GECs
MTV denies that investors are disgruntled
MTV India chief Alex Kuruvilla has dismissed the report in Business Standard, which stated that non-resident Indians disgruntled with the channel’s performance in India had pulled out of the Mauritius-based overseas corporate body which is the holding company for the channel in India.
“The report seems biased,” he says. “While it is true that MTV India has become a 100% foreign-owned venture, it is not because people were fazed by losses. It is because the environment has changed and the Foreign Investment Promotion Board cleared our proposal for a 100 per cent venture. So it is more of a strategic move by us. When we set up initially, it was necessary to go through the NRI/OCB route.”
Kuruvilla adds that MTV India is among the stars in the MTV Worldwide stable. “There are four services which are considered amongst the most powerful brands in MTV and MTV India is one of them.” Kuruvilla points out that the Indian operations have got a leg up and the channel has got more ad commercial minutes than the other music services. “We are more than happy with our performance. Our rates too have been going up. But on the whole we know that there is a gestation period to get this service going.”
The Business Standard Story had additionally stated that MTV India will convert the existing shareholding of MTV Asia Ventures in MTV India from ‘NRI OCB with 24 per cent repatriable’ to fully repatriable foreign direct investment. It had additionally stated that the equity capital of the company is being expanded from Rs 60 million to Rs 100 million through the issue of further equity/preference capital of MTV Asia Ventures and/or its parent, subsidiaries and nominees. The preference capital shall be cumulative and non-convertible and have a maximum redemption period of 20 years. The rate of dividend will range between 0 to 15 per cent.
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.
