GECs
Zee launches Zee World in South Africa
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has launched a new general entertainment channel – Zee World – in South Africa. The channel was unveiled at an event in Johannesburg and is the first offering from ZEEL for mainstream viewers in Africa.
Zee World is a customised channel for mainstream audiences in Africa and will be available from 3 February on DSTV Premium, Extra, Compact and Family pack in South Africa and the Access pack within the rest of Africa. It will also be available on the Multichoice Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) GO TV platform.
Essel Group and Zeel chairman Dr Subhash Chandra said, “The corporate positioning of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ meaning ‘The world is my family’ is the driving force that enables us to bring authentic and entertaining content to global audiences, with a vision to reach a billion viewers by 2020.”
Zeel Middle East and Africa CEO Mukund Cairae said that the channel will launch with four series namely Saloni, Laali, Married Again, and The Promise. It will also introduce other genres such as world drama series and shows on kids, food, reality and health before the end of the year.
The channel will showcase content that will connect with the masses – from television series to Bollywood movies, from reality shows to action packed content. All content that will be aired has undergone extensive research and customization including editing and dubbing with most of the channel’s content dubbed in South Africa using local talent.
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.
