GECs
Zee merger update: IDBI Bank settlement is the only roadblock
Mumbai: Zee has settled its claims with Standard Chartered Bank – this case not in NCLT, however it could have been a roadblock for the merger with Sony. Merger hearing was held at NCLT today and has been moved to 13 April for the next hearing
Indus Ind Bank and IPRS which were in NCLT and could have been a roadblock for the merger approval have been settled over the last few weeks, and now Standard Chartered Bank too. IDBI bank is the only one pending now at NCLT, which has to be settled or contested to get the merger approval with Sony; the amount pending with IDBI Bank as per latters claim is Rs 150cr. Settlement on above cases is a good news for expedition in the merger process and have a positive impact on stock valuations
Zee has moved up 25 per cent over the last one month and is still trading at inexpensive valuations of 9x (Ex OTT losses) – 13x (including OTT losses), factoring the merger going ahead and cost synergies playing out (in the range of Rs five – six bn)
We have assigned a target PER multiple of 17x for the core broadcasting business and after factoring Zee’s 47 per cent stake, business synergies and cash infusion (Rs 110bn) – we have a BUY rating on the stock with a TP of Rs 390 ; could see some downside (10-12 per cent on earnings) basis earnings downgrade due to the recent ad environment which has been muted due to new age cos cutting ad spends and other verticals reducing ad spends due to inflationary pressures,” said Elara Capital senior VP research analyst (media, consumer discretionary & internet) Karan Taurani
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.
