GECs
&TV takes HD route in UK
MUMBAI: Sky viewers in UK will have a first free South Asian entertainment channel in High Definition (HD). This, after &TV, the new Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) from Zee Network, launched its HD feed in UK on the platform.
&TV HD is the first and only South Asian entertainment channel to offer its full range of shows in full HD at no extra cost to Sky viewers.
The channel saw a gala launch just a few months ago, with King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited MD and CEO Punit Goenka.
Derived from the conjunction ‘&’, the channel stands for binding people, ideologies and philosophies. Representing excellence, the channel mirrors the thinking and values of an evolved India with the shows having a contemporary touch, depicting the progressiveness in the mind-set of the viewers with a twist. &TV HD will further grow on the remit of the channel and celebrate the spirit of living with full vibrancy.
Viewers will now be able to enjoy the fun of Gangaa, the comedy of Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai, the history of Razia Sultan, the action of Begusarai and the love story of Badi Devraani among others in sparkling quality. Even more exciting will be the magnanimous music reality series The Voice – India in HD, with Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Himesh Reshammiya and Mika as judges and the fantastic singing talent of India!
As well as exciting shows, &TV HD has a huge line up of Bollywood blockbusters this July to keep its new audience hooked to the HD offering. Watch out for big titles Chennai Express, Main Tera Hero and many more in its weekend specials.
Zee Network Europe CEO Neeraj Dhingra said, “As a pioneering network we pride ourselves in providing excellent entertainment and we will continue to go all out in doing this in the most innovative way. &TV is unique in the market with its top quality shows and now this will be enhanced with the HD offering. The wait is over for people wanting a world class HD channel that is available for free in the Asian market. Being in line with giving extra to the viewers, &TV HD is now the one-stop for full South Asian entertainment with a high definition experience. It’s a part of the strategy where we want to engage and connect with the South Asian viewers and provide them a fantastic viewing experience like no one else.”
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.
