GECs
&TV to experiment with socio-mytho genre with ‘Santoshi Maa’
MUMBAI: Spreading its wings across genres, the newest Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises stable – &TV is all set to experiment with the socio-mythological genre. The channel will soon be launching its first series in the genre titled Santoshi Maa.
According to information available with Indiantelevision.com, the show is being produced by Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, which is known for popular fictions series like Bhagyalakshmi (&TV), Swaragini and Sasuraal Simar Ka (Colors) and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya (Star Plus).
The channel has roped in veteran actress Aruna Irani, a popular face on &TV, for the show’s promo, which aired on prime time on 28 September.
The promo features Irani as a successful superstar who has achieved fame, luxury and wealth, but is still seeking inner fulfillment and peace. The promo sees her delivering the line, “I have achieved everything in life but not satisfaction.”
In recent years, Indian television has seen many mythological series dominating the prime time on Hindi GECs. Shows like Mahabharat, Santakmochan Mahabali Hanuman, Devo Ke Dev Mahadev and Surya Putra Karn are some of the shows that have managed to grab eyeballs on the small screen. What’s more, given the popularity of the genre in India, last year also witnessed the launch of a separate channel – The Epic Channel, which airs original content in the Indian history, folklore and mythology space.
Santoshi Maa’s launch date on &TV has not yet been revealed by the channel.
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.
