GECs
Sun cold on Maa TV buy
MUMBAI: The Sun Network has put on hold its plans to acquire Maa TV, a Telugu language channel which runs mainly on SMS-based interactive game shows.
Negotiations between the two companies have come to a standstill for the last two months. “Both sides have not been pursuing further talks,” says a source familiar with the developments.
No agreement could be reached on the valuation. There were other issues like a complete takeover which could not be sorted out, the source points out.
However, the talks can revive, he adds. For Sun, the acquisition of Maa TV would mean it gets a channel which already enjoys distribution in Andhra Pradesh. Besides, Sun feels it will be able to acquire a competing channel at a low price.
Maa Television Network executive director admits talks were initiated with Sun. “We were talking on a possible equity participation,” he says. But he was not willing to comment further on the issue.
A source close to Gemini TV also confirmed talks had taken place between Sun and Maa TV executives. “But the talks have been in suspension for over two months,” he says.
Some observers feel Sun’s reluctance to acquire Maa TV may be related to the launch of Aditya, a Telugu entertainment channel targeted at the youth and family. But a final decision on whether Sun should acquire Maa TV or not has not been taken yet, the source says.
Maa TV is fighting on a turf dominated by Sun Network and ETV. Says Prasad, “Despite competition, we have reached a break even situation operationally. Our accumulated loss, though, is about Rs 60-70 million.”
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.
