GECs
‘Popkorn’ emerges as No 1 show on Zoom
MUMBAI: Magazine show Popkorn has emerged as the top show on the Times Group’s glamour and lifestyle channel Zoom.
The show appears to have done well for the channel because of its different pitch. Keeping off a purely “filmi” focus, Popkorn offers a sneak peek into the lives of television stars like Jassi, Tulsi, Kkusum and Dr Simran amongst others. Additionally, the show also has gossip stuff from tinsel town – affairs, scandals, exclusive behind-the-scenes scoops.
Data provided by TAM India for a two week period (30/1/05 to 12/2/05, C&S 15+ Hindi speaking markets) shows Popkorn with 0.25 TVRs as the top rated show on Zoom, followed by Kosmic Chat at 0.21 TVRs.
Commenting on the success of the show Apurva Purohit, COO, Times Television says, “Entertainment news is always of immense interest to viewers. Our emphasis has always been to get the best from the world of television.”
The show, anchored by Shonali Nagrani, is slotted at 8 pm every week night, Monday to Friday. Launched on 18 January the show has overtaken some of the channel’s other shows like Kosmic Chat, Hardil Jo Love Karega and Page 3. The channel went in an overdrive to promote the programme with its tagline: ‘Entertainment ka daily dose!’
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.
