GECs
Shiv Sena says CAS will not happen in Mumbai
MUMBAI: The Tiger has roared. And how. The Shiv Sena party today announced that CAS will not become a reality in Mumbai as long as it is opposing its entry into the city and it is behind Mumbai’s last mile operators.
At a meeting called by the Cable Operators’ Distributors Association, the Shiv Sena turned up in full strength with party heavweights Subhash Desai, Vilas Awchat, Sanjay Nirupam, Anil Parab making impassioned speeches on its opposition to CAS and the fact that it was behind Mumbai’s cable operators.
While supremo Bal Thackeray did not turn up, anointed heir Udhav Thackeray showed that he is a chip off the old block. “We have sent out a signal to the government by today’s gathering of the cable trade, let the government send out the right signals too,” Thackeray said. “Delhi has been called off, West Bengal says it will not go ahead, Chennai has been cold to CAS, then why should Mumbai embrace it?” he asked. “There is no way, absolutely no way that CAS will happen in Mumbai as long as we are opposing it. When I speak you can be sure I have all of Balasaheb’s blessing to do so.”
Thackeray implored Mumbai’s cable operators to stay united and not give in to enticements from MSOs or broadcasters who will try to break them up. “I am impressed by the unity that the cable TV operators have shown under the umbrella of CODA. Keep that going, we are behind you all the way.”
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.
