GECs
Sony slated to launch youth-centric soap ‘Yeh Meri Life Hai’ in 10 pm slot
MUMBAI: After Jassi what? That has been the question on everyone’s mind regarding Sony Entertainment Television’s programming plans for 2004.
According to reliable industry sources, the “next big thing” from the SET stable is going to be a half hour daily soap slotted in the 10 pm slot.
The show titled Yeh Meri Life Hai (YMLH) has a youth-centric plotline with Shama Sikander playing the lead protagonist. Another key character in the serial is Tanaaz Currim who essays a role different from her usual bubbly happy-go-lucky personna, which is what she has been more or less type cast into thus far. Currim plays a character, though not out-and-out villainish, that has plenty of shades of grey, say the sources.
When confronted about it Currim said, “After a long time, I have got to do something other than comedy. Here, you will see me playing a negative role.”
The show, produced by Optimystix Entertainment India Limited (promoted by Vipul D Shah and Sanjeev Sharma), is expected to go on air by end-March or beginning-April.
As far as the time slot of the show is concerned, the lead-in will be provided by Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin which precedes YMLH in the 9:30 pm to 10 pm slot. It will be taking on Star Plus’ heavyweight from the Balaji stable Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. YMLH will be the first show that Tarun Katial, who joined Sony Entertainment Television as the executive vice president – programming and response in January, pits against his programming “alma mater” Star Plus.
When contacted by indiantelevision.com, Katial refused to be drawn into any discussion on the shows he was working on, except to say he would make the announcements at the appropriate time.
For Optimystix’ this will be a big test since it doesn’t have any shows on Star Plus after Kismey Kitnaa Hai Dam and Kuch Kar Dikhana Hai (both game shows) wound up. When asked for his comments about the new show, however, Shah would neither confirm or deny the developments. According to information available with indiantelevision.com, aside from YMLH, Optimystix is pitching for another show on Sony, two on Star Plus and two on Sahara.
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.
