GECs
Leading Leasing trims stake in Sri Adhikari Brothers
MUMBAI: Leading Leasing Finance and Investment Company has quietly exited a slice of its position in Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network, selling 110,000 equity shares in a week-long open market spree that concluded on 5 December.
The disposal, spanning five trading sessions from 1 December, shaved the finance firm’s stake from 17.36 per cent to 16.93 per cent in the Mumbai-based television production house. Leading Leasing now holds 4.295 million shares in Sri Adhikari Brothers, down from 4.405 million previously.
The sale triggers disclosure requirements under India’s takeover regulations, which mandate reporting when substantial shareholders alter their holdings. Leading Leasing, helmed by managing director Kurjibhai Rupareliya, is not part of Sri Adhikari Brothers’ promoter group and appears to be gradually unwinding what remains a significant minority position.
Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network, listed on both the BSE and National Stock Exchange, has an equity base of 25.37 million shares of Rs 10 each. The company’s total share capital remains unchanged post-transaction at Rs 253.73 million.
The timing and rationale behind the stake reduction remain undisclosed. Leading Leasing submitted the mandatory regulatory filing but offered no commentary on whether further sales are planned or if this marks the beginning of a broader exit strategy.
For a firm still holding nearly 17 per cent, the trimming looks more like portfolio adjustment than wholesale retreat. But in markets where every basis point matters, even modest stake sales raise questions about conviction.
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.
