GECs
SAB TV’s ‘Family Funathon’ was a grand success with families
MUMBAI: India’s first and only family marathon titled ‘SAB Family Funathon’ was successfully flagged off by the country’s leading and light-hearted family entertainment channel SAB TV on Sunday. This unique and first of its kind fun with fitness initiative has brought together ten thousand families on Sunday and has been considered for the Limca Book of Records as the first family marathon in India. Organized in Ahmedabad, this consumer engagement initiative which celebrated family fun resonates the brand’s promise of ‘Asli Mazaa Sab Ke Saath Aata Hai.’
Wowing the crowds with their presence were SAB TV stars namely Sudeepa Singh, Sharmili Raj and Shreedhar Watsar who were present to propagate the cause of healthy lifestyles whilst encouraging participants at the race. Featuring performances by music bands, stilt walkers and jugglers, the marathon celebrated family fun in a ‘fitting’ manner. From donning costumes of a ‘fairy godmother’, to a ‘sorceress’ to a two year old dressed as a ‘tree,’ the marathon saw families turn up in unique outfits and participating with enthusiasm to be crowned as winners in the categories of ‘Best Anokhi Costume Family’ and ‘Most Entertaining Family’. The event even saw the ‘Most Courageous Participant’ being awarded to a physically challenged participant.
Providing light hearted and entertaining content to its audiences through its shows such as ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah’, ‘Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai’ and ‘Baalveer’, the channel which believes in celebrating special moments with one’s family, has decided it was time to take their on-air entertainment and translate it to an on ground event.
Commenting on the initiative SAB TV senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor said, “SAB Family Funathon is our way of bringing to life what we as a channel proudly profess and stand for. With most people not making that extra effort to stay fit, we decided to provide entertainment around a run. This being a novel concept, we are overwhelmed with the response we have received from the families which is indicative of people prioritising fitness in their lives.”
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.
