GECs
Colors expands distribution in the US
MUMBAI: To further expand its distribution in the US market, general entertainment channel (GEC) Colors, known as Aapka Colors in the US and Canada announced its partnership with Verizon FiOS TV.
It will join several other top South Asia-targeted programming services – TV Asia, SET Asia, Star India, Star Plus and Zee TV in Verizon’s South Asian programming package which retails for $34.99 (Rs 2049.19).
The addition of Aapka Colors brings a power packed programming mix from scripted series and reality shows to the biggest Bollywood blockbuster movies, award shows and special events to Verizon’s South Asian programming line-up.
The network is dedicated to providing wholesome viewing for the entire family through reality programs like Mission Sapne, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, Dancing with the Stars: Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Bigg Boss. The network also airs long running series such as Balika Vadhu, Uttaran, and Madhubala.
Commenting on the development, IndiaCast Group COO Gaurav Gandhi said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of Aapka Colors on Verizon FiOS. The channel has been entertaining millions of viewers around the world each night with its engaging content and now Verizon customers will get a chance to be entertained and delighted by the biggest dramas, reality shows and movies on the channel. It is a household name in every South Asian home in the country and this deal with Verizon FiOS bridges a critical gap we had in our distribution to reach our audiences.”
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.
