GECs
Subhash Chandra backs IBF on CAS at standing committee meet
NEW DELHI:To lend some weight to those who are for quick implementation of conditional access, Zee Telefilms chairman and managing director Subhash Chandra has also accompanied the Indian Broadcasting Federation team that is meeting the parliamentary Standing Committee on IT, telecom and convergence at the moment in Parliament House in Delhi.
According to sources close to Chandra, it was felt that his presence would lend the whole cause more momentum, especially at a time when a section of broadcasters are seeking a deferment in the CAS rollout or phased introduction of addressability in Indian cable homes post the deadline of 14 July.
Indiantelevision.com has also learnt that the agenda of the IBF-Standing Committee meeting includes seeking a deferment on CAS rollout and reduction in duties on set-top boxes, which would be necessary to access all pay channels as mandated by the Indian government.
At an IBF meeting yesterday, the broad consensus was to apprise some of the Indian policy makers of the various aspects of CAS and the fallout and chaos that is likely to be witnessed if the implementation is enforced as per deadline without having certain other things in place.
One of the reasons being cited for a deferment on CAS is the lack of availability of STBs in the country. Hence, it is likely to be suggested at today’s meeting by broadcasters that if the government is bent upon adhering to the July 14 deadline, then CAS rollout should be done in a phased manner, starting off with one of the metros instead of in the four metros simultaneously as had been envisaged earlier.
However, Zee up to some extent and Sahara TV are for quick implementation of CAS, which is aimed at benefiting the consumer. At yesterday’s IBF meeting, Zee, represented by Jawahar Goel, one of the younger brothers of Chandra, maintained that if at all some postponement is being sought, then it should not be for a long period of time, and should be for only 15-20 days.
Keep tuned in for more on this CAS meeting.
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.
