GECs
‘Indian Idol’ set to return with season 13 from 10 September on Sony
Mumbai: Sony Entertainment Television is all set to launch season 13 of its flagship singing reality show, Indian Idol. The show will premiere on 10 September and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m.
This year’s campaign “Phir saath aane ka bahana hai, ab mausam musicana hai” brought alive the celebration of music and togetherness.
The show will be hosted by Aditya Narayan and the ultimate trio – Himesh Reshammiya, Neha Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani – will reprise their roles as judges once again. The channel noted that they are here to make the ‘mausam musicana!’
SET head-programming (non-fiction), channel Sonal Yadav said, “Indian Idol is a revolutionary show that has set a precedent since its launch. The platform has given recognition to many aspiring singers who have always dreamt of making it big in the world of music. With Season 13, our core focus is to highlight real and aspirational singers who bring out variety and uniqueness. Through the multi-city on-ground auditions this year, we have truly managed to scout some exceptional talent. With the expertise Himesh Reshammiya, Neha Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani bring to the table, Indian Idol is ready to make the ‘mausam musicana.’ Also, collaborating with Fremantle has always been a pleasure, and with season 13, we yet again look forward to a successful season of Indian Idol.”
Under the production of Fremantle, the singing reality show has brought families together, making it a wholesome viewing experience. With incomparable voices and inspiring stories, the show is the one-stop singing platform that provides unlimited entertainment and caters to viewers across age-groups.
Fremantle India managing director Aradhana Bhola commented, “Indian Idol isn’t just a show for us, it is a promise of limitless talent, opportunities, and lives changed for the better, forever. We can’t wait to bring forth the diverse singing talent and inspiring life stories of this season to the viewers and continue our legacy of having them find a special place in the hearts of millions of Indians.”
Also, this year, the show hosted the multi-city on-ground auditions in 11 cities after a gap of two years and witnessed overwhelming participation. Like every year, in its 13th season, the show is set to bring to the fore diverse musical talent from across India, bringing forth the country’s rich multi-cultural background. Right from genres like pop, classical, fusion, folk, opera, and more, this season will see some exceptionally talented Davedaars bring out versatility, rhythm, and soul through their singing talent.
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.
