GECs
Sahara looks to expand viewer base with new shows
MUMBAI: Sahara seems to be finally getting its prime time programming line up in shape. Apart from the star studded Karishma – The Miracle of Destiny and Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer, two new serials are ready for launch in the next two weeks.
Producer actor Sachin Pilgaonkar makes his debut on Sahara with a children’s programme Gilli Danda, beginning 1 May. Yesteryear’s film star Saira Banu also premieres her debut production Kisse Apna Kahein on 18 May on the channel.
Both shows are placed strategically, one a little before the Karishma show, and the other immediately after, presumably to keep the viewer engaged and hooked for more. Kisse Apna Kahein replaces the year old family saga Virasat, while Gilli Danda replaces the Ruby Bhatia anchored Hello.
Sahara TV programming head V Basav Raj says: “Just like its namesake local Indian game ‘gilli-danda’, the kids programme scheduled to air on Thursdays at 7 pm is a good old fashion entertainment for kids.”
The storyline explores the relationship between Gulshan aka ‘Gilli’ and the next-door retired neighbour Mr. Dhandha, ‘Danda uncle’. Produced under the Sushriya Arts banner, by the Tu Tu Main Main director and Chalti ka naam antakshari anchor, the show, claims an official release, is fictional story minus any special effects.
Kisse apna kahein, meanwhile, is a daily that has been in the pipeline for some time now. Starting on 18 May, the programme is a prime time daily soap tentatively scheduled to air at 9:30 pm, just after the big ticket Karisma Kapoor show. Based on the trial and tribulations of a Muslim family, the show promises to offer something different than the previous ones based on Muslim families.
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.
