GECs
Sony bags rights to ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, ‘Baghban’
MUMBAI: ‘Woo audiences with blockbusters’. Sony Entertainment Television continues on a strategy long championed by its chief executive Kunal Dasgupta with the acquisition of exclusive rights to two of 2003’s biggest blockbuster movies Baghban and Koi Mil Gaya..
While SET India is still to make an announcement to this effect, Sony Entertainment Television’s international feed has already declared it has won the broadcast rights for the two films.
SET Asia announced that besides the two blockbusters, it has also secured rights for a few other box office hits.
According to a company statement, the channel will also premier 2003 release Om. On the events front, SET Asia is showcasing Femina Miss India 2004 on 27 March (Saturday) at 9 pm and the SET Sports Personality of the Year Awards 2003 on Sunday 28 March at 10 pm.
SET Asia, UK and Europe, head Nilam Panchal has been quoted in the statement as saying, “This year we’re bringing our viewers the biggest movie line up that will be second to none. Our Bollywood blockbusters will include premieres of Om, Baghban, Koi Mil Gaya and many more. With a fresh schedule from March onwards, Sony Entertainment Television Asia will be the only channel to watch whether you like movies, dramas or cricket.”
Back home, meanwhile, both Baghban and Koi Mil Gaya , are pitted against each other at the Filmfare Awards, which airs live tonight on SET.
Baghban starring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan and Mahima Choudary, is a story about family man abandoned by his family after retirement. With its huge star cast, great music and a touching storyline this movie got rave reviews from around the world, says the release.
Koi Mil Gaya starring Hrithik Roshan and Preeti Zinta is a sci-fi film with the fine special effects. Directed by Rakesh Roshan, the movie starring Hrithik Roshan was recieved well by the masses and classes alike.
Sony has begun 2004 on a “blockbuster note” by announcing the acquisition of Salman Khan’s surprise hit of 2003 Tere Naam.
With Koi Mil Gaya and Baghban also in the bag, Sony already has three of 2003’s biggest blockbusters on its roster.
And the cost? An industry source that indiantelevision.com tapped for this information estimates that the three films collectively cost in the region of Rs 230 million (Koi Mil Gaya Rs 90 million, Baghban Rs 80 million and Tere Naam Rs 50-60 million).
Wonder if anyone would be willing to lay wagers against Dasgupta bagging the remaining two blockbusters of 2003 – Kal Ho Na Ho and Munnabhai MBBS? Unlikely.
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.
