GECs
Kolkata firm picks up 12.5% stake in BAG Films
MUMBAI: B.A.G Films is diluting 12.55 per cent on an expanded equity to Kolkata-based High Growth Distributors (P) Ltd. for Rs 261 million.
The production house will be making a preferential allotment of 13.07 million shares at a price of Rs 20 per share. “We have expansion plans and the funds will be utilised for this,” says B.A.G Films managing director Anuradha Prasad.
Earlier India Bulls promoter Sameer Gehlaut acquired 25 per cent stake in B.A.G Films for Rs 262 million. On the expanded equity, Gehlaut’s holding will drop to 19 per cent.
The promoters will have 38.39 per cent after the dilution, Prasad adds. Gehlaut’s open offer at Rs 13 per share for a further 20 per cent stake (as per regulatory requirement) would find no taker as the share price of B.A.G Films has jumped to Rs 23.
Meanwhile, the company has decided to increase its authorised share capital from 100 million t0 125 million equity shares of Rs 2 each. The board has also given an in-principle approval to change the name of the company to B.A.G. Media Ltd or any variant thereof, subject to approvals.
In the FM radio business run through subsidiary company B.A.G Infotainment, IDBI Bank has picked up a 10 per cent stake. The deal with Bank of Baroda for a similar stake did not conclude, says Prasad.
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.
