GECs
Five and thriving Shemaroo TV celebrates a half-decade of drama
MUMBAI: It’s been five years since Shemaroo TV first switched on and it’s safe to say, they’ve kept the remote firmly in their audience’s hands. The Free-To-Air (FTA) channel has hit a milestone moment, celebrating half a decade of serving up a heady mix of myth, mayhem and middle-India masala to viewers across Bharat.
In a television landscape where loyalty is rare and tastes are ever-shifting, Shemaroo TV has carved out a space of its own drawing in an annual audience of 296 million with a content cocktail that includes devotional sagas, crime capers and classic family drama. Whether you’re in for a morning dose of spiritual calm or a prime-time showdown, the channel has something for every generation under the roof.
What sets Shemaroo apart is its smart straddle between rooted values and modern sensibilities. Its programming taps into nostalgia while staying fresh enough for a younger, evolving viewership. And its impact goes beyond metros, it has become a staple in rural and semi-urban homes, where FTA still rules the roost.
Commenting on the milestone Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, CEO Hiren Gada says, “Shemaroo TV’s journey over the last five years has been nothing short of inspiring. We set out with the belief that audiences in India’s heartland seek content that resonates deeply with their culture, values, and aspirations. The remarkable growth in viewership and engagement validates that vision. We remain committed to curating content that entertains and brings families together.”
Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd COO for Broadcast Business Sandeep Gupta adds, “Shemaroo TV has built a unique identity by staying true to its roots while constantly innovating. This success is not just about numbers; it’s about the millions of connections we’ve built across Bharat. Our thoughtfully curated content line up ensures every Indian home finds a story that becomes a part of their live from early morning spiritual seekers to prime-time drama enthusiasts. We are excited for the journey ahead and ready to scale even greater heights with the love and trust of our audience.”
As Shemaroo TV enters year six, its playbook remains the same: tradition, emotion and wide appeal all packaged with consistency and heart. In an age of streaming binges and short attention spans, it turns out there’s still something timeless about stories that feel like home.
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.
