GECs
Sony buying Sab TV brand for $ 13 million
MUMBAI: In a bid to expand its reach in the Hindi entertainment space Sony has entered into a deal to acquire Sab TV for $ 13 million (approximately Rs 570 million).
The deal with television content provider Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Limited (SABTNL) will see SET Satellite (Singapore) Pte Ltd acquiring the SAB TV brand as well as 1305 hours of library content (representing 20 per cent of SAB TV’s library).
In addition SABTNL will enter into a programme deal with Sony to supply content worth Rs 750 million that runs for five years. SABTNL states that the deal will have no impact on its equity pattern as well as the management structure. Assets like land, machinery, building, equipment will remain with SABTNL.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, SET India COO NP Singh told indiantelevision.com that Sony had done a pick and choose as regards the programming properties it had acquired from the Adhikaris.
All the titles that had been taken up were in the comedy genre, notable among them being celebrated shows like Office, Office and Yes Boss.
SABTNL has announced that the funds generated from the deal will go towards creating and upgrading infrastructure like production and post production studios.
The Adhikari brothers are, however, not exiting the channel business. On the anvil are plans to launch current affairs and news channel “Janmat” and Marathi entertainment channel “Mi Marathi”. The company has announced that the two channels will be up and running by May. SABTNL will be supplying content to both channels.
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.
