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Women-centric shows well accepted in regional markets
MUMBAI: It’s not only Hindi GECs that have moved ahead of family dramas, regional GECs have also started portraying female characters in strong and fresh story lines. The regional channels' women-centric shows is well accepted by the audience in the regional market. Due to the higher relatability factor the consumption of women-centric shows is also higher.
Colors Tamil business head Anup Chandrasekharan says, “At Colors Tamil, we have always made a conscious effort to rise above regular kitchen dramas and family squabbles. Known for disruptive, differentiated, thought provoking and socially conscious content, our shows celebrate the inner strength of women as they tackle larger social evils. Championing the indomitable spirit of women from all walks of life, our all-women version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, Kodeeswari, established itself as a pathbreaking show which fulfilled its promise of giving wings to small dreams. With our shows namely Amman, Uyire, Oviya and Thirumanam it has always been our endeavour to present content that is innovative and reflective to our audience. With an interesting mix of fiction and non-fiction shows, we will continue to further strengthen our content offering thus catering to a larger purpose than just entertainment.”
A Zee Telugu spokesperson says, “All stories on Zee Telugu are progressive and empowering, mostly about aspirational women. Every story, every protagonist inspires the viewer with her vision and zeal of achieving what she wants. Be it Varudhini Parinayam then, Muddha Mandaram recently and Kalyana Vaibhogam now, all are powerful stories of empowering women. Recently launched Prema Entha Madhuram & Trinayani are also stories of women who break social stereotypes to a mark for themselves in society.”
The channel further adds, “All shows on Zee Telugu are women-centric and the stories are received exceptionally well in the regional market, especially because they are told for the woman and by a woman. The relatability factor is high and hence the consumption higher.”
Zee Telugu shows a range of stories of women being underdogs to achievers, Saraswati from No.1 Kodalu is one such character. Similarly, every story is shouldered on strong and aspirational women which appeals to the regional audience, especially women.
Colors Gujarati business head Darshil Bhatt says, “Today, women-centric shows both in fiction and non-fiction categories are doing extremely well across all regional markets. At COLORS Gujarati, shows like Mahek, Dikri, Lakshmi, Savaj, and now Abhlisha in the fiction category and Rasoi in the non-fiction, female protagonists are being showcased progressively leading to a higher recall value for all our female-centric shows. We want to further leverage our ideology of presenting stories that are not only entertaining but inspiring as well with our upcoming fiction shows, Kahu Chu Sambhalo Cho, Prem Ni Bhavai and Rashi Rikshawali."
Shemaroo Entertainment Limited CEO Hiren Gada says that women-centric movies and shows have proven their worth on television and are well accepted by the Indian audience. Movies are a reflection of the society and have portrayed women in strong characters addressing social and cultural issues head-on at the same time entertaining the audiences through their work.
Colors Bangla business head Rahul Chakravarti says, “Television has moved a long way from just being about regular family dramas. With strong and fresh storylines, Bengali serials have portrayed female characters fighting for their rights and pursuing their goals. At Colors Bangla, we mirror the cultural ethos and the progressive values of West Bengal through innovative and relevant content. With strong storylines, we ensure that all our female protagonists are being showcased progressively leading to a higher recall value for our shows.”
Regional shows are efficiently addressing the issues related to women and women's day only gives them added power.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
