GECs
Zee TV APAC begins auditions of ‘Dance Singapore Dance’
MUMBAI: Zee TV APAC has launched its first reality dance competition in Singapore. The channel encourages local dancers by providing them a platform to showcase their talent on international television.
Auditions for Dance Singapore Dance, held on 14-15 March at MDIS Campus received a good response. The dancers were judged by Shakti Mohan, winner of Dance India Dance Season 2, and Zaini Mohammad Tahir, artistic director and choreographer of National University of Singapore (NUS) dance Ensemble.
Dancers auditioned for an opportunity to create history and perform on one of the most celebrated dance stages. The auditions drew dancers from different nationalities and backgrounds further enforcing Singapore’s cultural diversity. The dancers exhibited original choreography, strong technique, immaculate timing, never-before-seen passion and a universal appeal. Contestants at the auditions were as young as 16 years, whereas the oldest contestant was 68 years old.
Zee TV APAC senior vice president – international business Tripta Singh said, “We are delighted to replicate Zee’s highly successful reality dance show in Singapore, but of course with a local twist. As a cosmopolitan city, Singapore has a unique blend of cultures and talent, which we believe, will stand out. We are launching this now as we wanted to celebrate the amazing talent and diversity in the 50 year of Singapore’s independence.”
Zee TV APAC business head Sushruta Samanta added, “We are thrilled to present the inaugural season of Dance Singapore Dance that will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for dancers in Singapore. This will not only give the mainstream advertisers to ride on our channel but also make the brand an household name across the various ethnicities in Singapore. The Reality show is completely targeted towards the local audience including the Indians, Chinese & Malays, as dance doesn’t have language barrier.”
Singapore’s StarHub, is the presenting sponsor of Dance Singapore Dance.
At the end of the first day open auditions, the top 50 shortlisted dancers were invited to perform on the second day.
On the second day of auditions, the Super 12 that managed to impress the judges each received a “Hat of Destiny” in recognition of their dancing talent.
Going forward the Super 12 will train with some of the industry’s best choreographers and their performances will be premiered in June on Zee TV APAC across 18 countries. The show will also be broadcasted on Zee Tamizh (Singapore feed) and StarHub’s Sensasi, a local Malay free to air channel.
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.
