GECs
The History Channel has ‘The Write Stuff’ next month
MUMBAI: How did Salman Rushdie live through the fatwa? Did Mario Puzo work for the mob? Why was Jeffery Archer forced to resign his seat in parliament?
These are questions The History Channel seeks to answer from next month. Every Saturday at 10 pm it will air the show The Write Stuff.
The nine-part series features renowned writers like Salman Rushdie, Jeffrey Archer, William Shakespeare, Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, Sidney Sheldon, Mario Puzo, Mark Twain and H.G. Wells whose writings enjoy worldwide recognition and continue to dominate bestseller lists across the globe. Each episode will reveal the trials and tribulations of these writers on their journey to literary success.
The History Channel senior VP, content and communication Dilshad Master said, “From classic literature to pot-boilers, these authors have always enjoyed universal appeal but how many of us know the real people behind these books? In The Write Stuff, we share the personal experiences which shaped the lives and works of these celebrated and influential writers.”
The series will allow viewers to understand the men and the inspirations behind their writings – from Puzo’s mother’s influence in the etching of Don Corleone’s character, to the social prophecies which Wells became popular for and the 161 books which he wrote beside The War of the Worlds.
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.
