GECs
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi records over 1.6 billion minutes watch time in launch week
MUMBAI: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made a historic return to Indian television on 29 July and the response was nothing short of phenomenal. The show clocked 1.659 billion minutes of watch time on Star Plus and JioHotstar in its launch week, an extraordinary testament to its enduring appeal, reasserting its iconic status in India’s entertainment landscape. Drawing 31.1 million viewers on TV in just the first four days, and reaching millions more on streaming, the show has shattered records to become the biggest-ever GEC fiction launch on TV & digital streaming.
The launch episode alone drew 15.4 million viewers on Star Plus, making it the highest-rated fiction premiere in recent history. The returning season’s massive opening on JioHotstar, underscores the growing appetite for daily storytelling on streaming platforms and marks a pivotal moment for the evolution of fiction content in India’s digital entertainment landscape. This is the new high in the fiction journey, proving that daily drama, when reimagined along with streaming, can drive both cultural resonance and massive reach.
“The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has proven that great storytelling never loses its power. We approached this launch with a two-fold vision: to reignite the deep nostalgia associated with one of India’s most iconic shows, while also crafting a contemporary storyline and viewing experience that resonates with today’s audiences. The record-breaking numbers across Star Plus and JioHotstar reaffirm our belief in the timeless appeal of compelling narratives. This launch is a cultural moment that bridges generations, and we are proud to have delivered it to millions of homes across platforms,” said Sumanta Bose, head of cluster, entertainment (Star Plus and Bharat, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati), JioStar.
The premiere also drove large-scale organic conversations online, with 17,300 mentions and 86 per cent positive sentiment, underscoring the deep emotional connection and multi-generational pull of the show. The conversations were driven by nostalgia, connection with the star cast and fan anticipation, positioning Kyunki as both a cultural and content milestone.
With its commanding return across TV and streaming platforms, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has not only revived a beloved legacy but also set the stage for a new era of appointment viewing, combining the mass reach of television with the deep engagement of digital streaming.
The return has revitalized the fiction landscape, drawing significant attention from viewers and advertisers alike. The show had captured the interest of advertisers early on with Tide+, Kalyan Jewellers, and Maruti Suzuki India serving as co-presenting sponsors, with Fortune Soyabean Oil, Colgate, and Smart Bazaar joining as co-powered sponsors along with White Tone Face Cream and Good Knight as Special Partners on television. The digital platform JioHotstar features Kalyan Jewellers and Maruti Suzuki in co-presenting roles, Colgate, Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, Uti Mutual Fund, Tata Consumer Products, and SMART Bazaar as co-powered by sponsors alongside Mankind Pharma – Prega News as a Special Partner.
Source:
* BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn* Time Spent, W30’25
**BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, W30’25
***BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, Original Programming, 29th July 2025 – W30’25
JHS Viewers, JHS Data, Distillery
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.
