GECs
Zee ‘Cinestar Ki Khoj’ attempts to woo Hindi heartland?
MUMBAI: ‘Back to the old world charm’. Thats the new buzzword for Zee. When Subhash Chandras flagship channel launched it mega talent hunt- Cinestar Ki Khoj, the initial responses wavered between an OK attempt to plain indifference. The response didnt ruffle them; instead the channel worked steadily towards build up its grass-root reach.
The attempt, they claim, has even helped them to inch their way into the top 100 programmes in all C&S 4+ households.In a press conference held in Mumbai, at the J W Marriott Hotel, the channel introduced the chosen 32 to the media. Decked to perfection, the chosen few strutted their asset and introduced themselves to the press. But it wasnt their designer outfits or their picture perfect faces that were memorable; instead it was the small time town charm that appealed. It is exactly the response, one would assume, that the channel wants.
While the city rounds of the talent hunt is done with, in comes the big countdown to the grand finale Indias Best. Starting 27 September, the reality shows Bollywood Dreams- The making of a Cinestar, will coincide with the change in the programming matrix. Pitted against the one of the Star Plus big gun Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, the reality show will push out the channels non-starter thriller Tamanna House. In addition to that there will be special aired in the weekend slot.
The talent hunt will be, hence forth, divided into two phases. First is the behind-the scene action and second is the contest. With this contest we are looking at building up the interactivity, said Corporate Brand Development Groups vice-president Ashish Kaul. We have for the first time utilised the instant SMS reach. The volatile popularity chart will be placed as a bug on the channel during the telecast, which will give the correct picture of the popularity of the contestants. Its going to be a complete public opinion round, he added.
In addition to that, Kaul also informed that they would be looking at building up the weekends as the reality show franchises. Close on the heels of Indias Bests finale, the channel is looking at launching its business reality show- Business Baazigar the next big entrepreneur reality show. All that in addition to the roll out of over 8-10 new shows over the next quarter.
Zee ka magic chalega kya? May be that calls for yet another reality show.
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.
