GECs
Zee5 launches 5 free streaming channels on LG Smart TVs across India
MUMBAI: TV’s gone lean-back, not laid back and Zee5 is making sure your living room feels like a blockbuster. In a move that turbocharges its Connected TV game, Zee5 has launched five new genre-specific FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channels on LG Channels, the built-in, free streaming platform available on all LG Smart TVs.
The new channels Z Dil Se, Z Horror Nights, Z Comedy Nation, Z Cine Classic, and Z South Flix are aimed at viewers who want high-quality, no-strings-attached entertainment, ranging from nostalgic Hindi films and supernatural spooks to dubbed South blockbusters and feel-good family comedies. And the best part? They’re completely free, with no subscriptions, sign-ins, or downloads needed.
Drawing from Zee5’s massive library of content spanning over 30 years of legacy IP, these channels are curated into snackable, always-on programming blocks tailored for India’s growing lean-back audience. With 5 genre-rich streams ready to go, all you need is a remote and a couch.
Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., chief growth officer Ashish Sehgal explained, “Our FAST channel expansion to LG devices, backed by LG’s presence in Indian households, ensures seamless and free access to genre-led, high-quality content. It’s about more than just distribution, it’s about elevating the Connected TV experience for both viewers and advertisers.”
LG Electronics India director of media entertainment solution Brian Jung added, “Zee5’s new FAST channels on LG make premium, culturally relevant, family-first content available without barriers. No paywalls, no passwords just pure entertainment.”
Available instantly on LG Channels via the home screen of LG Smart TVs, these new additions represent a major stride in Zee5’s Connected TV ambitions, targeting India’s 20 million plus Smart TV households. For advertisers, the move opens doors to a highly engaged, screen-led demographic in a premium ad-supported format.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic Govinda, spooky thrillers, or South Indian action dubbed in Hindi, Zee5’s FAST channels have a channel just for you no fees, just feels.
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.
