GECs
FWICE strike: TV and Film shoots to continue, resolution expected
MUMBAI: The issue of strikes continues to plague the film and television industry as issues keep cropping up between various union bodies and federations every now and then. This time around, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) members were set to go on a non-cooperation strike from 3 October, 2015 to demand an increase in their daily wages and improved working conditions.
And to deliberate on the same, producer members attended a meeting on 1 October, 2015 at 6:30 pm at Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC) office and discussed the legal proceedings as well as the way forward.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com post the meeting, a present member on condition of anonymity said, “The members wanted an amicable solution and they are willing to sign a legally permissible MoU. This should bring a positive result and the matter may get resolved with the federation.”
The Bombay High court order pertaining to the same issue reads, “Though nobody can be stopped from calling a strike, there cannot be any rebel activities within 150 metres distance of any shoot location. The not working propaganda can be voluntary but cannot be forced.”
There were speculations and rumours that if somebody works during the non-cooperation period, their membership card will be rejected. Diminishing all such possibilities court says, “No craft can threaten to cancel membership cards.”
The court also suggested to appoint Justice Krishna to mediate things.
It may be recalled that in May this year, FWICE had threatened to go on a strike if the producers’ bodies did not renew the MoU, which had expired in February. However, the strike was called off after a meeting between the two bodies.
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.
