GECs
Nazara’s ‘Laal Banarasi’: A tale of aspirations and emotions set in the vibrant heart of India
Mumbai: Set in the city of Benaras – the Bunkar community possesses exquisite weaving skills that produce ‘Banarasi Silk Sarees’, famous worldwide for their fine weave. Despite their artistry being celebrated all around the globe, the members of this community are underpaid by traders, leading to a bleak reality for many. But what happens when a girl from the community rises against them for the respect and fame they deserve? As love blossoms between a warm-hearted talented weaving artist from the Bunkar community and a shrewd & cold-hearted businessman, new dilemmas arise. Nazara’s upcoming show ‘Laal Banarasi’ explores the captivating story of Gauri -– a weaving artist not just known for her beautiful work but someone who weaves aspirations and reality with her strong character. Television actor Savi Thakur will essay the role of Garv Aggrawal, while Gauri Chitranshi will debut by portraying the character of Gauri. Veteran television actor Narayani Shastri will also be seen in the show, essaying the role of Shakuntala Devi. Produced by Parth Productions, the show will premiere on 9 May on the channel.
Excited to make her television debut and to essay the role of Gauri, Chitranshi shared, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase my talent and explore a new character as the lead in ‘Laal Banarasi’. Working closely with the talented team has been an incredible experience, and I am grateful for this opportunity. I have a great time working with my talented, collaborative, and committed co-actors, who uniquely bring their characters to life with their best performance. We all work together as a team, supporting each other towards a common goal of creating an entertaining show.”
Talking about joining the show as Garv Aggrawal, Thakur shares, “When the show was offered to me, I was immediately intrigued by its fascinating storyline and the multi-layered character of Garv, who is a shrewd, cold-hearted businessman. As he hails from a broken family, he develops a practical nature with no room for love or emotions. I found this aspect of the character challenging as it pushed me as an actor to portray a character completely distinct from my personality. I am excited about the show and hope it resonates with the audience”.
Television actor Narayani Shastri who will be seen portraying the role of Shakuntala Devi, shared, “I have three requirements when it comes to joining a new show – a great character, a warm and genuine production house, and a channel with a great artistic taste. With Laal Banarasi, I hit a hat trick! Shakuntala Devi is formidable, and I love that she owns it as the antagonist. While Gauri is fresh and confident, Garv has many layers that I continue to discover. It’s been lovely to work with all my fellow actors, and I’m excited to take our roles to new heights”.
As the show gears up for its premiere, the channel is promoting the show across multiple markets to interact with viewers via LED vans that will play promos of Nazara and the network’s Bhojpuri movie channel – Filamchi Bhojpuri – from 9 May.
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.
