GECs
Sun TV to launch ‘high profile’ serial
MUMBAI: Sun TV has pulled off a ‘soap coup’ with its latest serial Manaivi (wife). Directed by ace television director J Bhaskar and starring popular South Indian heroine Kausalya, the soap launches on 21 June .
The weekly show produced by New Age Entertainment will air at 10 pm.
J Bhaskar’s earlier work Chiththi was one of the top grossers in Tamil television history. Kausalya, who is known by the name Nandini in Malayalam, is one of the reigning film heroines of South India. Manaivi marks her entry to television.
“Adaptability to changing viewer trends and an easy style of storytelling are some of the unique features of Manaivi. This contemporary soap is backed up by months of experimentation and research. Obviously we didn’t want to leave anything for chance now that we are on our way to create the number one daily,” said New Age Entertainment Pvt. Ltd all India vice president Santosh Nair.
Kausalya has a Malayalam serial also up in her sleeves. The serial Chitta directed by Kiran is scheduled to air on Surya TV.
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.
