GECs
Star claims hold on Sunday mornings too
MUMBAI: Spiritualism seems to have worked for Star Plus.
Its three new shows that have blocked a two-and-a-half hour band on Sunday mornings with a mixed dose of spirituality, religion, leisure has captured the minds of viewers, claims the channel. If ratings are an indication, then Star avers that it has emerged a clear leader in the so far ignored Sunday morning slot.
Gurukul, Jai Mata Ki and Yatra have helped Star Plus catapult to the No.1 position as the most watched satellite channel on Sunday mornings. Star Plus’ channel share for the block is 10.2 for August Sunday mornings. Compared with Sony’s 8 and Zee’s 4.2 (TAM C&S 4+, 9 cities Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 noon), Star Plus’ Sunday mornings are apparently much more blissful.
The leader in its slot is Jai Mata Ki, which had a channel share of 14.3 on 4 August, 16.1 on 11 August, 13.3 on 18 August and 13.7 on 25 August. Yatra, which is a very different concept and a first of its kind, is also leading in its slot, claims Star.
The strategy of identifying different slots and then scheduling programmes for them seems to have worked for the channel. It claims the number one position in the early prime time slot of 7 pm to 9 pm and the prime time slot of 9 pm to 11 pm as also in the afternoon band and weekends, and now the Sunday morning slot.
And it is more than reflected in the ratings as well. Market research agency AC Nielsen’s TAM Media data just released (for the week 15 to 21 September in all C&S homes) has Star Plus’ shows occupying all the Top 30 positions. In fact, SET India’s Kkusum is the highest non-Star Plus show on the charts and it makes its presence felt only at 34.
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.
