GECs
Nautanki Films Madhubala takes up a social cause
MUMBAI: One of the most watched soaps on Colors – Nautanki Films’ Madhubala – is using its popularity to draw attention to a serious social issue like forced abortions, the serial’s lead protagonist Madhubala (Dhrasti Dhami) is seen in a dilemma which many women in India can relate to.
In present day society, though women’s rights are being spoken and fought for, their liberty to take decisions stands as a question mark. Forced abortions, a prevalent concern, is faced by most of the members of the fairer sex irrespective of their caste, class or creed.
Madhubala has taken up the task of bringing this issue to the forefront. The past week saw the show’s protagonist, Madhu’s, dreams getting crushed when her husband RK tries to coerce her to abort their first child to suit his own agenda. Standing against her husband’s wishes, Madhu makes a firm decision to keep the child.
Nautanki Films co-producer Abhinav Shukla said in a release: “Many times injustices done against women go unnoticed. With our show we will try to throw light on these issues, we are hopeful the gravity of this social issue will reach out and make an impact on the show’s many viewers.”
Going by the promos, the upcoming episodes will see Madhu suffer a supposed ‘accidental miscarriage’, symbolising the often sad fate that befalls Indian women.
Nautanki Films co-producer Saurabh Tewari added: “It is not the first time we have introduced a social cause in the story, and it is definitely not the last time we will do so. We are quite pleased to use our show as a platform to showcase issues which affect the general public”
Coincidentally the show had previously dabbled with the grave issue of female foeticide, wherein Madhubala’s mother was forced to drop her girl child by her husband and family, against whom she strongly fought and won, managing to keep the baby. It must be said that Nautanki Films’ Madhubala is surely proving to be quite an inspiration for its female fan following.
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.
