GECs
Zee Zest set to bring ‘Dude aur Deewani’ on 29 July
Mumbai: Tea or Coffee, ever wondered where your morning ‘cuppa’ came from? Or how MTR’s Rawa Idli took the country by storm in the early 1940s? To pique the curiosity, Zee Zest has announced its latest show called ‘Dude aur Deewani’, hosted by real-life couple Anurag Mallik and Priya Ganapathy.
In each of the 20 episodes, Anurag, who is a travel writer and tourism consultant, and Priya, a former journalist and anchor, will together uncover lesser-known facts about food through a variety of topics. They will share their experiences with viewers through humorous banter with exciting fun facts and trivia about fascinating food history from across the globe, said the channel in a statement.
“With digital platforms gaining strength during the pandemic, the medium is playing a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment industry and therefore important for us to invest in both linear and digital,” said Zee Zest business head, Amit Nair. “Furthermore, the love for food has always been a driving force for setting lifestyle trends. Dude aur Deewani is a show that brings to our viewers, culinary history through the eyes of food and culture enthusiasts, thereby making it relatable for all. It is a show that aims to connect the culinary dots in a fun and informative way.”
Viewers can catch Dude aur Deewani on Zee Zest’s YouTube channel, with a digital-first premiere on 29 July at 10 am. The show is also available for streaming on Zee Zest’s official website.
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.
