GECs
Viacom18 notches up the fight against counterfeit merchandise
MUMBAI: In its endeavour to fight counterfeit products and illegal usage of Intellectual Property (IP), Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. joined hands with Economic Offence Wing of Mumbai Police to conduct raids on businesses trading in counterfeit products of its popular kids brand Peppa Pig. The raids conducted at Choice Gifts in Abdul Rahman Street and Rolex Novelty at Princess Street in Mumbai collectively seized a sizeable amount of counterfeit merchandise.
Anil Lale, General Counsel, Viacom18 said: “The Govt. of India has taken up the issue of piracy and illegal usage of IP significantly over the past few years and we are proud to have worked with public agencies such as Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Maharashtra Cyber Crime Cell and Mumbai Police’s EOW to amp up these efforts. It is important to acknowledge that sale and purchase of counterfeit products are as serious offences as piracy since it takes away from the brand’s loyalty and diminishes its value for the creator.” He further added, “As rightful exclusive licensees, we feel its our duty to the customer – which in this case are young children, to safeguard their interest against fake products.”
Tim Pfeiffer, SVP Business Affairs, Family & Brands, Entertainment One, said: “eOne believes in taking vibrant brands from screens to stores and it is very encouraging to see our international partners and authorities undertake efforts that ensure only real products reach our young audience. Counterfeit merchandise is not only against the licensor’s interest but also has a colossal impact on safety and health of the user due to absence of quality standards.”
The Economic Offenses Wing of Mumbai Police has been at the forefront of a rigorous fight against counterfeit products. Over the course of last year alone they have been able to seize surreptitious businesses that trade in counterfeit products, severely denting the illegal counterfeit merchandizing business.
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.
