GECs
Sri Adhikari Brothers to launch Hindi General Entertainment Channel in mid April
MUMBAI: After launching a youth channel Dhamaal Gujarat in January 2016, Sri Adhikari Brothers (SAB) group is all set to enter the general entertainment market with a new Hindi general entertainment channel (HGEC).
Though the company did not make any official statement, a source close to the development informed Indiantelevision.com that the SAB group is planning to launch the channel in the early months of the first financial quarter. Also the group has started cutting cheques to the production houses in order to match its content strategy.
Another source confirmed the news and said that the channel has roped in Endemol Shine India, Sashi Sumeet Production and Namanraaj Production to produce shows for the upcoming channel.
With what we get to hear, the new HGEC will focus more on the comedy space and take the tough challenge of making one smile. “Endemol, will be producing two comedy shows for the upcoming channel while Namanraaj Production has been commissioned for one from the same genre,” said a senior producer on condition of anonymity.
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.
