GECs
Endemol Shine India acquires screen rights for Salil Desai’s ‘The Sane Psychopath’
MUMBAI: Endemol Shine India has announced that it has acquired the screen rights to Salil Desai’s chilling and compelling novel, ‘The Sane Psychopath’.
Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege said “Inspired by a real incident, The Sane Psychopath is an astounding psychological tale of a frightening murderous phenomenon of our times. Endemol Shine India is focused on developing quality content, that is gripping and globally relevant to the times we live in. What attracted us to the book is the insight the plot gives into the legal system, the state of mental health and the impact the news and headlines have on the general public. Delving into the mind of a psychopathic killer AND an idealistic lawyer, Salil Desai has penned a story that matters and has the power to change the narrative.”
Author Salil Desai is elated. “The Sane Psychopath is my darkest novel yet and was the hardest to write. I always thought it was 'made-for-screen' and when Endemol Shine India decided to adapt it, I almost went insane with excitement,” Salil said. Earlier this year, Salil Desai’s much acclaimed Inspector Saralkar Mystery series too was picked up for adaptation into a web series by another big production house.
"When I first heard the plot for The Sane Psychopath based on this real event, it truly intrigued me. Salil has written a masterpiece! I am so delighted Endemol Shine India picked it up for adaptation and we are all so thrilled for Salil," said Shikha Sabharwal, Publishing Director, Fingerprint! Publishing.
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.
