GECs
Sahara targets May launch for Bengali news channel
MUMBAI: The Bengali regional news channel space is getting crowded and how. Close on the heels of Rathikant Basu’s Tara Bangla morphing from an entertainment channel into a news channel, the Sahara Group is is all set make an entry into this space.
Sahara Samay-Kolkata — following in the footsteps of region-specific channels from the stable in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttaranchal and Delhi — is targeting a May launch.
As per information available with Indiantelevision.com, the proposed Bengali news channel will stream programmes on Kolkata as prime time shows in a market that is likely to get further heated up with the impending introduction of a similar fare from Media Content and Services India Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between ABP Group and Star.
To keep Bengali viewers abreast of every development, the 24-hour Sahara news channel will deliver state-wise news and would comprehensively bring into play live feeds through OB vans placed at strategic points in the City of Joy.
The channel will have specific shows dedicated to the lifestyle of the city named ‘Metro’. The show will identify and look at isues beyond politics for which Bengalis and Kolkata is more famous for.
When contacted, however, Sahara India Media & Entertainment declined to offer any details relating to the proposed Bengali news channel, including who would be heading the channel.
Kolkata entertainment industry sources do indicate, however, that Prosenjit (son of yesteryear’s film actor Biswajeet), a popular figure in the Kolkata media circuit, is likely to play an important role in the channel. The Bengali channel will beam via AsiaSat 3S, which at present plays home to over 70 channels, including CNBC, CNN International, ESPN, Star and Sun TV.
The Bengali regional market would be witnessing heightened action when MCCS enters the fray with its Bangla news channel. Southern media powerhouse Sun Network is also planning to launch an entertainment channel called Surjo some time later this year.
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.
