GECs
Zee TV’s new show ‘Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan’ launches in Lucknow
Mumbai: After introducing audiences to the heart-warming story of “Mithai” earlier this year, Zee TV is once again set to present a fresh narrative “Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan.” The show was unveiled in front of the media at a mega launch event in Lucknow. Set for the premiere on 2 May, the show will air every Monday to Saturday at 8 p.m only on Zee TV.
“Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan” will present a mature romance based in modern-day Vrindavan and will introduce viewers to Mohan, played by popular TV star Shabir Ahluwalia. In deep-seated awe of Mohan from her adolescent years, Radha, on the other hand, is a spiritual and optimistic girl, played by Neeharika Roy. With several intriguing layers and dimensions to its plot, “Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan” will follow Radha’s journey of rekindling the lost spark in Mohan’s eyes and bringing back his smile.
Apart from Shabir Ahluwalia and Neeharika Roy, the show also boasts of an exciting ensemble cast including the likes of Swati Shah, Sambhabhana, Keerti Nagpure and Manisha Purohit among other talented actors. The show is produced by Studio LSD Productions.
“The idea behind this launch is to strengthen our core primetime with a fresh story at 8 p.m while taking ‘Kashibai Bajirao Ballal’ to 10 p.m with the show entering a completely new phase of its narrative following the recent leap,” said Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle. “‘Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan’ is a mature romance centred around a complete charmer whose mere presence could uplift the spirits of everyone around but has now forgotten to smile.”
“The show explores the journey of reviving his lost spark. We are happy to partner with LSD Films in bringing this show to our viewers who’ll be thrilled to see their favorite actor Shabir Ahluwalia in this new avatar after winning their hearts as Abhi for over seven years. With exciting high points planned across all our key fiction shows and ‘DID L’il Masters’ opening up to a warm welcome, audiences have a lot to look forward to on Zee TV all through the week,” Bhosle further added.
Shabir Ahluwalia said, “I have never shied away from taking on a different character. In fact, I am always excited and enthusiastic about such a role. I personally love the way Mohan’s character has been written. Mohan is a strong, well-defined yet challenging character with several different shades. I am happy that we were able to give a small glimpse of our show to our media friends and the lovely people of Lucknow and their response was truly overwhelming.”
Neeharika Roy added, “I am thankful to Zee TV for giving me this mega opportunity. I will do my best to do justice to Radha’s character and I am really very excited to play this character. In fact, I relate to my character of Radha, who is a very religious girl, just like me. It has been lovely working with Shabir Sir and the whole cast and crew. However, seeing the audience’s reaction in Lucknow has been the best experience of our journey till now.”
“After presenting audiences with a heart-warming narrative like ‘Teri Meri Ikk Jindri,’ our next show with Zee TV revolves around Radha and Mohan’s layered and intriguing love story based in modern-day Vrindavan,” commented LSD Productions producer Prateek Sharma. “The show has a lot of dimensions ranging from a unique mother-son bond, an estranged father-daughter relationship, alliances forged with vested interests, one-sided love that borders on devotion and more importantly, the story of a man who has forgotten to smile and the journey of reviving his lost spark. We are hopeful that with all the surprises in store for the audience as the story progresses, the viewers will connect with Radha and Mohan’s journey and shower them with a lot of love.”
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.
