GECs
&TV ropes in multiple sponsors for two new weekend shows
MUMBAI: &TV has roped in multiple sponsors for two new shows Deal or No Deal and Agent Raghav – Crime Branch, which are slated to go on air from 5 September.
SnapDeal has come on board as the title sponsor of the game show Deal or No Deal, powered by PayU Money and supported by Syska Total Security. On the other hand, Agent Raghav is co-powered by Quick Heal Gadget Securance and Quikr Cars.
As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, &TV plans to ramp up its weekend programming starting 5 September with the family game show Deal Or No Deal in 8 pm slot and the crime thriller Agent Raghav – Crime Branch in the 9 pm slot.
&TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “Launch of Deal or No Deal opens up a new time slot of 8:00 pm for weekend viewing on &TV and Agent Raghav – Crime Branch will be replacing The Voice India which has established a loyal viewership. While Deal or No Deal as a format has been experimented with in the past, our approach is new and we are confident that the viewers will enjoy this show. Ronit as a host was our first choice. The kind of connect he has with the audience is immense and I am sure this will only encourage weekend viewing. Agent Raghav – Crime Branch marks our foray into the crime-mystery genre and we believe there is a considerable amount of appetite for the same.”
To be aired twice a week, the show will be launched with a bank of 26 episodes for 13 weeks.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Endemol Shine India managing director and CEO Deepak Dhar said, “Deal Or No Deal is a hugely popular format internationally and has been aired in almost 130 countries. The show did fantastic in its time and it’s a classic game show of ours. So we are bringing it back in a different avatar – a game, which you can play with your family. Last time it was played with 25 models, this time it will be played with 26 friends and family.”
With a contemporary look and international appeal, Agent Raghav – Crime Branch is the channel’s entry into the crime genre with popular actor Sharad Kelkar in a completely different avatar – that of Agent Raghav Sinha. Talking about the same, Iyer said, “With Agent Raghav – Crime Branch, we have aimed to present an intelligent crime and mystery series with sleek execution, fresh look that is designed for the Hindi GEC audience.”
Commenting on commercial advertising, Madison Media COO Karthik Lakshminarayan said, “Deal Or No Deal is a tested format and has done well but the audience has moved on from then. It’s a dated show and it will be interesting to see its quote. As for Agent Raghav, I’m told it is on the lines of an international detective show and I’m sure it’s bound to do very well as it’s exciting.”
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.
