GECs
Star India shows now travel to West Asia, tripling ratings
MUMBAI: Indian television shows and serials are becoming popular in several parts of the globe. Other than the Indian sub-continent, the US and the UK, West Asia too is gradually wanting to watch engaging and entertaining Indian content.
One of the serials debuting in Armenia is — Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. This “What Do You Call This Love” is Star India’s original drama which has debuted on television in Armenia.
The intense love-hate relationship and the romantic drama between Arnav and Khushi, who have separate and independent ideologies that do not match. The ratings for the television slot of this show on Armenia TV has tripled, and gone beyond as well.
Star India will be heading to MIPTV with a few chosen titles that includes Dil Bole Oberoi (translated as — My heart goes out to Oberoi ) and Ishqbaaz (which could be called as ‘The love pundit’) produced by the creators of Iss Pyaar.
Star India’s president of international business Gurjeev Kapoor has said that irrespective of geographies and culture, powerful stories would make a lasting impression on the audience. It had been crucial idea in making Star India’s content a winner which traveled to over 100 countries in the world. He said they were elated with the success of Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon in Armenia.
Intellecta CEO Christina Vlahova and Star India’s long-standing partner in Russia, the CIS and Europe said that television slot ratings tripled or quadrupled wherever the series went. She said she worked on the introduction of the Indian drama series in the last six years and witnessed a number of successful territory launches. She said they could say for sure that “Iss Pyaar…” was one of the most successful series to start with in a new international territory.
Pan Armenian group – international relations officer Liana Muradyan said that Armenia TV left no stone unturned to offer the best content to its viewers, be it in-house production or a foreign one — “Iss Pyaar…” was one of them. Being one of the topmost Indian TV series showing gratitude and revenge, love and hate, respect and disrespect, Muradyan added, that the Armenian viewers loved it from the first episode.
The show focused on morals and high values of the characters along with love-hate relationship, also depicting traditions and rich culture of India, she said.
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.
