GECs
ZEE TV to launch new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August
Mumbai: ZEE TV is all set for the launch of its new show ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ on 3 August. The show will air every Monday to Saturday at 8.30 pm only on ZEE TV.
Coming from the stable of Balaji Telefilms, ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ follows the journey of Lakshmi through the changes that come in her life on moving to Mumbai from Punjab after her parents’ demise. While Lakshmi is a true believer in God’s plan and the power of goodness and destiny, Rishi is a flamboyant and practical businessman. The story unfolds as these two completely opposite characters meet in a twist of fate. The show features actors Aishwarya Khare and Rohit Suchanti in the lead roles as Lakshmi and Rishi.
The show launch was preceded by a social media initiative centred on the theme #NekiKiDor which is in tune with Lakshmi’s selfless character. Through the initiative, Lakshmi encouraged netizens to come forth and do a simple good deed every day by helping someone and spreading positivity.
“Our collaboration with Balaji Telefilms is a time-tested one with some of television’s most precious gems having come out of our joint synergies. From ‘Hum Paanch’ in 1995 to ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ and ‘Kundali Bhagya’ that still continue to rule people’s hearts on our primetime, we continue to co-create content that strongly resonates with our audiences,” said ZEE TV business head Aparna Bhosle.
Commenting further on the new launch she added, “Our latest labour of love is a story about someone selfless in a selfish world – a girl who believes in prioritising the needs of others above her own and expects little in return. The audience will root for destiny to treat her kind as we all want to see good things happen to those who live a life of good values and good karma. But is life always that simple? Viewers can tune in to find out!”
Bhosle also shared that ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’ – the new addition to ZEE TV’s primetime – is only the first of “several exciting new content offerings coming up this festive season”.
Talking about Lakshmi’s character, Balaji Telefilms’ producer, Ekta Kapoor stated, “Lakshmi is one of the purest souls we have worked on as a character in a long time. She represents inherent goodness – neki, a value that’s perhaps diminished in people’s vocabulary over the years, but it shouldn’t. As mankind, we’ve been through a lot lately and some of the toughest times have a way of bringing forth shining examples of kindness and benevolence. We’ve all read stories of people who went out on a foot during the pandemic and helped others in need. Lakshmi’s a lot like that. And when you see someone like that, you fall in love with them and want to see life presenting them with good ‘bhagya’ (destiny). Aishwarya Khare with her endearing sincerity and warmth is the right fit for Lakshmi and Rohit (Suchanti) will win hearts as always with his role as the flamboyant, practical, and dashing Rishi.”
“While Lakshmi and I are different personalities, I feel there is a very strong connection between both of us and that is our common belief in Karma,” said Aishwarya Khare. “Just like Lakshmi, I truly believe that you get what you deserve in life, and selflessness and kindness towards others always attract the blessings of destiny. Lakshmi’s story is very different from some of the characters I have portrayed until now, which makes the whole process even more exciting.”
Rohit Suchanti remarked, “I believe Bhagya Lakshmi brings forth a very unique story, something very distinct from what we have seen on television till date. My character Rishi is a very grounded and practical person who believes in shaping his life his own way. He believes in working hard, but also knows how to celebrate those victories. There is a lot of similarity between us, and I am sure I am going to have a lot of fun exploring this character.”
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.
