GECs
We are introducing the concept of packaging: Star India
KOLKATA: Commending the decision of the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal’s (TDSAT) to put Star India channels on a la carte, the network said with this it is likely to introduce the concept of packaging.
Star India legal & regulatory senior vice president Pulak Bagchi and distribution strategy & marketing senior vice president Vivek Takalkar were in the city to explain the benefits of packaging.
The officials from the network highlighted that even though a number of cable TV homes in phase I and II are digitised, the addressability of digitisation has not yet been completed.
They further said that since the main aim of digitisation was to offer choice to the customers in terms of channels they want to subscribe, Star India would offer the bouquet of channels via different packs and thus, offer true benefits of digitisation.
“Customers would get the real choice,” the star official said.
Multi system operators (MSOs) have already met Star India representatives two or three times and are waiting for an “amicable solution”, and if they don’t hear from the Star in next 24 hours, the MSO are most likely to move to the RIO rates options, said Siticable Kolkata director Suresh Sethiya.
“We met with Star India people to find a way out for the RIO rates. The rates should be fashioned in such a way that the broadcaster does not lose revenue and at the same time, consumers do not have to shell out huge amount to watch cable TV,” Sethiya said.
When asked to comment on the TDSAT order which directs the MSOs to put Star channels on RIO from 10 November, Sethiya said the MSOs will have to sign the contract with Star. “MSO would do it in next couple of days and we will run campaign in every media and our channels so that the consumers are well informed,” he concluded.
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.
