GECs
ZEE5 Global collaborates with the LuLu Group in the middle east to celebrate ‘India Utsav’
Mumbai: ZEE5 Global has partnered with the LuLu Group for their ‘India Utsav’ celebrations. The event was launched at the same time across the GCC countries on 15 August 2022, at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi, in the Group’s first-ever simultaneous region-wide launch of its celebration of the 75th Indian Independence Day-Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
The festival was launched at the LuLu Hypermarket Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi by the Indian ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Sunjay Sudhir, alongside LuLu Group International chairman and managing director Yusuff Ali, ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand, and other top government officials.
ZEE5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand said, “It’s a highly exciting time for ZEE5 Global as we have galloped ahead to become the No.1 streaming platform for South Asian content across multiple global markets, including the Middle East. We now look forward to continuing to build on this success through multiple local initiatives and, on the back of our compelling content, further deepening our connection with South-Asian audiences here. We are thrilled to partner with LuLu for their ‘India Utsav’ celebrations. This marks the continuation of a wonderful and deep relationship with them, and with the region.”
‘India Utsav’ is a retail festival at LuLu that highlights the three Cs of the Indian experience: culture, commerce, and cuisine. It showcases the close commercial ties the UAE enjoys with India.
Indian ambassador to the UAE H.E. Sunjay Sudhir said, “We are delighted to note that LuLu Group is celebrating the ‘India Utsav’ across all their stores on the historic occasion of ‘Azadi Ka Amritmahotsav’ and I thank LuLu Group for always promoting India and Indian products through their hypermarkets. No doubt, initiatives such as this will go a long way towards further promoting the trade ties between India and the UAE.”
LuLu Group International chairman and managing director Yusuff Ali said, “Needless to say, India is very close to my heart and mind emotionally. On the occasion of the 75th Independence Day, I would say that the country is an emerging economic superpower, and the visionary foreign policy of PM Modi has led to stronger India-GCC ties, and the UAE is emerging as one of India’s staunch business partners. I believe strongly that the LuLu Group can be a key player in this vision of the future for India.”
LuLu has partnered with ZEE5 Global this year, and ZEE5 will fly in popular actor Sonali Bendre to meet and greet fans in the UAE.
Customers at LuLu Hypermarkets across the GCC will also receive a free annual subscription to ZEE5’s with every purchase of AED 1,000 or more, as well as a free one-month subscription or a 50 per cent discount on a yearly subscription with every purchase of AED 100 or more.
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.
