GECs
Ramayan finds markets overseas
MUMBAI: Ramayan, the epic that created history on Indian television in the late 1980s, has found new markets abroad.
Improved, dubbed versions of the epic were launched on ITV and Nepal 1 channels in London and Nepal respectively on the ocasion of Ram Navmi (11 April).
“The Nepalese dubbed version of Ramayan went on air on the recently launched Nepal 1 (promoted by Nalini Singh) and has received an astounding response. We have also launched the Tamil dubbed version with English subtitles on ITV channel in London. This was primarily to cater to the demands of the Sri Lankans viewers,” says Sagar Arts’ marketing director cum producer Prem Sagar.
“We have spent Rs 20 million in redesigning Ramayan. The digitized version has a contemporary sound track, look and feel. We have also released VCDs and DVDs of the epic which have shown record sales so far ,” he adds.
The improved version of Ramayan , is also having a re-run on Doordarshan Metro channel . “Even during its re-run, Ramayan on DD-2 gets a TRP of 8 plus in the 8 pm to 8:30 pm slot on Mondays,” informs Sagar.
The demand for the epic indicates that old popular serials, specially mythologicals, still have a market value. However, what remains to be seen is if the new version of the epic is able to spin the same magic abroad as it did in India in the late 80s, when it launched.
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.
