GECs
Rishtey Cineplex to showcase celebrated journalist, Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s directorial debut ‘Cakewalk’ starring Esha Deol Takhtani
MUMBAI: Rishtey Cineplex – India’s favourite movie destination from the house of Viacom18 is all set to showcase celebrated journalist, Ram Kamal Mukherjee’s directorial debut, Cakewalk. Starring Esha Deol Takhtani who returns to the celluloid after a hiatus, Cakewalk will be India's first short film to air exclusively on television. This 27-minute film is written and directed by Ram Kamal Mukherjee and produced by Aritra Das, Shailendra Kumar and Dinesh Gupta under the banner of Assorted Motion Pictures and SS1 Entertainments. The film is all set to air on Sunday, February 17th on Rishtey Cineplex at 6.00PM. Voot.
On bringing forth this beautiful narrative to the viewers through television, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network, Viacom18 said, “The film revolves around the professional and personal challenges faced by a chef in her life. It's a slice of life story which has been beautifully portrayed by Esha Deol. When Ram Kamal approached us to acquire the film, what struck us was the simple, yet intriguing narrative encapsulated in just 27-minutes. This is definitely one of Esha Deol's finest performance and will be loved by the viewers who have a penchant for experimental content.”
"I had full faith in Ram Kamal when I signed for the film and knew that he would give his all to make this remarkable,” said actor Esha Deol Takhtani who plays the lead protagonist, chef Shilpa Sen in the movie. "Viacom18 is one of the leading networks in India and I am happy that Cakewalk will be India's first short film to be aired on India’s No.1 movie channel, Rishtey Cineplex." adds Esha.
Said Director Ram Kamal Mukherjee on his debut, “I thank the team of Rishtey Cineplex for having seen potential in this film. This also reinstalls my faith in good content. Here’s hoping that the viewers appreciate our endeavor.”
The film is co-directed by Abhra Chakraborty, and also stars Tarun Malhotra and Anindita Bose. The Music has been composed by Shailendra Sayanti and the title track by Rupali Jagga. Shot in Kolkata the first look of the film was unveiled by veteran actress Hema Malini in London.
"We wanted to set a benchmark with our product and trust me it wasn't a cakewalk," says producer Aritra Das. "Everyone discouraged us, saying that there is no future for shorts. But we are grateful to Viacom18 and their entire team for proving the world wrong," added Aritra.
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.
