GECs
KBC to cut down to thrice weekdays; Sony takes some pot shots
Programming head Sameer Nair had let it slip some time in December last that Star might at some point consider taking its Kaun Banega Crorepati gameshow off air for a while to keep interest alive. There was a storm raised at the time with hurried clarifications that no such move was planned.
Wonder what the reaction would be today if he were to make a similar statement. With TRPs (television rating points) slipping and soaps ruling the roost again like in days of yore, Star is going to cut down the frequency of KBC from four episodes to three on weekdays from next month. A Kiddies KBC is planned on the weekend, and will probably be slotted for Sunday, according to Yash Khanna, head communications**.
“We have two big serials lined up for the prime time slot, Ji Mantriji, is one of them,” Khanna said, adding that these serials would make up for the absence of KBC.
Star may well have to take KBC off air for a while at some point to give the viewers a breather. Interest is definitely waning and it makes sense for Star to give itself some lead time in which it can make plans to go forth and multiply.
So don’t be surprised if KBC announces a monsoon break.
That aside, it is clear that the weekend Kiddies KBC is aimed at scuppering Sony Entertainment Television’s Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke. And Sony hasn’t been sleeping while Star works on ways to eat into JCPK. Recent ads appearing in print and on the telly exhort viewers to watch Sony Entertainment Television Monday to Thursday, 9 PM to 10 PM and get a chance to be on JCPK. Its not a coincidence that KBC airs at that time on star Plus.
**In the report originally posted, Yash Khanna was inadvertantly referred to as head of programming when his correct designation is that of communications head. The error is regretted.
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.
