GECs
New Silk Route looking to encash part of 9X Media investment
MUMBAI: The news of New Silk Route (NSR) approaching buyers to divesting a part of its stake in 9X Media is out. And Pradeep Guha, the managing director of 9X Media, who incidently also holds a small (15 per cent) stake in the group feels this could not be a better move for the network.
“If more buyers come in with more money, then it is only going to benefit the group,” he says.
However, he has not decided if he will be offloading his holding or keeping it. He feels that it is too early to discuss it and all depends on what happens next.
Launched as INX Media, the company started operations with 9XM. It was renamed 9X Media in August 2010, with complete focus on its music business. (The assets and liabilities of the mother GEC 9X were absorbed by Zee Entertainment.) It currently operates five channels, 9XM (Hindi music channel), 9XO (international music), 9X Jalwa (classic Bollywood music), 9X Tashan (Punjabi) and 9X Jhakaas (Marathi).
The NSR had invested in the network founded by Peter Mukerjea and his wife Indrani Mukerjee in 2007 and took over its reins in 2011. “We are a private equity fund so it was but obvious that at some point we will exit the venture,” says NSR Advisors partner Shantanu Nalavadi who clearly states that it is the company’s seventh year in the group as an investor.
Nalavadi proudly proclaims that over the years, the group has become a great platform. “We are now known as a music group and we hope to be known as the music destination among our viewers.”
He highlights that it will continue to invest in 9X Media because it has been showing 30 per cent growth year on year. “We didn’t take the decision overnight and are in talks with others over the past two years or so. And we will not leave it completely,” he clarifies.
According to Mihir Date, a consultant with Ernst & Young says that with 100 per cent FDI allowed in non-news channels there will be many takers. He adds that the plan to sell it when the company is at a peak is a wise decision. “The position of 9X Media is good in the genre and its plans to expand are positive signals for any buyer.”
That must be music to Guha’s ears.
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.
