GECs
East competes West in DDs new dance reality show
NEW DELHI: Earlier this week, Doordarshan telecast an innovative reality show, Bharat Ki Shaan – Rum Jhum that saw classical Indian dance forms compete with Western dances.
The programme commenced on DD National on 14 October and will be aired every Monday and Tuesday at 10.00 pm
Conceptualised and created by the pioneer of reality shows in India, Gajendra Singh, the show has a unique concept and is being developed by the living legend of Indian classical dance Dr Sonal Mansingh.
On the occasion, Doordarshan ADG (Publicity) V.K. Jain said: “We are very happy to produce, Bharat ki Shaan – Rum Jhum. With this show, we want to expand Bharat ki Shaan in the form of dance. The concept of doing Indian classical vs. non-Indian dance was conceptualised by DD Director General Tripurari Sharan. It was his idea to get the traditional and contemporary Indian dance vs. other forms of dance to bring out the cultural values from different parts of the world.”
At present, Bharat ki Shaan is confined to singing.
Mansingh will be seen for the first time on Indian television as the “Guru Shrestha”, the supreme judge. She has been honoured with Padma Bhusan and Padma Vibhusan, and is renowned world over for her expertise in Odissi and Bharatnatyam and her interpretations of the classical in modern terms. Rum Jhum is an extension of Dr Mansingh’s vision. “It is a strategy for me to bridge the gap between the popular and pure arts. I hope the show doesn’t only let the country discover new talents, but also discover dance in its diversity, richness and beauty,” she said.
Saaibaba Telefilms CMD Gajendra Singh, who has been known as the creator of musical reality shows in India with shows like Antakshari, SaReGaMa, Voice of India, Music Ka Maha Muqqabla and the recent hit Sur Kshetra, will foray in to the world of dance with Rum Jhum. “I am looking forward to the show as much as my viewers who likewise are ardently waiting for its launch”, Singh said.
Besides Dr. Sonal Mansingh, the show has two other expert judges – Sandeep Soparkar, who is an expert in Ballroom dance; and Sandeep Mahavir, a Kathak dancer and expert – to groom and train and get the best from the contestants.
Talking at the occasion, Sandip Soparrkar, said: “There is no other platform which gives prominence to non-Indian dance forms in particular. I am extremely thrilled to be a part of this show. I am glad that Gajendra Singh came up with this offer. It is a wonderful opportunity. My best wishes are with all the contestants and our entire team. I am sure we will make a great show.”
Sandeep Mahavir, who is representing the Indian dance forms is a young Kathak dancer-choreographer who is popularising the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak the world over. “Rumjhum is a big platform for me. Youngsters who want to make a career in this field can go places because of this platform. It is not a competition but a representation of two art forms. I am excited to see the audiences’ reaction. I just hope that the upcoming talents and the contestants don’t have to struggle the way we have,” he said.
While the two dynamic dance gurus look forward to add a dimension to the show, the fascinating blend of classical, regional folk and western music combined with Bollywood, will keep the entertainment quotient always on a high.
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.
