GECs
‘Afsar Bitiya’ premiering on 25 June at 7:30 PM
MUMBAI: Nelson Mandela said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world,’ and educating girls not only improves gender equality, but also promotes the healthy development of families, communities and nations. Taking this thought forward, Zee Anmol launches ‘Afsar Bitiya’ premiering Saturday 25 June at 7:30 PM that will inspire audiences across the country. Set in Bhagalpur (Bihar), Afsar Bitiya highlights the importance of girl child education. It is the story of Krishna Raj, a young village girl and her dream to work hard and make a difference in society.
Mitaali Nag plays the lead role of Krishna, an ambitious woman who is strong willed and self-sufficient. Coming from a lower middle class family, where no one had ever got a better job than a clerk, Krishna, through her hard work and dedication becomes a B.D.O. (Block Development Officer). The show traces the journey of this honest and determined girl from an extremely moderate background who deals with ever changing family situations after she becomes successful in her career.
‘Afsar Bitiya’ is produced by the popular television content writer Mr. Rakesh Paswan under the banner ‘Village Boy Productions’. Commenting on ‘Afsar Bitiya, Mr. Paswan said, “This subject is very close to my heart. The inspiration of the story is my own little sister who is a BDO in one of the districts in Jharkhand. Through the lead protagonist Krishna, I hope millions of girls living in small towns and villages of India will be inspired to pursue their dreams and not succumb to societal pressures. I also want to send a message to all the parents to give equal importance to their daughters to help them build a bright and glorious career for themselves.”
Along with Mitali Nag, veteran actors Virendra Saxena and Shahbaz Khan and young heartthrobs Kinshuk Mahajan, Yash Sinha and Shivshakti Sachdev play pivotal roles in this show. Commenting on the launch of the show Mitaali Nag said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing the lead role of Krishna in ‘Afsar Bitiya’ simply because of its strong social message! A Block Development Officer is a person who works towards community development and helps in uplifting the lives of the weaker sections of the society. I read a lot about the responsibilities of a B.D.O before taking up this project and it really inspired me. I will feel good if I’m able to inspire even one young Indian girl among teeming millions to become a B. D. O.”
Krishna’s unexpected achievement bring a lot of happiness for her family, but is her happiness meant to stay forever? Will Krishna be able to keep her values after she becomes ‘Afsar Bitiya’?
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.
