GECs
Star Plus enhances fiction programming; goes seven days
MUMBAI: Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) Star Plus is all set to redefine its fiction programming.
The channel will run its primetime shows all seven days from Monday to Sunday.
All the shows between 8.00 PM to 10.30 PM slot will be aired on Saturdays and Sundays as well.
A source close to the development informed Indiantelevision.com, “The step is taken to give fiction more importance. The channel is going to aggressively promote and back its fiction programming. This is why the reality show Nach Baliye’s season 8 has been kept on hold for atleast two months.”
The channel had already extended its early primetime slot by stretching all the shows slotted between 5 pm to 7.30 pm to all seven days. Mohi – Ek Khawab Ke Khilne Ki Kahani, Mere Agne Mein, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Saath Nibhana Saathithya and Yeh Hai Mohabbatein.
On the other hand shows like Siya Ke Ram at 8 pm, Silsila Pyar Ka at 8:30 pm , Diya Aur Baati Hum at 9pm, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai at 9:30 pm, Tamanna at 10 pm and channels upcoming show Dehleez at 10 :30 pm was slated on weekdays only. But now after Star’s decision to extend the weekday programming the shows will run all seven days.
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.
