GECs
Zee-Turner moves Tdsat charging non-payment of dues by Hathway
MUMBAI: The Zee-Turner distribution platform has appealed to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (Tdsat) demanding that it issue a notice to the Star-India backed multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom. Reason: Zee’s distribution arm accuses the MSO of having piled up outstandings to the tune of Rs 60 million.
The the petition No. 41 (C) of 2006 filed with Tdsat yesterday states that dues totalling approximately Rs 60 million for the Delhi region have been pending since April 2005.
According to officials at Tdsat, “The notice to Hathway Cable and Datacom had been issued yesterday.” Tdsat has given Hathway four week’s time to file its reply and the next hearing of the case has been scheduled for 22 March.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, a senior Zee-Turner official confirmed that it has sought guidance from Tdsat on the issue of outstanding dues, which has reportedly refused to pay any heed.
It is worth noting that Hathway did not discontinue distributing the signals of the channels carried on the distribution platform.
When Hathway Cable and Datacom was asked by Indiantelevision.com to respond and sought clarifications to the Tdsat case via an email, sent today, the spokesperson stated, “Tdsat will hear both the parties after six weeks. As the matter is subjudice we will not like to comment anything further.”
Tdsat is the only authority, which hears matters of disputes including broadcasters and multi-system operators.
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.
