GECs
Sony TV ropes in 12 sponsors for KBC 13
Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India has announced the 13th season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), starting 23 August. Produced by StudioNEXT and hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, the show will air on Sony Entertainment Television, every weekday at 9 p.m.
The show has roped in BYJU’s and Cadbury Dairy Milk as ‘co-presenting’ sponsor, Hyundai Motor India, Asian Paints Royale Glitz, Ultratech Cement, and Zydus Wellness (Complan) as ‘co-powered by’ sponsor and CERA, Pharmeasy, IDFC First Bank, LIC of India, Bharat Matrimony as associate sponsors. The Reserve Bank of India has come on board as a ‘special’ partner.
“For a show like KBC that has followed a certain creative pattern, it was time for us to break the mold and approach it differently. While digital auditions replaced the regular audition process, it didn’t deter the volume of entries. In fact, the ease of digital audition encouraged a lot more aspirants, based in the remotest areas possible to participate. We are happy with the spiritedness of each contestant, and we are hopeful that they fulfil their KBC journey,” said Sony Entertainment Television, head of content and digital business, Ashish Golwalkar. “While we did introduce AR (Augmented Reality) in the previous seasons, this year, the use of AR is far more superior and immersive. From refurbishing the entire set with the play of lights to the graphical elements and LED panels, India is the only country to host the format with the inclusion of such refined technological detailing. With distinct modifications to the game this season, we look forward to rewarding gameplay and promise an enhanced viewing experience to the audience.”
“It’s the 21st year of my association with Kaun Banega Crorepati and I can never get enough of this show,” said Amitabh Bachchan. “It was probably for the first time, last season, that the studio audience wasn’t a part of the show and we saw a major change in the lifelines as well. I, for one, truly missed them and their energy… it’s infectious! I am happy that the studio audience is back this season with a newfound vigour and so is the lifeline – Audience Poll. It’s an enriching experience for me, each year, to be surrounded by contestants from all walks of life and I look forward to engaging and fulfilling gameplay. These contestants inspire me in every way,” Bachchan said.
“It’s the 21st year of India’s longest-running show, and it’s heartening to know that KBC remains such a strong family favourite, that it still resonates with viewers across the social spectrum, and from all age groups,” said Siddhartha Basu, consultant for KBC season 13. “Each season, we’ve seen participants coming on to the hot seat from across the country, with varied levels of education and occupations, each with a distinct dream and story. Among a host of reasons that drive them, a key one is the search for ‘sammaan’ or respect. And they win that respect along with what can be life-changing amounts of winnings through a knowledge game. Gyan or knowledge is what provides a level playing field in our society, and viewers can now look forward to an exciting and entertaining new season of the show with a signature offering of gyan, dhan, and sammaan.”
Fans of KBC may also log on to SonyLIV to participate in the gameshow via KBC Play Along, starting from 23 August, said the channel.
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.
