GECs
Zee channels to launch on DTH in Nigeria
MUMBAI: Zee Network will be launching three of its channels on the Direct to Home (DTH) platform in Nigeria. Zee TV, Zee Cinema and Zee Music will be available on Frontage Satellite Television (FSTV), Africa’s premiere Direct to Home (DTH) services provider.
Raghav Behl’s infortainment channel South Asian World (SAW) has also been roped in to join FSTV. SAW is part of Zee’s distribution bundle in the UK.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the FSTV and Zee. The FSTV Chairman, Otunba Reuben Boye Famuyibo has been quoted by Allafrica.com as saying that the pact between the two organisations was in line with the growing relationship between Nigeria and India, on the diplomatic, cultural, economic and technological dimension, adding that the channels have a lot to offer in terms of information, entertainment and education.
Also speaking at the brief ceremony, the representatives of Zee TV senior vice-president, head of Operations Africa and Mauritius Deepak Jain and Zee TV AVP Pushpinder Singah noted that Indian films are very popular in Nigeria, that for this reason his organisation sought for a dynamic platform which the Nigerian market offers – to expand its scope – while at the same time offer an input towards the developing the channels, which have now become a global channel which cuts across one hundred and fifty countries.
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.
