GECs
Zeel launches localised GEC – Zee Hiburan in Indonesia
MUMBAI: After the launch of Zee Bioskop in Indonesia last year, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has now launched Zee Hiburan in Indonesia.
‘Hiburan’ means ‘Entertainment’ in English. The general entertainment channel (GEC) will feature popular Indian serials localized for the mainstream Indonesian audience.
Zeel business head – Asia Pacific Sushruta Samanta said, “Zee Hiburan in Indonesia is our third launch in the APAC region in the last 14 months, following Zee Bioskop and Zee Nung. Zee Hiburan will consolidate our position and market share in Indonesia, which is one of the fastest growing Pay-TV markets in the region. Our initial interaction with the distributors was very encouraging, which propelled us to launch a GEC within a year of launching our Bollywood channel, Zee Bioskop in the market. Indian content has created a huge wave in the local FTA space and with Zee Hiburan, we believe that we will be able to take it to the next level.”
Zeel country head – Indonesia Maria Liza Ginting added, “With Indian stories narrated like never before, Zee Hiburan promises to engage the viewers with shows that travel from the eras of the kings and queens to the modern world. The channel is positioned as ‘Color Your Life’ showcasing every emotion in the most colorful fashion. Inspired from paper puppets and paper quilling art forms, the channel packaging is artistically designed to merge the Indonesian and Indian cultures.”
The channel will showcase Zee shows and dramas like Ramayan, Jhansi ki Rani, Jodha Akbar, Kumkum Bhagya, Pavitra Rishta, Kasam Se, Sapne Suhane Ladakpan, Jab Love Hua and Fear Files amongst others.
Zee Hiburan – Warnai Hidup Anda (Zee Entertainment – Color your life) is currently available as a pay channel on ICTA – Indonesia Cable TV Association and the DTH platform K Vision. It will soon be available on more platforms in the market.
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.
