GECs
Star Utsav returns with a bang and 111 million hearts in just 11 days
MUMBAI: Star Utsav has pulled off a prime-time power move, clocking a staggering 111 million viewers in just 11 days of its 1 April 2025 return to Free Dish, reclaiming its spot as India’s No. 1 Free-to-Air (FTA) channel. The comeback couldn’t have been scripted better driven by its beloved lineup of shows including RadhaKrishn, Rabba Ve, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Ghum Hai Kisi Ke Pyaar Mein.
The channel now proudly wears the crown of the top FTA network and sits as the 4th biggest channel overall in Hindi Speaking Markets (HSM) combining both Pay and FTA viewership across urban and rural audiences.
“We are humbled by the overwhelming response received for Star Utsav. With our strong portfolio of professionally generated and brand-safe content, we are proud to bring families together through inspiring and entertaining stories. We are committed todelivering the best of entertainment to our audiences and look forward to continuing this incredible journey on DD Free Dish with even more compelling content and meaningful connections,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.
Star Utsav’s magic lies in its diverse mix from sweeping mythological epics to modern dramas, all deeply rooted in Indian ethos. These stories have once again proved their universal appeal, cutting across regions and age groups.
As part of the JioStar family, Star Utsav continues to blend nostalgia and novelty reinforcing its treasured place in living rooms across the country. With storytelling that strikes an emotional chord, the channel’s FTA resurgence is not just a ratings win, it’s a cultural encore.
Looks like India’s favourite Utsav is back, and this time, it’s festival season all year round.
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.
