GECs
Zee TV wants its ‘Sarrkkar’ in 8:30 pm slot
MUMBAI: After Sindoorr, it’s Sarrkkar. Zee TV is launching another prime time show on 25 April. Slotted for 8:30 PM, the soap is a family drama set against a political backdrop.
Zee TV president Abhijit Saxena with Shobha De at the show launch
With the launch of Sarrkkar, the channel aims to bring in a new genre which is a mix of the Saas-Bahu brand and political drama. Says Zee TV programming head Ashwini Yardi, “Sarrkkar is a new genre in TV programming and is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise jaded industry. With the acclaimed star cast and powerful script of Shobha De we are optimistic of Sarrkkar’s performance.”
While Divya Seth attempts a comeback on small screen, the show will also see real life brothers Ronit and Rohit Roy play on screen brothers as well. Though the channel officials refuse to acknowledge any borrowing of ideas from contemporary Indian politics, writer De goes a step ahead to acknowledge the story’s seeming similarity to the fortunes of a prominent political family. “Fiction does borrow from real life,” De says.
As is obvious, Zee TV is aiming to build up its prime time band brick by brick. The channel already has the shows Sindoor and Tumhari Disha strengthening its 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM band with some comparatively decent performances as per the recent TAM data. When queried why the channel was not using Sarrkkar to strengthen its 10:30 PM band, Yardi said the channel was trying to give each slot its due recognition.
“We have just changed the concept of prime time. Every slot is prime time for us,” she says.
Lead stars of ‘Sarrkkar’
The special Press screening the channel conducted for the launch of the show signalled an extensive promotional campaign that would be unfolding in the coming days. The whole environment was given a political colour with the artists and channel officials making their appearances dressed as politicians.
Though Zee TV VP marketing Tarun Mehra was not forthcoming on the marketing plans for Sarrkkar, he hinted at a number of on-ground activities with the serial having a political theme. Mehta said the serial was targeted at SEC A and B.
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.
