GECs
[V] revs into election gear
MUMBAI: Shunning the ballot box, a common trend in our country, will be tackled by Channel [V] with an election awareness drive called [V] The Big Vote in an endeavour to enlighten the youth of India on the key issue of casting one’s vote.
The campaign essentially designed to educate, involve and mobilize the younger citizens of India for the upcoming General Elections 2004 is part of Channel [V]’s Youth initiative programme.
[V] The Big Vote expected to take off by mid March will include various on-air and on-ground promotions, and will witness Channel [V]’s VJs Gaurav Kapur and Shruti Seth spearheading this youth initiative.
Outlining the objective of the drive, Channel [V] head honcho Amar K Deb says, “We’re bringing in the winds of change! It’s our way of getting the younger citizens of this country to appreciate and take advantage of their most fundamental right – the right to vote. Its all a part of Channel [V]’s Youth initiative programme, which will addresses issues that directly impact a Young India. [V] The Big Vote aims to educate them about the processes, engage them in discussion of their problems and issues and motivate them to make a difference by casting their vote. They’ve got to choose or they’re going to lose.”
The campaign will be divided in two phases, phase one tackling issues about eligibility, the process of registration and other details of the voting process. Phase two will facilitate the youth in various discussions, debates and dialogues, providing them with a platform to be heard and encouraging them to take a stand and place their vote according to the release.
Celebrities and musicians have also been roped in to impact the youth with these messages.
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.
