GECs
Pratibha Advani sets eye on serial production
MUMBAI: Though not exactly a new kid on the block, Swayam Infotainment, a company floated by Pratibha Advani is slowly spreading its wings. After having produced two highly successful shows on DD1, Yaadein and Take Care the company is all set to reach out to a whole new audience with its first documentary Ananya Bharati.
And as the buzz goes, the well-known anchor and producer Advani is also in the process of roping in Smriti Irani; Tulsi of Kyunki Saas bhi Kabhi Bahu thi fame for her upcoming serial on StarOne.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Swayam Infotainment managing director Pratibha Advani offers, ” We have established ourselves in the non-fiction genre. Our two programmes Yaadein – Legends of Bollywood and Take Care have consistently delivered good TRPS and have had a successful run almost two years now.”
Elaborating further on her recently released documentary, she further said, ” The documentary is not really a commercial venture but a cinematic tribute to the whole feeling of patriotism. It focuses on how events and people in the history of India have inspired films like LOC, Gadar, Lakshya and then the Oscar nominated Lagaan.”
The one-hour documentary which is anchored by Advani herself, is currently being screened across the country to reach out to a large number of people.
On being queried on her future plans, Advani said, ” I am currently in the process of starting production work for a serial on StarOne. Though I cannot reveal too many details of the show, but all I can say is that the plot revolves around an urban theme and it is targeted at the younger TG.”
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.
