GECs
KBC Season 12 registers over 2.5 million entries on day one
MUMBAI: The countdown for the country's most revered seat has officially begun. Kaun Banega Crorepati is back with its 12th season led by the legendary host Amitabh Bachchan. With the initiation of the online registrations, the show has already opened to a thunderous response clocking more than 2.5 million entries on day one of registrations. The participation through SonyLIV has gone up by over 360%, as compared to last year, underlining the trend towards acceptance of digital as the preferred mode for registration.
With a rise in digital consumption amongst users, the entire selection process of KBC 12 has been planned virtually to scale up engagement and drive participation. The new addition of knowledge test and video submission introduced as a part of the selection process is being well-received by the users.
Over the last two decades, Kaun Banega Crorepati has redefined the value of knowledge. The show has changed fortunes and inspires generations of fans to pursue their aspirations through education and learning. Registrations for this season are open until May 22nd. Users can participate by answering the question asked by Bachchan every day at 9p.m. on Sony Entertainment Television. The answers can be sent either through the SonyLIV app or SMS.
Amogh Dusad, head, programming and new initiatives, digital business, said: “A 360 percent growth in participation of KBC Registration on SonyLIV further reinforces the popularity and appeal of KBC and also underlines the increase in penetration of SonyLIV as a platform. This year, with a 100% digital selection process for KBC, one can expect much higher level of engagement on SonyLIV and a never-before interactive 2nd screen experience.”
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.
