GECs
Zee Telugu hits the high notes with Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs launch
MUMBAI: Zee Telugu is tuning up for a melodious ride as it launches the 17th season of its iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, this time in the Li’l Champs avatar. The musical journey begins on 30 August at 9 pm, with fresh young talent ready to steal hearts every Saturday night.
Fronting the show is the ever-charismatic Sudheer, whose quick wit and charm promise to keep the energy buzzing. Guiding the contestants is a star-studded panel: singer SP Shailaja, director Anil Ravipudi, lyricist Ananth Sriram, and actor Niharika Konidela each bringing their own flair for music, cinema and storytelling. Together, they’ll mentor the budding singers while keeping audiences hooked with insights and banter.
The line-up of contestants is as vibrant as the stage itself. Advith turned heads with a spirited take on Chaaruseela, complete with a comical American accent, while Kruthi charmed with a soothing rendition of Kokilamma. Nithyasree electrified the crowd with Magallu Vatti Maayagalle, and Aliya Fathima from Kerala proved that music knows no language barrier with her soulful Sirimalle Poova. Meanwhile, Adharv amped up the festive vibe with Dhandalayya, and Lakshmi Chowdary wowed with her jaw-dropping dual voice modulation. A surprise highlight came when singer Sameera Bharadwaj and her daughter took the stage for a playful mom-daughter duet of Kathalenno Chepparu, blending melody with comedy.
With a mix of powerhouse voices, pint-sized confidence, and a panel that knows how to strike the right chord, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs promises to be less of a contest and more of a celebration of music, childhood and pure joy.
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.








