GECs
[V] = reality: A new equation for ’04
MUMBAI: Reality works! And Channel [V] knows that better than most. After all, Star’s 24-hour music channel came back into the ratings reckoning through its reality talent hunt Popstars.
During the Mumbai launch of the model hunt [V] Get Gorgeous, channel head honcho Amar K Deb offered, “It was channel [V] that started off the reality trend in the true sense in India. With the launch of Get Gorgeous, we are just building on that brand.”
Touted as a Cinderella hunt, this eight episode-long reality show will show the transformation of the four chosen faces into models. The ‘power’ partner Elite will be grooming these ladies and managing their careers. The hunt is sponsored by self-proclaimed leaders in CDMA phones, LG CDMA.
Says Deb, “Reality has been something that [V] has believed strongly in. This is our third hugely promoted reality show after Popstars and [V] on The Run and we have a couple more aces up our sleeves.” When quizzed if [V] had abandoned plans for the third installment of Popstars, Deb hinted that something bigger was coming up and an announcement would be made within two-three weeks.
For now, the Get Gorgeous hunt has reached its last stage. The last round will be held at JW Marriott’s Enigma on Wednesday, 5 May at 9:30 pm. The music channel claims that it has received over 1,000 entries thus far and the last date for accepting entries has been extended for another three weeks.
Speaking about the reality genre and Channel [V] equation, Deb couldn’t resist taking a jibe at rival MTV. “With their latest Roadies, they have tries to ape both Popstars and our former travelogue Reality Express, but look at the results!
“We have got some excellent footage and good reviews from even the critiques for our road show [V] on The Run. Now with the launch of Get Gorgeous, I think that they will have to run off to the jungle,” he asserted.
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.
