Jyotika out

After the horrid events of last Friday, it was no surprise that a silence would take over. The awful singing? The deranged dancers? The ridiculous walk-out? Ganesh’s not-so-fashionable tie? Sammy??! Who knows what left the poor man in a state of anguish and despair. All I can tell you is that watching a show like this sometimes, simply is too much for innocent souls like us. So… hang in there brother Sproutie, our thoughts are with you! Monday 18 December: When I was watching this show, my thoughts shouted in disbelief the most foul things, I ever heard and just when things were starting to look like a verbal inferno I thought: “Darling, you’re not supposed to care this much about a show”. It’s 5:06 a bit too late (or too early) to go into detail about last week, but I hope you agree with me that it’s tiresome to try and write something positive about something that is so appalling. I refuse to believe that Palash Sen meant one word of what he said and I don’t get the reactions by the contestants. The crying, the oh-please come back - it all seemed like a sugar coated high-school play. I just can’t believe that they like this guy so much (yes, see how arrogant I am? I can’t believe that people have opinions that differ from mine. *sigh*) that they hug him and cry their eyeballs out for him. If they were really upset (and I believe that Jyotika Sharma really was upset) then that’s one more reason to detest Palash. I thought his justification of his actions by saying “I’m an emotional man” was stupid. It’s like saying that Aileen Wournos was suffering from PMS. So Palash, do me a favour and take that pill from under your tongue and swallow it. It would be nice to have one episode without drama! Carrying on, in this weeks bottom three were: Rakesh Sharma I love this guy. His calm, slightly snob – like and abstracted appearance is pleasant to watch. No need to say that I thought it was injustice to see him in the bottom three. Perhaps his rendition of “Ya Ali” wasn’t all that but Maestros like Aditya Jassi and Alok Chaubey would have been better candidates for the bottom-three. Ah, well you can’t have everything right. Jyotika Sharma Yes, in bottom three again. Agreed her singing wasn’t up to mark, but I applaud her for still looking great in the world’s ugliest dress and compared to some of the others, she really didn’t belong in bottom three. Priyanka The tear-factor. Why did they gave her that ‘I’m-a-waitress-in-Aladdin-dress’ to wear? It doesn’t make sense and neither does the comparison to Britney make sense. Although… the comment did come from a man, who was dressed in polyester. Anyway, Rakesh was voted back in, Woehoe! Tuesday 19 December: Nothing much. The only thing worth mentioning was Rehaan Khan’s funny/cute struggle with the work-outs. Rehaan… even girls don’t do girly push-ups! Be a soldier my man! Priyanka and Jyotika had to practice for Wednesday’s show and for a moment I wished that Rakesh was in bottom two. Wednesday 20 December: Just a question… is it me, my television, the remote control or does Shilpa has the tendency to shout real loud at the end of a sentence? Anyway, I was able to look at this show with a merry heart. Jyotika and Priyanka started a Jugalbandi. The most notable thing about this was Priyanka’s rendition of the Ketchup song. (I didn’t say it was good, I said it was notable. *Sigh*!) Jyotika sang “Laga Laga Laga Premrog”, it was cute and if not for that bloody nose ring it was pleasant to watch. Priyanka sang “Humko Maloom Hai” (Jaan-E-mann) I don’t know why they gave her such a difficult song. Liked her top not her singing and hoped that Jyotika would be voted in. Thursday 21 December: Jyotika got voted out...

indian idol in nepal

KATHMANDU: As the band members climbed onto the stage at Tundikhel, the Nepal Army grounds overlooking the Himalyas one afternoon recently, thousands of youngsters who had gathered there clapped, whistled and cheered them on.
As the bands began belting out popular Nepali, Pakistani and Hindi numbers, the youth — Kathmandu-based young Indian expatriates among them — shouted: ‘Hii 1974 AD (a Nepali band)’; ‘Hii X-Mantra (Nepali heavy metal band)’; and Hii Jal (the Pakistani band)!’
Alongside Bollywood celebrities, now Pakistani bands have started making inroads into Nepal. Last month, it was the Pakistani band, Strings, and this weekend, it was Jal that left youngsters in the capital, Kathmandu, enthralled as they belted out popular numbers like Adat, Woh Lamhey and Dil Harey.
