GECs
DD classic series launching with Premchand’s ‘Godan’
NEW DELHI: National broadcaster Doordarshan today announced it would be launching its classic series with the airing of Premchand’s acclaimed Godan (the Gift of a Cow), directed by ace film personality Gulzaar.
Speaking on the occasion, Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma said it would be DD’s endeavour to build up a rich reservoir of programmes based on the rich literature and culture of India. “Over a period of five years, I am sure we’d have a rich line-up of programming and stalwarts (like Gulzaar) would have helped us in retaining viewership as well.”
Sarma added that the series on Indian classics, for which a government think-tank on economic policies, Planning Commission, has sanctioned Rs 500 million to be spent over five years, would herald the “revival of DD as a public service broadcaster.”
On the Premchand series DD has spent about Rs 15 million and hopes to earn back the investment through advertising spots. Some advertisers that have already committed for this series include HLL, Reckitt-Benckieser India (makers of Dettol) and Onida.
Though Gulzaar was at his best while fielding questions on Premchand’s works and the cinematic experience during the making of the series, he did point out that by today’s standards Premchand’s work may look to be slow moving, but are still relevant.
“To many of you the series may look slow, but believe me Premchand is still very relevant in today’s India as we continue to hear of farmers’ deaths in some states because of poverty,” he explained.
Godaan, to be aired on DD National in two parts on 8 and 9 August on prime time, is a story portraying social inequality.
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.
