GECs
UTV’s distribution venture appoints an international and national head
MUMBAI: UTV’s new baby – the distribution network for motion pictures has now appointed heads at the national and international level.
While Sanjeev Mehta would be heading the national distribution as vice-president, films distribution, India, Sridhar Sreekakula, an Indian-born US resident has joined the company as president – North America operations. Mehta, who has over 16 years of experience in strategy, business development and consumer marketing (his last assignment being Reliance Infocomm), would be spearheading UTV’s distribution network in the country, reaching big screens, multiplexes and digital theaters. The network would provide distribution width and depth to Hindi, English and even regional language motion pictures in the desired markets.
On the other hand, Sreekakula, will be leading and establishing the film distribution network across the US, Canada, and Trinidad and neighboring territories. With over 20 years of experience in the International marketing of films and television content, Sreekakula is known for his widespread knowledge and expertise in the home-video and cable market of the US, having worked in various companies like Arrow Films International, Southern Star Studios, Cronus Entertainment and 21st Century Film Corporation states the company release.
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.