Nepal's young rock music aficionados are delighted. "Bollywood celebrities are always there, but it's good to have the representation of South Asian cultural diversities here," said Sunita Subba, 24, a Nepali rock music lover present at the open ground. "I am so glad to stand here and see them perform here, right there in front of me."
Pawan Neupane, 21, a young writer, added, "I am such a great fan of Pakistani bands, so, the more we can have them here to perform, the better."
Fans like Subba and Neupane need not worry, because Jal's members have promised to come back. "Thank you Kathmandu! We shall be back soon," said Jal's guitarist Gohar Mumtaz, before sighing off. The band is is also working on their new album that is due to be released in April.
Drawing parallels between mountainous Pakistan and Nepal, Mumtaz told the DNA: "See, we can relate our band Jal with the Himalayas here in many ways. After all, the Jal or the water melts out of the Himalayas."
On the sun-kissed green Kathmandu ground, those at the center of attraction, alongside the Nepali band members were, of course, the Jal's Mumtaz (lyricist) himself, Farhan Saeed Butt (vocalist), Amir or Shazi (the bassist), and other crew members Waqar Khan and Sultan Raja.
Before leaving, members of the band praised the breathtaking view of Mount Everest from the window of the plane that was flying them across.
Meantime, in eastern town of Biratnagar, thousands of fans of Bollywood's Indian Idol Abhijeet Saawant, are keeping their fingers crossed. He will due to perform there on Thursday before a crowd of thousands of Bollywood cinema and music lovers.

FAME X-2ND WEEK

The recap baton has been passed onto me this week! So chill and enjoy the second gala of Fame X – Chal Udiye, which means “Let’s Fly”. (If they say so!) Moving on… I am still not sure if I am sold on the theme song, but I can live with it, so no big deal! Unlike last time, I think many heaved a sigh of relief this time knowing that Sophie Choudhary AKA Fame Kudi did not perform. Perhaps Usha Uthup sent her a memo? Who knows! All I know is one person did the jig knowing that she did not sing! You know who you are! Anyway, Sophie informs us that the two judges were with them – (Like DUH!) Daler Mehndi and Ganesh Hedge. And she introduced to faculty as people that students couldn’t live without! (Calling Trupti, “Are you still alive?” Answer is, “Yes, Sophie!”) Well, so we meet Dr. Palash Sen, the dean and Sowmya Raoh, the vice principal. Err, Sowmya, what’s with that top? Too much bling! Sophie then gives a shout-out to remaining 15 Fame-X-ians! They desperately need a good stylist. I heard Nicole Ritchie fired her, can’t they call her? Anyway, Sophie informs us that the guest judge not only has X Factor, he has B Factor. B for Bakra. Ok, I love this guy, but I still don’t know if he is a judge material for this kind of show, because I really don’t know when he is serious or when he is joking. As far as wit goes, I don’t think anyone uses word play more brilliantly than him. Who am I talking about? Cyrus Broacha! Funny, funny man! Thankfully after a short banter the gala began. First up, Neethi Nair from Mumbai She decided to go for Nautanki hit, “UP – Bihar Lootne” – after a shaky start, she rocked. She was in tune, voice worked and she moved gracefully. She looked nice too. All in all, I would give her 8 out of 10 for the performance. Daler loved her performance but he also pointed out that she was out of tune when she started. I love it when I am right! Smug smile! Cyrus asked her what was UP’s capitol, oh please! His advice, she should go and be the cricket captain in South Africa. And one wonders why India loses! But you have to love him, his silly stuff works. Ganesh had gone gaga over her last week and this week too he was all praises. Prompting me to think that of all judges, only Daler had a clue as to what he is talking about. The dean was happy too, but then he is always happy till they land in the academy. Next up, DQ Diva Rohit Raj Sinha from Allahabad Oy! This guy has a face that I want to use as a punching bag. I don’t really know why he irks me so, but he does and I cannot help myself. He has a good voice, but there is an element that is missing and if I knew what that was - I would be Simon Cowell. He tackled “Tere Bin Nahi Jeena” and for strange reasons, his beginning seemed a lot forced and for lack of better term - boring. He recovered well though, but by that time the performance had gone to the dogs. He has a good voice, I just wish he can utilize it and literally wow people, because he can. I would rate him as 6 out of 10. Sue me! Daler told him that he would not tolerate Rohit singing out of