GECs
Star India ends $1.5 billion deal with Zee Entertainment for ICC TV rights
Mumbai: Star India has ended its $1.5 billion deal with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd for ICC TV rights, as announced in a regulatory filing by Zee Entertainment on 20 June. The dispute between the two companies, which began with Star India’s arbitration proceedings on 14 March, is being resolved through the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA).
The agreement, originally formed on 26 August 2022, was a sublicensing arrangement for ICC TV rights covering Men’s and Under-19 (U-19) global cricket events through 2027. However, Zee Entertainment’s subsequent failed merger with Sony Pictures Networks India left it unable to fulfill its obligations under the deal as an independent entity.
Zee Entertainment has informed Star India of its inability to continue with the agreement and has requested a refund of Rs 69 crore that was already paid. The deal’s performance was contingent on several conditions, including the submission of financial and corporate guarantees and final ICC approval, which were not met.
Additionally, Zee has accumulated Rs 72.14 crore in bank guarantee commissions and interest expenses related to its share of guarantees and deposits. Zee contends that Star India’s failure to secure necessary approvals and execute required documents amounts to a breach of the agreement, leading Zee to repudiate the contract.
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.
