GECs
Star Plus gears up for ‘Dil Hai Hindustani’ launch in January
MUMBAI: After launching P.O.W, Star Plus is geared up to launch its yet another grand singing reality show “Dil Hai Hindustani.” Though the channel has not officially announced the launch date, but the show is slated to go on air by January 2017, and will be replacing Masterchef India at 8pm time slot.
Produced by Frames Production, the show will celebrate the popularity of Bollywood music through talent from across the globe, from different cultures and nationalities, bound together by their love for Bollywood songs.
Vivo has come on board for the show as the presenting sponsor.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Frames Production founder Ranjeet Thakur said, “Dil Hai Hindustani is a unique show and we are very excited. We have gone far and wide across the world in search of a good talent. People will see and realize how different it will be from the other reality shows.”
“Dil Hai Hindustani” promises to be a musical extravaganza showcasing phenomenal performances through not just solo, but also duet and group performances consisting of bands, choirs, acapella; a first of its kind on Indian television.
The talent on the show will be judged by an expert panel who India on the world map for music. The panel would consist of director Karan Johar who travelled the globe to handpick singers for the show, while Bollywood’s favourite rapper, Badshah, will be seen making a debut as a judge on television. Music sensation — Shekhar Ravjiani and Shalmali Kholgade will be seen monitoring the contestants and judging the show.
Bollywood’s finest director Karan Johar, known to create magic with every project he undertakes, said, “I am thrilled to be associated with and have an opportunity to curate performances based on talent from across the globe. It is rare to find a platform which takes Bollywood to the centrestage and with ‘Dil Hai Hindustani,’ we are ready to entertain the world with extraordinary performances.”
Asked about launching his digital platform anytime soon, addressing the media Johar replied in the negative, and said, “Digital is definitely a very strong medium and a great means to scout talent. I have always been on the lookout to hunt for talented people on the web. As for venturing into it, I am still not ready. Right now, every failed script becomes a web series or short film, but I want to wait and see how the medium moves ahead. I will let others make the stairs and happily climb on when the time is right. Digital is a kid right now, when it will grow, it will be massive.”
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.