tune. Ganesh asked him why he was so angry when he performed and why he did not enjoy himself on the stage. Palash nailed it when he said that Rohit screwed up in the beginning and then he recovered. He added only Rohit could attempt this song. Also Palash added that Rohit thought everyone was against him. Gee, I wonder why! Then came, Banjo AKA Priyadarshi Banerjee from Kolkata – Ok, I have to say this – he has such a beautiful name and he is reduced to something that people are ashamed to admit that they play. Why Priyadarshi, why? Ok, if you like getting played, who am I to stop you. Banjo started what I call A R Rahman night by singing “Humma Humma”. Ok, this is a very tough song; I mean it needs a prowess that would make maestros shake. Banjo’s attempt was brave and good, I won’t say great though. He almost went breathless when he returned to the words “Humma Humma” so they were rather shaky. His dance moves were endearing because they were not really good. But it was a sweet performance. 7 out of 10, I am being generous here because of the song. Daler liked the performance but added that Banjo went out of tune – as do most instruments (come on, that was too easy) and said to make sure he is in tune. Ganesh asked for a high five, which sounded like two kindergarten gals trying to clap. Ganesh told him that he did not enjoy on the stage and that he could not express himself. Cyrus cracked me up by saying there is a word in English that was heterosexual and he was that as he loved gals but he fell in love with Banjo. If it were anyone else, I would have found this statement extremely homophobic but Cyrus is mad, so it is funny. When asked the faculty about Banjo’s performance, Sowmya started what would be the first argument between the judges and faculty, by stating that Banjo expressed on the song as a whole rather than word for word. Frankly, if he would have performed as Ganesh had mentioned, it would have looked like a mujra, at least that’s what I think. So I am siding Sowmya on this. Palash was really happy. Priyanka Purohit from Jaipur came next Priyanka went for “Zara Zara” a slow ballad and she went out of tune numerous times, I think she had pitch problems maybe because she was singing in a wrong key, who knows, but at the same time it wasn’t as if she gave a hopeless performance, but it could have been thousand times better. She looked nice though, very sensual and classy. My rating – 6 ½ out of 10. Daler told her she was out of tune and that was unacceptable. Added she looked great on the stage. Ganesh reassured her by bragging that he has done thousand plus shows and many seasoned singers fell flat, so she need not worry. And she would be great in a recording studio. Palash complimented her on her look, which I agree was good. Time for Anandroopa Bagchi from Jamshedpur Anandroopa carried Rahman forward with “Tanha Tanha”. Ok, I am sorry but didn’t that top remind people of a muumuu? Ok, getting back to the performance, I thought she did well, I mean she was in tune; her voice had this youthful zest needed for the performance. I liked it. I give her 7 out of 10. Daler told her she had a lovely voice, which had a great quality and if extra attention was given to her by the faculty, they’d find a good artiste in the academy. Ganesh told her that she expressed really well, but that she initially was nervous and hence was holding back. Cyrus was like I have questions for the academy – in fact he had 34 pages and from page no. 32, he asks who snores the most! Oy! Anandroopa gave Arunima’s name! This was not funny! Palash complimented Anandroopa (long name) that her performance exhibited her maturity and he hoped that it continued growing. Samrat Raajdeep AKA Sammy from Gurdaaspur took the stage next Rahman again came to play when Sammy sang “Dil Se”. Really nice! I love this song. It is a beautiful ballad. I just wished that he did to scream as much. He could have toned down the screams, other than that he was amazing. I give him 7 ½ out of 10. I would have given him 8, but his screams were too distracting. Ganesh told him that he was rocking although he went out of tune few times. Daler confessed that he didn’t think Sammy could do justice to the song, but he sang the song beautifully and his performance was laden with emotions. Cyrus asked who didn’t flush after doing their business in the loo. Ew! Sammy answered Rakesh! Double Ew! TMI is you ask me! Daler is like the academy should provide him with two bricks. Ganesh on the other hand had no problem with this – EW! I can’t believe I am recapping this! Sowmya said she was glad that she gave him this song as he did full justice and before he can sit again. Sophie asked for a Sammy