GECs
Mumbai tunes in for ‘Coke [V] Popstars2’
MUMBAI: And they waltz their way to instant popdom!
The lucky quartet of the Coke [V] Popstars 2 Hunt, Sangeet Haldipur, Neeti Mohan, Vasudha Sharma and Jimmy Felix charmed the gathered press and celebrity invitees with their musical abilities in an event held at Famous Studio’s on 22 August.
An elaborate plan was organised by Channel [V] and company to usher in the new bands.
Discoth?que interiors, fashionable crowd, food and drinks galore and music, it was a party meant to rock. At around 9.45 pm, VJ Gaurav and Popstars mascot ‘Simpoo’ and VJ Gaurav, introduced the new Popstars to the crowd. Whether it was the excitement to see the Popstars or an appreciation to the entertaining banter between Simpoo and VJ Gurav, the applause was deafening.
With two months of rigorous training after the nationwide search, the Coke [V] Popstars 2 band performed two numbers from their soon-to-be released debut album. While the romantic ballad Tumse Hi Pyar composed by Ashutosh and Sandhya Divecha was sung acapella, the band matched their steps on the peppy dance track Apni har Subha Nayee composed by Salim and Sulaiman. With the dance sequences choreographed by ace choreographer Terrence Lewis, the newfound band enthralled the public.
The new band has been trained in music, dance, vocals, grooming, health and fitness by the some best in the industry like Bhavdeep Jaipurvale, Dr Rama Vaidyanathan, Terence Lewis, Rocky S, Mickey Mehta and Chaya Momaya.
After the introduction, the floors were abuzz with action. Both the guest and hosts boogied through the night. As for the star’s of the moment, the chosen foursome, didn’t sport the wide-eyed contestant they were a few months ago. The transformation was remarkable.
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.
