GECs
The History Channel ‘Automaniac’ to show meanest machines
MUMBAI: Remember Burt Reynolds bring muscle cars back to life with the movie Smokey and the Bandit, thus igniting America’s love of muscle cars. This winter, learn about muscle cars and why they are also called ‘gas hogs’ and more in The History Channel’s new series, Automaniac.
Premiering on 17 December at 10 pm, Automaniac, the six-part series will showcase some of the most unusual vehicles that ever hit the road.
Each episode will focus on vehicles, which are synonymous with specific professions – such as cars driven by gangsters, police departments, hot rodders or the super rich.
Incorporating a mix of history and technology, Automaniac takes viewers into the garage, under the hood and out on the road to show how these amazing cars work and what made them the hottest wheels of their era.
Be it the latest Japanese sports bikes or the chopped Harleys made famous by the Hell’s Angels, the lightning fast Suzuki or the exotic speed demon called Crocker, Automaniac will feature some of history’s meanest machines.
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.
