GECs
KHMC helps ETV’s viewership go up by 47 %
MUMBAI: From Who wants to be a Millionaire to Kaun Banega Crorepati to Kon Hoeel Marathi Crorepati, the game show format has travelled a long way.
Earlier this year, ETV Marathi announced the launch of the adapted version KBC. “When KBC was launched in Hindi, it changed the genre. Also nothing like this had ever happened in the Marathi genre. So, our main objective was to change the perspective of the channel and portray ETV as a pioneer in creating such breakthrough shows,” says ETV business head and EVP Viacom18 Anuj Poddar.
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ETV business head & EVP Viacom18 Anuj Poddar
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The channel which already has two game shows (Divided and Aata Tumhi Maalamaal) in its stable had high expectations from KHMC that targeted Marathi manoos who are educated and up-to-date on the latest happenings in India and the world. The channel wanted to focus on the youth who don’t have any language barrier to come back to the regional channel. “If the content is appealing enough, I’m sure they would come to a Marathi channel,” reasons Poddar.
In May, the show was first premiered on the channel and has been able to create a buzz in the genre. “The sheer reach of the show is enough to tell us how it is different from the rest. The number of people who want to be on the hot seat or just sit at home and win is just amazing,” says Poddar who goes to elaborate on how the show which ends in September has helped the channel take a jump in its viewership and strengthen itself.
The channel has recorded a 47 per cent growth in channel viewership (WK01-04, 2013 Vs WK26-29, 20-13). “Compared to our peers it is a big jump to have in six months and most of it has happened in the past three months,” proudly claims Poddar.
He adds, “And looking at the numbers, our advertisers are happy too.” KHMC which is presented by New Fair & Lovely and powered by Idea is the single highest revenue driver for the channel which has seen newer advertisers coming onboard because of the show.
Host of the show Sachin Khedekar with a contestant on the hot seat
The channel which claims to be the first to experiment with homegrown non-fiction formats like Gaurav Maharashtracha, Dholkicha Taalavar, Superfast Comedy Express and Crime Diary is confident to bring back as bigger and better season two of KHMC.
As for the Marathi genre’s growth, Poddar says that the revolution can be divided into three stages. “First being the launch of regional channels by networks. The second was when Star Pravah was launched which saw an uplift in the content and now the third phase is when all three competitors (Zee, ETV and Star) see a three-way fight and because of it the audience will benefit as they will see a better and innovative content,” he says.
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.
