GECs
Sony to impart technical knowledge at Whistling Woods International
MUMBAI: Electronics major Sony has tied up with film educational institution Whistling Woods International (WWi) in Film City.
Sony is the technology partner and will share its technological know how with WWI. As part of the MOU, WWI will use Sony products including video, broadcast and film equipment to teach film making to its students.
Sony will be an integral part of the teaching procedure at WWI. One of the major aspects of the MOU will include hosting technology related workshops and seminars for students. SONY along with WWI will jointly award completion certificates to cinematography students who successfully complete their course. It will also keep students and faculty abreast of all video, film and broadcast related technology issues that will give them the tool to transform their creative vision to reality.
WWI director business development Meghna Ghai Puri said, “We realised that professionals in the business demanded technical knowledge for their production activities in film, broadcast, and new media applications. Hence we decided to collaborate with Sony to introduce technology related workshops and special courses in cinematography which will enrich students with the latest technological advancements.”
WWI institute for film, television and media arts is a professional training conservatory dedicated to excellence in motion picture and television craft and to the practical business of making films in India, is scheduled to commence from next year.
Meeting the needs of a vast pool of untrained talent eager to acquire the technical skills and creative acumen needed to enter India’s burgeoning entertainment industry, WWI offers international standards of education and expertise through a uniquely Indian perspective.
Nestled in the heart of Mumbai’s renowned film city at Goregaon, and promoted by Mukta Arts WWI equips students with aesthetic, theoretical and practical knowledge through a cutting-edge program taught by experts.
The institute offers a 2-yr full-time specialisations comprising screenwriting, cinematography, sound recording and design, direction, acting, editing and production in addition to other short courses, which have been designed with the expertise and guidance of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.
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.
