GECs
IndiaCast partners with Amagi to launch Viacom18’s new channel Desi Play TV
Mumbai: IndiaCast Media Distribution Pvt. Ltd., the multi-platform content asset monetisation entity jointly owned by TV18 and Viacom18, has partnered with Amagi to launch Desi Play TV, a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel in HD on Sling in the US and Plex across the US, Canada, and Middle East regions.
Amagi is a cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV. The network’s first FAST channel will feature some of the most well-liked, carefully chosen Hindi series with English subtitles from its catalog of Viacom18 material.
The channel features iconic shows like, Uttaran, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Dev, Tu Aashiqui, Kitchen Champion, Mahakaalalong with a local USA-based food show – Dine With Colors.
Desi Play TV connects with the shared tastes of South Asian viewers, their values & culture with a variety of shows across genres like drama, cookery, comedy, lifestyle, crime and mythology. Aptly named Desi Play TV, the channel aims to reach out to the desi audience worldwide, who can play premium quality content anytime, for free.
Amagi co-founder and CEO Baskar Subramanian said, “At Amagi, we cherish every opportunity we can get to bring great content closer to its intended audience. Our partnership with IndiaCast in launching their first free ad-supported streaming TV channel has been a gratifying experience for us. Gaining access to IndiaCast’s rich content library on FAST will bring great cheer to the Indian diaspora in the USA.”
Commenting on the launch, IndiaCast International Business executive VP & head Govind Shahi said, “It’s a huge step for us to launch the network’s first FAST channel at a time of significant growth in this space, with viewers willing to experiment and adopt newer and convenient options of content consumption. We are extremely delighted to partner with Amagi for this launch. With more platform launches scheduled in the coming months, combined with our rich library of content on the channel, we are sure that Desi Play TV will be widely accepted by our South Asian viewers.”
IndiaCast International Business, senior VP & business head – Americas, UK, Europe & FAST Sachin Gokhale said, “With Desi Play TV, our South Asian viewers now get free access to their most-loved premium Hindi shows from the Viacom18 library on their favourite digital streaming platforms whenever, wherever, and on whatever device they want to watch them on and that too at no cost. We will continue to invest in and develop this novel product – programming the best of content, having more partnerships to make it more and more accessible to consumers and supporting the offering with relevant and targeted interest-based advertising campaigns.”
Desi Play TV, a new channel brand launched by the network, is properly positioned as #PricelessEntertainment, referring to the best content that can be viewed on the channel without paying any money. Desi Play TV will benefit greatly from Amagi’s best-in-class cloud technology services through its partnership with the company. These services include Amagi Cloudport, a broadcast-grade channel playout solution, and Amagi Thunderstorm, an innovative dynamic server-side ad insertion solution. Amagi will be able to significantly increase the awareness of Desi Play TV because it is the top technology provider in the global FAST ecosystem.
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.
