GECs
Marar replaces KS Sarma as Maa TV CEO
MUMBAI: Maa TV Network, which owns and operates Telugu general entertainment channel Maa TV, has appointed Sharradh Marar as its chief executive officer. He replaces former Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma who has been in charge for only a few months.
Marar has a long association with the film industry and is said to be close to superstars Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna. Late last year the company restructured its shareholding with Chiranjeev, Nagarjuna and Matrix Laboratories Ltd (a listed company) promoter N Prasad acquiring 60 per cent stake.
Sarma was then roped in to head the company. He will, however, continue as advisor to Maa TV Network. “I have taken over as CEO and Sarma will stay as advisor to the company. My immediate focus will be to consolidate our channel’s position and try out ways to increase our market share,” says Marar.
Marar was heading the southern operations in Amitabh Bachchan’s company ABCL. Later he floated a media company, South Parade, that was into buying and branded content. He has also produced TV serials for Gemini and has 15 years of TV exposure.
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.
