GECs
Turkey airs its first Indian drama series ‘Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon’
MUMBAI: Star Network has further expanded the global reach of its content by showcasing its romance drama, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, to television audiences in Turkey.
Since November 2015, the show, dubbed in Turkish and rechristened Bir Garip A?k, has been delighting viewers of local Turkish channel Kanal 7 to such an extent that it has quadrupled its ratings, increasing the channel’s ranking significantly across different target groups in the slot in which it is airing.
Kanal 7 Turkey general manager Zahid Akman said, “We are very happy with the choice we have made to air a Star India drama. For us, Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon (‘Bir Garip A?k’ in Turkish) is a magical love story told like a fairy tale.”
A long-time partner of Star India in the territories of Europe, Russia and Turkey, Intellecta Srl CEO Christina Vlahova says, “Kanal 7 had the pioneering spirit to dare and give its viewers the chance to be the first to watch an Indian TV drama in Turkey. We have always known deep inside that the Star India dramas will work in Turkey since they present the same social and moral values which are treasured by the Turkish society. There is a strong focus on family values, which is important both in Turkey and India. We just add more color to it.”
Among such globally successful shows from Star India’s drama series are Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and the epic mythological Mahabharat, which are also huge global hits. Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai, is among the most successful drama serieses in Europe while Saraswatichandra and Ek Hasina Thi have aired in more than 30 countries. On the other hand Diya Aur Baati Hum, which has aired successfully in more than 15 countries, and Sadda Haq, a show that is very popular with young audiences in South Africa. All these shows are aired after dubbing or subtitling the content in the international markets.
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.
