GECs
Star One to introduce new formats in ‘Antakshari-The great challenge’
MUMBAI: After creating programming in genres from reality to dance and comedy to drama, Star One beginning February 2007 will launch Antakshari – The Great Challenge.
This is being produced by Gajendrra Siingh of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa fame. Antakshari – The Great Challenge will see new inclusions to the format. Apart from just the competition there would be hint of reality with Star One airing the auditions too. Annu Kapur who has an old connection with Antakshri will host this musical show.
Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair said, “Siingh as we all know is the mastermind behind popularising music based talent competitions and we are very excited to host his home production’s debut venture – Antakshari-The Great Challenge on Star One. The show, with an innovative and exciting format, captures the passion that Indian audiences have for music. It also is in synch with the channel’s promise to consistently deliver indigenous content and complete entertainment for the audiences.”
Commenting on the association Gajendrra Siingh said, “I have always looked at opportunities to connect with viewers and this show synergizes with Star One’s commitment of delivering entertaining and unique content. We have added new elements to the show which I am sure will be appreciated by the viewers.”
Host Annu Kapur added, “This unit is family to me, I take this opportunity to congratulate Gajendrra and I wish him all the best. I am extremely delighted that he asked me to host the show. I can’t wait to get back on the floors and hear him say action.”
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.
