GECs
Zee wants Rs 590 million to exit Padmalaya
MUMBAI: Zee Telefilms Ltd has asked the promoters of Padmalaya Enterprises Private Ltd (PEPL) to pay Rs 590 million to buy out their entire shares in the subsidiary company.
This follows Zee’s decision to exit from Padmalaya following the controversial transfer of shares in the listed company Padmalaya Telefilms Ltd (PTL).
“Zee had invested Rs 590 million in the Padmalaya deal and we want to recover that cost. This includes the open offer that we had to make at that time,” says a source in Zee Telefilms.
Zee is in advanced stage of negotiations with Padmalaya promoters and hopes to come to an agreement next week, the source added. Zee has 64 per cent stake in PEPL and has decided to sell its entire stake in the company. PEPL held a 50.3 per cent controlling stake in PTL.
A senior Zee official is in Hyderabad to finalise the deal with Padmalaya promoters. Zee is expected to recover Rs 590 million from sale of property by PEPL. Though the deal for purchase of Zee shares in Padmalaya was expected to be signed on Saturday, the Zee source said that it would be extended to next week.
Zee had threatened to take legal action against the PEPL promoters for “misappropriation of substantial shares” that its subsidiary PEPL held in PTL. But Padmalaya promoters made an offer to buy out Zee’s stake in PEPL in exchange for immovable property.
Zee had earlier accused Padmalaya founder-promoter GA Seshagiri Rao, along with his relatives, of pledging PEPL’s shares in PTL to raise loans without the knowledge of the board. As a result of the misappropriation, PEPL’s holding in PTL has dropped from 50.3 per cent to
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.
