GECs
Sony claims huge response as ‘Idols’ kicks off first leg in Kolkata
MUMBAI: The journey of Sony’s Indian Idol on what the network hopes will be its road to TRP riches officially kicked off today in Kolkata.
And if the number of registrations the channel claims have been received thus far, 200,000 in all, are anything to go by, the Indian avatar of the global reality hit should be off and running.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com over the phone from Kolkata, Sony’s executive vice president programming and response Tarun Katial says, “Well, in Kolkata alone we have received 50,000 entries, and the place is charged with energy. Due to auditions taking place by prior appointment, the situation is pretty much under control at the venue.”
Considering a figure of 50,000 in Kolkata alone, the question of converting every registration into an audition is not only an uphill task, but appears well nigh impossibile. Queried as to how his team was managing such huge numbers, Katial had this to say, “We have reworked our format in terms of our infrastructure, space and have pumped up our size to accommodate more people. What we have realised is that India is a different market and hence our means need to be in tandem. We’ve also extended our audition timings from 7 am – 10 pm.”
Two days (8 and 9 September) have been set aside for the auditions with an additional day (10 September) slotted as a walk-in day for people who didn’t manage to register.
Katial says all sorts of people have come in to contest, there have been sisters competing, a train driver accompanying his son, new moms. Also people from states outside West Bengal from as far away as Tripura, Jharkhand, Assam have come in to try their luck at fame, says Katial. There was even a boy from Bihar who had to be sent back as he was not carrying the appropriate papers, he added.
With the Kolkata chapter ending on 10 September, Idol’s next destination is the capital.
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.