Special – Apparently that’s “HOA!” I am not paid nearly enough! Sigh! From Patna presenting Alok Chaubey Hey, did they hear what Uttam had to say? Is it me or was his hair short? Rahman revisited, this time with “Kisna”. Frankly, this song is very difficult because though it seems simple enough, the transitions in the song are not that simple. Alok actually did a swell job. I have learnt ‘swell job’ from another reality show judge but that’s another story. I thought Alok did good justice and I rate his performance 7 out of 10. Ganesh wondered why Alok was so tense, he actually did a good job and despite what others say he was a good singer. Cyrus said that he liked people who are themselves and Alok was being true to himself and that was his X Factor. Daler thought that Alok lost his way during the performance but it was great nonetheless. Palash thought that Alok did an awesome job and that he was in tune. Daler interjected and said that Palash should not commend his students if they were out of tune. This started an ugly argument, which frankly deserves a skip. Next came the performance that makes me cringe, introducing Vidhhan Pandey from UP Poor thing showed promise when he started “Mitwa” – again a Rahman tune, but alas that was not meant to be. He went out of tune, lost the track and to be really honest, it was an atrocious performance – ever! Palash almost looked embarrassed. 4 out of 10, I am really sorry! Now, here’s where I think he lost his way – Daler actually accused him in the Café round by saying that he did not believe that Vidhhan stammers and that it was all an act. Frankly, if you say that to a person who stammers it does nothing positive. Ganesh started his critique by stating he choreographed the song, but added that he didn’t feel the song at all. Daler said that the contestants were not insulting themselves by such performances, they were insulting the academy and hence they have to be in tune. Cyrus tried to console him by saying he has faced a lot of rejections in his life, so Vidhhan should not be discouraged. Vidhhan confessed that his stammering was an issue, to which Cyrus told him that even SRK stammers when he delivers his dialogue! Amen to that! Palash told him that he would make a comeback next week. Last week, Aditya Jassi from Delhi almost went home after what I considered the worst performance and then he was saved… This week Aditya sang an Udit Narayan song. Now thanks to certain someone, Udit Narayan is totally ruined for me. So when Aditya started the over done “Papa Kehte Hain”, I lost interest right there. Anyway, Aditya performed with a guitar. I don’t know but Aditya has this habit of stretching words, which eventually should be taken care of. I think that the song is rather simple and hence I was not really impressed, but good to know that he can sing. 6 out of 10! Better Luck next time, this time I am not sold. Oh yeah, he should think of getting his eyebrows done – that unibrow thingy is very distracting. Ganesh was impressed. Daler did his job in pointing out that he went out of tune at many junctures but liked the performance on the whole. Cyrus pulled his leg creating a tense situation – it was really awkward situation for a second. Sowmya told him that his guitar was X factor as well. Oh well. Palash cautioned him not to depend on his guitar. Next up was Jyotika Sharma from Mumbai This gal is cute; there is no doubt about that. She went into cabaret mode with “Aap Jaisa Koi” and I thought she did a great job. There is nothing more to add, because I loved her performance, apparently I missed something, but I give her 7 out of 10. Daler told her she was out of tune, out of sync as far as the beats were concerned and so on and I shared the same puzzled look as Sowmya. Cyrus commented on his dress… Seriously, is this guy for real? Ganesh stated that she won’t go in the danger zone – forecasting I tells you! But added she should perform even better! Huh? Faculty liked her performance. Rehaan Khan from Mumbai is my favourite contestant because he has an amazing voice; I just wish he gets rid of that stupid head bandana thingy. Rehaan decided to go for “Don”. Here’s the thing, I don’t like the song. Rehaan was good as usual, but I thought that the song was all wrong for him. He needs a song which has more vocals than attitude. Don is full of attitude and he presented the attitude nicely, but I was under-whelmed, not by Rehaan, but the song. I rate him 7 out of 10. Daler loved his confidence but his advice was to sing songs in his own voice rather than imitate others because he tends to get out of tune. Ganesh reminded Rehaan that he was a powerful singer but the performance was not up to the mark. Cyrus