GECs
Zee-Turner serves notice to switch off service to Hathway Bhawani
MUMBAI: MUMBAI: Hathway Bhawani Cabletel & Datacom is facing pressure of a switch-off from Zee-Turner. In the first week of this month, the multi system operator (MSO) was served a one-month notice to clear off dues.
Zee-Turner is claiming an amount of Rs 2.5 million while Hathway Bhawani says the problem is with the second pay channel bouquet. The two companies were in discussion today to sort out the issue.
Hathway Bhawani wants to settle for a lower amount, a company official says. A settlement is expected to be reached in a few days, he adds. Hathway holds majority stake in Hathway Bhawani, a MSO operating in the central and eastern suburbs of Mumbai.
Zee-Turner has threatened to switch off its bouquet of channels if the outstanding amount is not cleared. Broadcasters are required to serve a month’s notice before they can switch off signals, according to the The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) regulation.
Zee-Turner offers a host of channels including Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Music, Zee News, Cartoon Network, CNN and CNBC TV18. The second pay bouquet comprises HBO, VH1, Pogo, Zee Business, and Awaaz.
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.
