GECs
Star Plus commemorates the spirit of Mumbai Dabbawalas
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s dabbawalas are as important to the city as its lifeline, local trains. In recognition of their services in delivering with precision freshly made food to customers across the maximum city, Star Plus is undertaken a first of its kind initiative for dabbawalas.
Through a unique initiative, Sanjeev Kapoor and Team MasterChef India served a delicious treat to Mumbai’s dabbawalas as a token of their appreciation.
Kapoor, who is also the judge of MasterChef India-4, conferred the title of ‘Pyaar Ke Postmen’ upon the Mumbai dabbawalas and redefined the role played by them in the food industry. “Star Plus is the pioneer in bringing food on the forefront of Indian television and I am extremely happy with the initiative that Star Plus took in acknowledging the Dabbawalas for rendering a valuable service to the society. I only make food but the other part of my job is done by these Dabbawalas who make our food reach the mouths of the people. Dabbawalas are not just the carriers of food but also do the task of spreading joy and smiles. They are the ones who add true value to the food we cook. These Dabbawalas are the backbone of the population of Mumbai and may they continue to be for a lifetime. Star Plus and the MasterChef India team salute their undying spirit and hard-work,” he said.
Chef Ranveer Brar, who is also the judge on MasterChef India-4, added, “Food has always been an integral part of every relationship in the Indian cultural context and the Masterchef India team showed its appreciation for the role these Dabbawallas play in binding the family together through food. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments I could not be a part of the activity but I am thankful to the Mumbai Dabbawalas for making delivering the food cooked for loved ones on time.”
The Dabbawalas were delighted by the initiative of Star Plus appreciating their role in the food industry. “We, the dabbawalas, are highly motivated because we believe that delivering food to Mumbaikars is like a service to God, similar to giving medicine to the sick. We are thankful to the MasterChef India team for recognizing our efforts,” said a dabbawala.
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.
