccable dance moves. Meet Chamcham, the famous professional dancer or nachaniya. But should being a nachaniya become a reason to be denied a happy and a fulfilling life? Can a nachaniya not be accepted as a dulhaniya (bride) or bahu? Questioning this very outlook is Colors’ latest romantic drama, Namak Issk Ka.
Based in the heartland of Bihar, Namak Issk Ka is the story of Chamcham, who is looked down upon for her profession, but in a twist of fate is married off into a reputable family in Mumbai. But as she tries to fend off prejudice, she sets out on a journey of finding her footing in the new family and eventually love. Produced by Gul Khan and co-produced by Dipti Kalwani, the show stars Shruti Sharma as Chamcham and the famous Bhojpuri actor Aditya Ojha as Yug Pratap Singh.
Namak Issk Ka will air starting 7 December, Monday to Friday at 9 pm on Colors.
Viacom 18 Hindi mass entertainment and kids TV network head Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “In these challenging times, we at Colors have strived to keep our audience entertained with variety content and launched several shows across genres including Ishq Mein Marjawan, Pinjara, Bigg Boss and Molkki. To strengthen our prime time line-up further, we are adding another unconventional show to the mix with Namak Issk Ka.”
Just like any other girl of her age, Chamcham dreams of a happy and reputable life. But she is always met with grimaces and criticism because she is a professional stage dancer, a nachaniya from a small town in Bihar. An orphan, Chamcham is a self-made person who becomes a dancer to make ends meet. Completely filmy, she loves emulating all the Bollywood heroines’ dance moves that translated into her becoming a dancer. If only her struggles were not enough, life throws another curve ball at her and in a twist of fate, she gets married to an affluent businessman Yug Pratap Singh. Even before she realises, Chamcham’s life takes a strange turn as her troubles magnify and a question looms- Kya Aap Ek Nachaniya Ko Karenge Bahu Ke Roop Mein Swikaar (Will you accept a dancing girl as a daughter-in-law)?
Chief content officer for Hindi mass entertainment at Viacom18 Manisha Sharma said, “Namak Issk Ka is a refreshing and heartwarming love story that touches upon various aspects. The character of Chamcham, a Nachaniya from Bihar, her journey to find love and respect, and the chemistry between two striking personalities is what sets the tone of the show and makes it stand out. We are excited to associate with Gul Khan who has done some incredible work in the past, and look forward to entertaining our viewers with exceptional storytelling.”
Four Lions Films producer Gul Khan said, “Namak Issk Ka will give the viewers a glimpse into the life of a glamorous nachaniya (dancing girl) who earns her living by dancing at events and weddings. In a most endearing way, it showcases how under unforeseen circumstances she gets married to an affluent man and she struggles to find her footing in her new family, fight off the labels that people have given her owing to her profession and find love. We are happy to be associated with Colors, a channel that has always presented unique and entertaining concepts, and look forward to a great partnership.”
Co-Producer Dipti Kalwani added, “Through Chamcham’s story, we wish to highlight the fact that your individuality does not hinge on your profession. However unconventional it may be, everyone has a right to lead a reputable life and find acceptance in whatever role they take on in life, whether it is of a wife or a daughter-in-law.”
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.
