GECs
Zee Live turns up the volume on Marathi pride
MUMBAI: Move over quiet weekends, Pune’s about to feel the beat of Marathi pride. Zee Entertainment Enterprises has cranked up the decibels on culture with the launch of “Marathi Vajlach Pahije” (MVP), the first flagship event under its new experiential vertical, Zee Live, in partnership with World of Vibes.
Set to take place on 12 October 2025 at Phoenix Market City, Pune, MVP is no ordinary concert, it’s a full-blown celebration of Marathi youth, rhythm, and rebellion, bringing together over 40 artists from the state’s thriving hip-hop and indie scenes. Expect names like Kratex, Sanju Rathod, Shreyas & Vedang, MC Gawthi, and Patya the Doc to turn the stage into a creative battleground where beats meet identity.
The festival promises to be a collision of tradition and modern swagger, as today’s Marathi creators remix their heritage with street art, spoken word, and music that speaks straight from the mohalla.
To amplify its reach beyond the mosh pit, Zee Live has teamed up with Marathi Zee5, taking the festival digital with exclusive content, artist stories, and behind-the-scenes footage, ensuring the cultural pulse of MVP reverberates far beyond Pune.
“This is not just an event; it’s an expression of a generation,” said Zee Live business head Gareth Eswin Thomas. “Marathi Vajlach Pahije captures the rhythm of youth, energy that can’t be contained, only celebrated.”
Marathi Zee5 and Zee Marathi business head V.R. Hema added, “By giving these young artists both a local and global stage, we’re not just showcasing music, we’re spotlighting their stories and dreams. MVP marks the next era of regional storytelling: bold, proud and rooted.”
Presented by Zee Live, Marathi Zee5 and World of Vibes, the Festival of MVP is ready to tune Maharashtra into its most vibrant frequency yet. Tickets are live on Bookmyshow, with extra content dropping on Marathi Zee5 for fans who like their beats served with a side of pride.
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.
