GECs
Sahara One Sangeet Awards honours Lata Mangeshkar
MUMABI: The melody queen Lata Mangeshkar has been conferred the Legend Honour at the Sahara One Sangeet Awards 2005. Jaya Bachchan presented the award to Mangeshkar.
Simultaneously, at the occasion, Sahara One Sangeet Awards trophy adorned with gold and studded with precious stones was revealed. The trophy has been crafted by D’damas.
The felicitation ceremony was attended by the nominees of Sahara One Sangeet Awards 2005, along with stalwarts of the music and film industry at J WT Marriort, Mumbai.
Percept D’ Mark (PDM) MD and CEO Sanjay Lal said, “Lataji’s reign over the world of playback singing is undisputed. She has lent her voice to heroines across three generations from Madhubala to Sridevi to Preity Zinta. She is indeed a true living legend and undeniably the supreme voice of Indian music.”
Speaking on behalf of the jury, the director blockbuster Sholay Ramesh Sippy said “Lataji is the ideal exponent of everything to do with music. Her talent transcends time. She can convey every emotion through her voice. In Indian film music, there cannot be anything greater than her and her contribution to India’s musical heritage is irrefutable.”
Lata Mangeshkar who started her singing career with Marathi films like Majhe Baal, Pahili Mangalagaur and Gaja Bhau, later shifted to the Hindi film industry. The Nightingale of India has reigned supreme throughout her career spanning over six decades.
The international 
partner, US based Mehta Entertainment CEO Deepak Mehta says, “At this august occasion, I am experiencing mixed emotions- I am absolutely delighted that Lata ji has accepted the Legend Honour, but at the same time I regret that we have missed the privilege to play host to the precious jewel of Indian music. We will truly miss Lataji at the awards function in the US.”
The second Sahara One Sangeet Awards will be held on 24 September 2005 in Oakland, California in the US. The media release also adds that over 120 members from the Indian film and music fraternity will be present at the occasion.
The awards will air on Sahara One Television. PDM, have partnered with industry experts such as Sohail Khan Entertainment, Morani and Soorma of Cineyug Entertainment and Showcraft Productions.
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.
