GECs
Waman Kendre is new director of NSD
NEW DELHI: Noted theatre personality Waman Kendre has been appointed director of National School of Drama (NSD).
His appointment is for a period of five years w.e.f. the date of assumption of charge of the post or till superannuation on 62 years of age or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
The outgoing NSD Director Anuradha Kapur’s term ended in July 2012, and she was on extension pending the decision regarding her successor. Kapur finally stepped down on 30 April this year, after which the position had been lying vacant. Several theatre persons had met the culture minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch on 27 June, seeking early appointment of the head of premier arts institutions such as NSD.
An NSD alumnus, Kendre hails from Maharashtra, known for its rich tradition of theatre, both folk and modern. He did his research in Kerala’s folklore, and played a leading role in the Dalit theatre movement in Maharashtra in the late 70s. Among his well-known plays are Mohandas, Ranangan, Janeman, Madhyam Vyayog, Zulva, Tempt Me Not and Dusara Samana. He currently heads the Academy of Theatre Arts, Mumbai University.
Kendre’s name was among the three names short-listed by a selection committee comprising Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad, Satish Alekar, Govind Deshpande and Amal Allana. The other two contenders were Arundhati Nag from Bangalore and Abdul Latif Khatana from Kashmir.
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.
