GECs
Zee Network launches ‘Zee’ in Indonesia
MUMBAI: Zee Network has launched its channel Zee in Indonesia. The channel will be dubbed in the local language Bahasa.
The commercial launch of the channel was held on 1 March 2006 on the multi-channel satellite pay-television platform Astro Nusantara as a package.
Astro Nusantara hopes to reach 3.5 million subscribers in Indonesia in the next three years with the channel in their basic line up. The dubbed channel will be telecast from 13 March.
Simultaneously, another one hour band will be telecast in Malaysia to 1.7 million households with sub-titles in Bahasa. This will be available on Astro Prima (the local Astro channel) as a band until Measat 3 is launched. On the launch of Measat 3 (tentatively August 2006), the entire channel Zee will be available with sub titles to the Malay audience.
Indiantelevision.com had first reported Zee Network’s plans to work out an arrangement with Malaysia’s multi-channel pay TV operator Astro to launch a new dedicated channel with Hindi content, for its Indonesian, Malaysian and Brunei audiences, in September 2005.
Speaking on the launch, Zee International Operations CEO Dheeraj Kapuria said, “We take great pleasure in announcing Zee in Bahasa. We are optimistic about the popularity of this channel, as our viewers in Malaysia and Indonesia will now be able to enjoy the content on Zee in a language they can easily comprehend.”
The channel’s content will be sourced from the flagship channel Zee TV library, which will be localised with Bahasa Indonesia dubbing and Bahasa Melayu subtitling, to reflect the different language, lifestyle and viewing habits of the audiences in the three countries, Zee Network said in an official release.
Content from the Indian sub-continent, such as top Bollywood movies, have enjoyed high ratings in this region. The Zee channel promises programmes of various genres which include top Hindi soap operas, drama serials, blockbuster movies, lifestyle, entertainment and musical programmes, the release adds.
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.
