GECs
Kunika turns producer with ‘Strivers & Achievers’
MUMBAI: TV and film actor-turned-producer Kunika Sadanand Lall announced that her first product ‘Strivers and Achievers’ is ready to hit the tube on 13 April. The show will be aired on DD2, every Sunday at 10 am. As of now, Kunika is acting in only one serial- ‘Kittie Party’.
The programme, anchored by Kunika herself, will celeberate the lives, struggle and achievement of people with physical/mental/situational handicaps.
On being asked that what had made her don the producer’s hat, she said, “The seeds were sown when I saw a Oprah Winfrey show in the US sometime back. Oprah spreads a tremendous amount of goodwill in her society. So I thought, why not I? The seeds began to germinate when I was working on an AIDS awareness programme, under the guidance of Dr. I S Gilada. I have worked under him for the past 10 years. I discovered that people suffering from a terminal disease had more positivity, resolve and inner strenth to combat life, rather than others.”
“Furthermore, I have had a learning experience in life which had almost made me a recluse. During that period, many people came forward to help me in different ways. I would not like to comment on whether our celebrities have given back to the society as much as they ought to have, and would disagree if someone were to say that there is no kindness left in this world.”
Asked whether people would prefer seeing her show more than ‘saas bahu’ seials, she retorted, “Firstly, my show will be on Sunday mornings. I had asked for this time and got it. I am not fighting with daily/weekly soaps. I am not looking for any TRPs. I bet that this serial would help us to consider every ‘special’ child as a God’s gift.
The show has been granted a permission of 26 episodes. 16 episodes are ready for telecast, says Kunika.
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.
