GECs
&TV strengthens its weekend with ‘The Voice India’ Kids
MUMBAI: With only the voice as the stepping stone to realizing one’s musical dreams, The Voice India enthralled the nation with superlative talent from across the country, giving them the much required platform and mentors who have inspired many. What followed is immense liking towards the format that showcased the hard work and determination of contestants translating into some exceptional performances on screen.
Taking this ahead, &TV is all set to extend this popular format with its first kid’s reality – The Voice India Kids. From the house of Talpa Media and produced by Endemol Shine India, the kids format will see participants from across the country in the age group of 6 – 14 years serenade one and all throughout Blinds, Battles and LIVE. As the panel of esteemed mentors, the channel has roped in ace singer-composer Shekhar Ravjiani; the most charming and effervescent singer Shaan; the versatile Neeti Mohanas ‘Coaches’ and popular actor Jai Bhanushali and singer-comedian Sugandha Mishra to take on the mantle as hosts. The Voice India Kids is all set to take the nation by storm starting 23rd July every Saturday – Sunday at 9:00PM only on &TV.
Speaking on the development, &TV business head Rajesh Iyer , “The Voice India proved to be a clutter breaking format in the singing reality genre and we felt the need to build the franchise further. We believe that The Voice India Kids serves as a platform in not just highlighting the young talent but also in encouraging children to be trained under mentors of high caliber like Shekhar, Shaan and Neeti.”
The Voice India Kids is a reality TV singing competition, based on the concept of finding diverse vocal talent contested by children, who will be selected from public auditions. Staying true to the popular international format – of selecting talent based solely on their voice, The Voice India Kids remains similar to that of The Voice India.
It will be interesting to watch these little wonders, however little in size, manage to make heads turn with the power of their Voice!
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.
