GECs
MTV Intl receives exclusive access to rock group Coldplay
MUMBAI: MTV Intl has announced that it has exclusive access to rock group Coldplay in support of the band’s highly anticipated new release X&Y from the record label EMI/Parlophone.
MTV channels worldwide will premiere the first live televised concert in support of X&Y, as well as offer fans a once-in-a-lifetime competition to see Coldplay live in London.
MTV Live Coldplay will premiere as a one hour concert on MTV channels around the world on 5 June, the night before X&Y is released internationally. The show will be taped next month in a secret venue in London and will feature songs off the new album, including the single Speed of Sound, along with classic Coldplay tracks.
In addition, MTV will broadcast a new 30-minute special, All Eyes on Coldplay, where leading artists ask the band questions about the making of X&Y and their forthcoming world tour. Local premiere times will be announced later.
20 of MTV’s international channels are running ae competition starting on-air and online to give fans the chance to win a trip to London to attend an intimate Coldplay gig taped by MTV this month.
MTV Intl VP music marketing and talent/artist relations Jesus Lara said, “Through our network of local channels and Web sites, we are uniquely positioned to offer MTV audiences around the world exclusive access to the world’s biggest artists. We are excited to support Coldplay and X&Y, which will be one of the year’s most acclaimed releases, as well as to partner with EMI and Parlophone to enable MTV viewers from around the world the chance see the band up close and personal before the album hits stores.”
Coldplay singer/guitarist/keyboardist Chris Martin said, “It’s really cool that fans are flying in from all over the world to see us play for MTV in London next month. We’ll try and make it worth their effort”.
Coldplay’s drummer Will Champion said, “We can’t wait to play songs from X&Y to our fans, and the MTV audience will be among the first to hear them. “We wish everyone the best of luck in the competition.”
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.
