GECs
Rishtey refreshes content line-up; extends early prime-time slots
MUMBAI: In light of free to air (FTA) channels claiming a chunk of ratings according to the all India data by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, Viacom18’s FTA channel Rishtey is all set to ride the wave by launching a volley of fiction offering covering seven days a week as well as by extending its early prime time slot. Additionally, the channel will be sprucing up its weekend programming by introducing kids-friendly content and airing blockbuster movies.
What’s more, along with the introduction of new shows, Rishtey will also be refreshing its channel packaging.
With festivities kicking off in style, Rishtey’s first major outing in 2016 will be the launch of a romantic drama Salaam-E-Ishq, a love-hate story of Zain and Aliya set against the Muslim milieu. The show is set to launch on 11 January and will be aired from Monday t0 Saturday at 9 pm. Pertinent to note here is that this is the same show that previously had its run on Rishtey’s sister channel Colors as Beintehaa.
Aiming to cater to audiences across age-groups and demographics, the channel will also be extending its early prime time slot, starting from 5 pm with the introduction of shows like Pammi Pyarelal at 5pm , Hamari Saas Leela at 5.30 pm, Kitni Mohabbat Hai at 6pm and Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam at 6.30pm.
In 2016, Rishtey will also be giving prominence to kids’ entertainment and focus on interesting content that will cater to the young audience as part of its Sunday morning programming.
The fun filled animated series Chhoti Anandi will capture adventures of an eight year old brave and righteous kid Anandi as she explores innumerable escapades in the company of her friends. Additionally the enchanting tales of Vikram and Betal in Kahaani Vikram Betal Ki will further strengthen the entertainment quotient on Sundays. Chhoti Anandi will air from 17 January at 10 am and will be followed by Kahaani Vikram Betal Ki at 11 am.
What’s more, the channel will also be showcasing the Sansui Colors Stardust Awards, which will be aired on 10 January at 7 pm.
Some of the movie premieres lined up on the channel include movies of 2015 like Manjhi and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2.
Along with the content line up, Rishtey will engage viewers with a series of marketing activities, which includes daily as well as weekly on air contests.
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.
