GECs
Shemaroo releases Punjabi film ‘Jija ji’ on video
MUMBAI: In a first-of-its-kind event for Shemaroo, Punjabi Comedy film Jija ji starring three comedians has been premiered directly on home video.
The film stars Jaspal Bhatti, Gurpreet Ghuggi (of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge fame) and Jaswinder Bhalla. Other prominent comedians who add their share of fun to this film include Savita Bhatti and Deepak Raja.
The script with its hilarious situations and the comic angles to relationships make for interesting viewing, adds Shemaroo. The film has been mainly shot at ‘Bhatti’s Joke Factory Studio’, Mohali. Various locations in and around Chandigarh have also been used. The film has been originally shot in Punjabi and is also dubbed in Hindi for the national audience.
Shemaroo VP Hiren Gada said, “With this release, Shemaroo has reached a new milestone. It is impressive to see how the home video market in India has grown. It is great to see India joining the international league where films are specifically made for the home viewing audience. This film is close to our heart and we hope the audience worldwide, mainly our Punjabi viewers, enjoy this film.”
Jija ji shows a sensitive relationship in Indian culture. However powerful the position one may hold, one is still inferior to one’s sister’s husband. One may be a dreaded underworld don, a top bureaucrat, or a powerful wrestler, but in front of Jijaji one is the meekest and most docile creature on the earth.
Jija ji is an out and out comedy film on the nuisance values of a relationship. Jaspal Bhatti plays the leading role of an irritating traditional Indian jija whose brother-in-law on the receiving end is the well- known comedian Gurpreet Ghuggi. Ghuggi, who plays the role of a senior IAS officer, is totally frustrated at the hands of his jija, who is always interfering in his official matters. Ultimately the story takes a turn as Ghuggi takes the help of Bhatti’s jija Jaswinder Bhalla to bring him under control.
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.
