GECs
&TV to launch global singing reality show ‘The Voice’ in June
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd’s (Zeel) new Hindi general entertainment (GEC) channel &TV is all set to air the Indian edition of the internationalsinging reality show The Voice.
Owned by Talpa Media, the format is touted as one of the most successful and groundbreaking vocal competitions across the globe.
With 60 local productions entertaining audiences in more than 180 countries and over 500 million viewers around the world, The Voice is produced and adapted by Endemol in India and is slated to go on air this June.
The Voice is the purest form of a singing reality show where the contestants are chosen through blind auditions, only on the basis of their voice and not appearance. For an unprecedented show like this, the channel has roped in mentors like Himesh Reshammiya, Mika, Shaan and Sunidhi Chauhan.
Talking about the format, &TV business head Rajesh Iyer said, “We are excited to present viewers with The Voice, a show, which is already a global sensation as one of our biggest non-fiction offerings. The show takes a unique route in its selection process and focuses on quality of talent, which differentiates the format. For the first edition, we have a formidable panel of coaches that includes country’s best musicians that will mentor new talent.”
Talpa Global managing director Maarten Meijs added, “We are very pleased to be collaborating with &TV to bring The Voice to India. The format has proven to be such a global hit that we’re fully confident viewers in India will also sit up and take notice.”
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.
