GECs
Vijay TV gears up for a reality show
MUMBAI: Reality is back in vogue. Vijay TV is all set to test the bravado in the south. The channel will be premiering a reality show Vai Raja Vai on Sunday 22 February at 10:30 am.
A unique concept for Tamil television is touted to be a test for endurance and determination. Shot on 17 February, Tuesday at 2:45 pm the channel shot Kalyana Seer, a reality competition where the competitors have to place their palm on a glass frame. Last one to take off the palm wins. The event saw 15 contestants participating, even after 24 hours eight contested still continued to compete.
The show, says a company release, is experimentation with new genres and program formats typical to Vijay.
The channel has also invited participants to compete in the contest. The interested candidates will have log on to the company site or personally visit the office and fill in the requisite forms. The selected candidates will be called for an audition, screening test and a physical fitness test.
According to Vijay TV programming head Suresh Iyer, “Vai Raja Vai is a reality show and is way different from the stereotypical content available on television today. The philosophy of Vijay has always been to pioneer differentiated and relevant programming in line with the changing needs of audiences. We are confident that this reality show will add a lot more excitement to the habit of television”.
The premier show Kalyana Seer has a price worth Rs 1, 00,000. The participants were Nallakannu (27 years) from Thenkasi, Basker (25 years) from Alwarpet, Murali (29 years) from Trichy, Shahin (24 years) from Trichy, Mala (25 years) from Velachery, Sahira (38 years) from Trichy and Prince (21 years) from Kolathur, adds the 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.
