GECs
No claim on concept copyright, HC denies relief to Zee in case against Sony
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has not granted relief to Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and dismissed the notice of motion in a commercial suit filed against Sony Pictures, alleging copyright infringement.
Advocate Ravi Kadam represented Zee, whereas advocate VV Tulzapurkar represented defendant Sony and advocate Janak Dwarkadas appeared for defendant Frames Production.
Zee had claimed that Sony Pictures Networks India had illegally copied its popular show India’s Best Dramebaaz, a talent hunt programme for child actors. Zee said Sony had infringed its copyright in its ““production bible” and concept note”. The said bible is a document that explains most aspects of production.
After hearing both parties, Justice GS Patel read out the order. Justice Patel stated, “What Zee needs to be able to show is that there is something in its production bible, concept note or in its show that is utterly and identifiably original and that this has been copied by Sony. Zee must specify what precisely it claims to monopolize.”
Zee had claimed that Frames had told Zee that it will not be pursuing this idea further. However, when in January 2017, Zee wanted to launch Season 3 of ‘Dramebaaz,’ Frames said they had “sold” the concept to Sony.
Zee then complained to SPNI. Sony submitted before the court that it is, in fact, developing ‘Sabse Bada Kalakar’, a kids talent hunt programme for which it had its own production bible and concept note.
Justice Patel finally said: “In my view, the manner in which the selections are made and the trajectories of the two shows are quite distinct. The fact that both feature children, the fact that both seek out children with acting talent, the fact that both seek out children with acting talent, the fact that they seek out children with acting talent from different cities, and the fact that they seek out the best of these is hardly something in which anyone can claim any copyright.”
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.
