GECs
Hindi GEC women-centric shows highlight crucial issues around women’s day
MUMBAI: Over a period of time, Hindi GECs have made many attempts to show the female protagonist in a stronger character. From Tulsi of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Parvati of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki solving their domestic issues in the shows to Anandi of Balika Vadhu fighting for her basic rights to Mini of Patiala Babes addressing issues faced by women channels have made sure to portray women characters in a better way which is more relatable and also inspires many women viewers and convey a strong message in the society.
Viacom18 Hindi Mass Entertainment chief content officer Manisha Sharma said, "Colors believes in leading the content curve, more so when it comes to women-centric programming. Over the years, we have given Indian television some of the most iconic women characters who are impactful and empowering. Our current line-up of shows have Meher of Choti Sarrdaarni, Pinky of Naati Pinky Ki Lambi Love Story, Bondita of Barrister Babu, Heer of Shakti.. Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii who embody the spirit of womanhood and are a true inspiration.”
This year, United Nations celebrates Women’s Day with the theme of ‘Each for Equal’, which upholds that an equal world is an enabled one. It is unfortunate that women are still judged and constantly made to feel awkward for something as frivolous and insignificant as a ‘peeking bra strap’. Viacom18’s youth and entertainment channel MTV has launched a campaign Baar Bra Dekho to normalise conversations around bra straps and slam the judgemental eye rolls on a woman’s peeking strap.
The campaign kickstarted with a series of engaging content on social media and grabbed the attention of the viewers, asking them to talk it out and share their stories of strap shaming. It also went out into the crowd to understand the perception of uncles, aunties and youngsters alike on peeking bra straps.
The channel’s show Nishedh will also addressed relevant issues on Women's Day. “Since inception, Viacom18 has worked towards identifying differentiated content that cultivate positive social change through its storytelling. MTV Nishedh looks at issues that have been brushed aside under the garb of stigma too long in ignorance. These are issues such as safe sex, consent, safe abortion, malnutrition and TB, which impact women. Through relatable and close to reality characters, the show answers some pertinent questions of concern. The lead female character of Aastha Gunawat unravels many facets of the young woman of today. A risk-taker at the age of 21, Aastha deals with challenges in her new journey, looking to make a name for herself. MTV Nishedh gives a voice to concerns that are suppressed by patriarchal conventions with a strong narrative that engages and relates to the youth,” said Viacom18 corporate marketing, communications and sustainability head Sonia Huria.
In line with the brand philosophy of Sony Entertainment Television, which values partnerships, this year’s Women’s Day campaign highlights gender equality #SheEqualsHe. The campaign thought stems from a very critical question – What do women really want? Instead of opening the car door for her, it’s time to open our minds; instead of giving her a reserved seat in a bus or metro, it’s time to make her feel safe when she’s travelling. Instead of saying ‘Ladies First’, it’s time to say ‘we are equals”. It’s time to say #SheEqualsHe.
Link of TVC:
https://www.facebook.com/sonytelevision/videos/207311794014138/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
Sony Entertainment Television’s show Patiala Babes starring Ashnoor Kaur, Sourabh Raaj Jain and Saisha Bajaj truly believe that no child should grow up in the spectre of violence and abuse and this very thought has been incorporated in the form of an interesting track around ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ within the show. Patiala Babes has always been at the forefront of educating its viewers through its progressive narrative, be it women empowerment or establishing one’s identity in the society or even pay parity.
In the show, Mini (Ashnoor Kaur) will be seen teaching her younger sister Aarya ( Saisha Bajaj) about the concept of ‘Good Touch and Bad Touch’ after one of her friends in the school has a bad experience with the school Peon. Post the incident Arya is in a state of shock and reluctant to talk about it to anyone. Mini takes charge and not just ensures proper guidance to Arya but also fights back with the support of other ladies of her mohollah through a campaign #ChuppiNoMore.
To celebrate Women's Day the channel’s The Kapil Sharma Show will have all women cast of Devi on Sunday, 8 March.
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.
