GECs
ZILS announces Zee Institute of Media Arts
MUMBAI: The education arm of ZEE Network, Zee Interactive Learning Systems Limited (ZILS) has announced their new initiative – Zee Institute of Media Arts, a training institute targeted at aspirants looking at a career in films and television.
The institute will conduct courses on direction, cinematography, acting, writing, production, sound, editing, computer graphics and a variety of courses related to entertainment.
“The potential growth, the entertainment sector is witnessing and the dearth of professionals has lead to a huge demand for training and education in this domain, with special emphasis on films and TV. The combined strengths of ZILS, an established player for over a decade in education and training and ZEE Network, a media conglomerate in the domain of TV/film entertainment provide a valuable proposition to the student enrolled at ZIMA,” said ZILS CEO A. K. Khetan in an official release.
These courses will be conducted at the ZIMA centre in Mumbai that is equipped with advanced learning systems. The centre is set to open shortly at Lokhandwala, Andheri West, the hub of entertainment Industry in Mumbai.
Admissions to the various courses have begun, the classes for which will commence from the first week of July 2004. Students who enrol will have the privilege of being taught by prominent personalities of the Indian film Industry, informs the release.
The teaching methodology is designed such that students develop skills through classroom sessions, practical hands on sessions, studio round ups, film screenings, workshops and guest lectures. Assessments for the certificate courses will be done through basic theory and practical training, project films, monthly assessment, semester performance and a final exam.
Apart form the regular one-year course, ZIMA will also offer short-term 6 to 8 months courses. To ensure the quality of students, the selection will be done through an entrance exam, assessment of a film and interview, adds the release.
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.
