GECs
Star buys out UTV stake in Vijay TV for 310 m.
MUMBAI: Star India has taken complete shareholding control of its Tamil regional language channel Vijay TV after buying out UTV Software’s 44 per cent stake. The all-cash deal was worth approximately Rs 310 million.
Star, after the transaction, becomes the sole owner of Vijay Television Pvt Ltd, which provides content for Vijay TV. Vijay TV is owned by Vijay Broadcasting Co Pvt Ltd, according to a Star communiqué.
The divestment is in line with UTV’s strategy to focus its broadcasting services on its kids’ channel, Hungama TV. The channel, to be launched later this year, will be exclusively distributed by Star.
“Broadcasting is one of the three key drivers in our revenue model for the future and we clearly wish to focus in the kids’ arena with Hungama TV,” says UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala as quoted in the release.
Commenting on the buyout, Star India head of corporate communications Vivek Sengupta said, “This acquisition strengthens Star’s regional content business. Our increased investment in Vijay TV is a testimony to our commitment to the South Indian market.”
“We continue to enjoy three very strong alliances with Star. We are one of the top two TV content providers for Star. We have signed an agreement for Star to distribute Hungama, our kids’ channel, and we have a co-production alliance in movies, with projects up to Rs 25 crore (Rs 250 million) finalised and locked in,” adds UTV director operations and finance Ronald D’mello
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.
