GECs
For Zee Music, it pays to play Indian
MUMBAI: It’s yeah for Zee Music and nah for the big guns MTV and Channel [V] in Hindi speaking markets. Or so claims Zee Music.
After a boisterous revamp, the thus far struggling Zee sibling, seems to have recovered and how. While the onus of the popularity mainly lies on the aggressive promotions campaign, channel sources claim that the content has given them the much needed push.
According to the data provided by Zee, the channel has picked up pace in the last few weeks. They claim that it is the ‘live’ content that has offered them a new life. In addition to that the ‘Sound of India’ campaign has gone well with the audience. At least with the audience belonging to the C&S 4+ Hindi speaking markets for the weeks 28 March 2004 to 8 May 2004 (week 14- week 19).
The data provided by TAM indicates that there has been a steady growth in channel shares.
Both, the data from TAM and Zee Music’s internal data indicate that the tussle is now between Zee Music and its sibling channel Etc. But the fight ends there. Sibling rivalry is not on the parent company’s agenda. Instead Zee Music looks to take learnings from where Etc has succeeded. For example, since a major TRP driver on Etc has been a concert programmeNaach meri jaan, Zee Music decided to do something similar. Whether it is the decided ‘desi’ look and desi approach that has enticed the Hindi speaking audience or the novelty factor that has hooked on the audience, only time will tell. But for now, it is working well.
And though rivals might question the TG that Zee Music has chosen in its sample, the one-time “nowhere channel” has certainly made them all sit up and take note.
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.
