GECs
Mumbai’s local trains will see many a ‘Kangan’ as serial launches Thursday on Star Plus
Yet another family drama targeted at the Indian housewife (or should that be North Indian housewife) hits the small screen today with the launch of “Kangan” on Star Plus.
And the Star India team has chosen a novel way to make the public aware of what exactly is happening. Keeping in mind the “women-centric” nature of the serial, teams are fanning out in the ladies compartments of local trains that every day bring commuters into Mumbai’s business districts. Gold-plated “kangans” (chunky bangles) are being distributed to the women passengers as a one-day promotional exercise. “Kangan” is the heavy bangle that North Indian women wear after marriage and is normally a family heirloom the mother-in-law gifts to the daughter-in-law.
Star has been using ad stickers on the walls of Mumbai’s local trains for advertising its serials but this is the first time that they are attempting to get their message across by actually meeting passengers.
The weekly family drama, produced and directed by yesteryear’s actress Asha Parekh through her Akruti Productions, will air every Thursday at 9:30 PM
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.
