GECs
Colors launches the new season of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ with Rohit Shetty
Mumbai: Hosted by a Bollywood filmmaker, the popular stunt-based reality show produced by Endemol Shine India Khatron Ke Khiladi is back on Colors, according to a company statement on Monday.
Last year, the show broke significant records by becoming the number one non-fiction programme in the Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) space for the financial year 2022 (on 2+) reaching 168 million viewers across India.
Returning with an exciting new season, Khatron Ke Khiladi will see many electrifying contestants challenging their innermost fears and taking on many thrilling and gruelling tasks in the picturesque locations of Cape Town, South Africa. Ace filmmaker and an epitome of action Rohit Shetty will return as the host leading and mentoring the daring troop in their journey.
Extending their association for the new season, Maruti Suzuki once again comes on board as the presenting sponsor while ‘Charged’ by Thums Up has been signed on as the powered by the sponsor for the new season of the show. This season will feature popular faces including Rubina Dilaik, Sriti Jha, Shivangi Joshi, Mohit Malik, Erika Packard, Aneri Vajani, Kanika Mann, Tushar Kalia, Faisal Shaikh, Chetna Pande, Nishant Bhat, Rajiv Adatia, Jannat Zubair and Pratik Sehajpal who will set out on an action-filled journey in Cape Town.
Colors Viacom18 revenue head Pavithra KR said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi is our flagship property and has become synonymous with action on Indian television. The previous season was the number 1 non-fiction property in the Hindi GEC category, and we are excited about its return. Given the show’s popularity, it serves as a great opportunity for advertisers to engage with and reach out to their audience. We are excited to once again associate with Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsor and welcome onboard ‘Charged’ by Thums Up as the powered sponsor for the show and look forward to a great partnership. The new season will see a powerful ensemble of contestants experiencing the thrill and adventure with the action maestro Rohit Shetty.”
Filmmaker Rohit Shetty said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi is special to me, and I am delighted to be back. This season, the adventure and entertainment quotient is going to increase manifolds with new and innovative stunts designed by me. It’s always an honour to be such an integral part of the show’s journey and it’s always our endeavour to take the show to greater heights. Cape Town is an incredibly amazing high action ground and with this exceptional mix of daredevil contestants, it is going to be extremely exciting.”
Maruti Suzuki India senior executive director, marketing and sales Shashank Srivastava commented, “We are excited to be a part of season 12 of Khatron Ke Khiladi. This is our fourth association with Khatron Ke Khiladi in a row and the partnership has only gone from strength to strength. Khatron Ke Khiladi is an extremely popular show and has created a niche for itself, especially amongst the youth of our country.”
He added, “At Maruti Suzuki, we constantly strive to bring out more youthful and dynamic imagery. We are extremely delighted to associate the iconic Swift with Khatron Ke Khiladi, which since its launch in 2005 has revolutionized the premium hatchback segment in India. The all-new Swift stands out from the crowd and has earned the love of nearly 2.4 million customers with its upright stance, sporty performance and unmistakable road presence which emphasizes individuality. Our partnership with the show resonates with Swift’s proposition of performance and being limitless. We believe that the Khatron Ke Khiladi contestants of this season will bring ‘Limitless Action’ to the viewers through their ‘Limitless Performances’ on the show.”
Coca-Cola, India & Southwest Asia head of integrated marketing experiences Sumeli Chatterjee said, “We have recently introduced ‘Charged’ by Thums Up to the Indian market, and we are excited with the immense consumer applause and appreciation that has been received for this electrifying drink. With double caffeine and double kick, this beverage is a perfect partner to the action-packed Khatron Ke Khiladi franchise. We are thrilled to be part of this season.”
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.
