GECs
Plus introduces contemporary ‘Mahabharata’ in its afternoon band
MUMBAI: The ruling deity of the Hindi entertainment genre is now unleashing its latest offering in the afternoon band.
Star Plus’ 1 – 3 pm afternoon slot, already the strongest proposition across all mass entertainment Hindi channels, is further strengthening its band with the introduction of a modern day Mahabharata that plays out in a corporate board room. Saarrthi airs daily at 2:30 pm Mondays through to Thursdays.
Produced by Asit Modi under the banner of Neela Telefilms (known for comedies like Hum Sub Ek Hain, Ye Duniya Hai Rangeen and Meri Biwi Wonderful), this magnum opus is a story of two brothers and their families in conflict, one who is very righteous and the other immoral.
Although, Saarrthi is far from the original epic, yet one cannot ignore the underlying similarities in their characters. Reflecting the new social norms, this show is an attempt to recreate an entertaining daily with modern characters and much more contemporary conflicts.
Pitched as an eternal battle between good and evil in a contemporary setting with Lord Krishna in his mythical form, this battle of the conscience will ultimately lead every character to their Kurukshetra. The only difference being the Kurkshetra here is the corporate boardroom and Lord Krishna supporting the righteous CEO.
A different concept, Saarrthi will be replacing Kabhie Aaye na Judaai, which comes to its conclusion today. It launches launches next Monday (8 November).
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.
