GECs
Zee Smile looks to acquire global formats
MUMBAI: Zee Smile, which is currently exercising in programming high drive, is planning to pick up some globally accepted comic formats. In this regard, the fun and entertainment channel from Zee Network has already initiated talks.
“We are in talks with various agencies to acquire successful global as well as Indian formats. Discussions with various prominent producers are also on,” says Zee Smile business head Nitin Vaidya.
Apart from soaps, Zee Smile has plans to launch other entertainment properties such as game shows and music shows. Vaidya says the channel is game to try everything possible provided it offers fun and relaxation to viewers.
“Our plan is to move away from tear jerkers. Through various studies, we have reached this conclusion that viewers look forward to tension-free shows on television after a hard day’s work. So our effort is to provide him fun and entertainment throughout,” says Vaidya.
The channel is currently going through a re-launch activity. Vaidya says the connectivity issues, which forced the channel to remain passive for almost a year, have been sorted out now.
“Distribution-wise, we are banking on the strong market equity of our distribution bouquet. The good performance Zee Smile delivered in recent times has convinced the cable networks,” affirms Vaidya.
As part of the re-launch, Zee has started seriously selling the channel now. “Selling has just begun. We have started getting very good response from the advertisers and buying is now happening. We have been approached by various advertisers,” Vaidya asserts.
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.