told him that he had a complete package. Sowmya disagreed with the judges and stated that she thought Rehaan did a great job – again prompting an argument. You know it is getting irritating now. Palash asked Daler if Rehaan sang better than Shaan – Oh Please! Daler diplomatically stated that Shaan sang in studio and Rehaan Live so Rehaan sang better! With me now – PLEASE! Arunima Bhattacharya from Kolkata came on stage subsequently Arunima has the look; there is no question about it. She has the attitude, but the voice – that’s a different story. Arunima took on “Chupke Se” and though the performance was visibly very pleasing – fog and all, her vocals were not at par. I don’t know what the problem is but I think she sings in a wrong key, thus making her performances pitchy. I am sorry but she deserves 5 out of 10. Ganesh said that she looked great as she had a great height. Daler pounced on her stating he couldn’t understand half of the words she was singing, although added that she looks nice. Cyrus asked her to sing air hostess announcements, which she did. Sowmya agreed with Daler – there’s a first! And Palash thought she did an awesome job. Consequently, Rakesh Sharma from Chattisgarh took the stage Now this dude is a devotee of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khansaheb and it came as a no surprise that he chose to sing “Piyaa Re”. Here’s the thing, I love Karunya, but I was so sick of him singing this song that I went, “Not Again”. But the interesting part was Rakesh sounds a little like Khansaheb – maybe imitation works. Rakesh did an apt job of mimicking the maestro and in that vein, it was a nice performance. 7 out of 10. Daler liked his performance but he criticized that Rakesh went out of tune. Also he wanted to know if he had improvised and added the Sargam or was taught to present it. Rakesh was honest that he was taught and said that Sowmya had told him if he cannot sing it properly, he should not attempt it. This again led to a discussion between Daler and Sowmya. Oh My God! I did not recognize Ritu Pathak in the first gala. I couldn’t place her after Uttam and Deepa expressed their favouritism and then it clicked. Ritu from MP a favourite of curlio.com members came next Ritu sang “Aa Bhi Jaa” and surprisingly it was a good performance, but she did go out of tune few times. I am glad that she made it to this show. She was totally crushed when she was ousted from Indian Idol. For her to survive, she will have to work really hard because she tends to go out of tune. Ritu was placed in the danger zone last week. Daler thought she had improved a lot and Daler told her she was better than most. Ganesh thought Palash had taken the right decision to save her last week. Cyrus the crazy asked her something about cricket stating she was great with the singing – to which she replied that cricket suffered as she was not the captain. Cyrus – don’t poke the crazy, she will bite you! Palash liked his decision and was in agreement with Ganesh. Last but not the least – Ashutosh Jain from Delhi Ashutosh had the guts to perform Daler’s song, “Rang De Basanti” in front of Daler. This song reminds me of Amey Date – remember him? I loved Ashutosh’s performance. He was in tune; he sang it with gusto that is required. I give him 8 out of 10. Ganesh loved the fact that Ashutosh took the challenge and succeeded. Cyrus thought everything was great – fantastic but asked him to flirt with them (judges), which Ashutosh did. Daler was a meanie; he made the poor kid sing in a key that literally shattered his voice. Deepa was right – it was a show-off session. However, Daler said that it was good that he sang in a lower key and did justice. Seriously, I am still wondering, what was the point of him making the poor kid sing in such a key, when he knew that the kid could not sing? Whew! Don’t expect such detailed reports from now on… fifteen contestants are way too much to go into details – Deepa had the right idea. Before the results were declared Sophie asked to sing a few lines from Rang De Basanti! Right then… The Results – The judges divided the fifteen contestants into groups and announced that one group would be in the danger zone. Group A Banjo, Sammy, Priyanka and Alok Group B Arunima, Ritu, Rehaan and Aditya Group C Ashutosh, Neethi and Rakesh And Group D Jyotika, Anandroopa, Rohit and Vidhhan Daler sent Arunima, Ritu, Rehaan and Aditya to the safe zone first. Arunima? Really? Cyrus sent Ashutosh, Neethi and Rakesh to safe zone next. You know what I hate about Indian Reality Shows? The unnecessary tension they create. Come on stop dragging just tell us! I was glad that Ganesh acknowledged Trupti – I agree she didn’t deserve to go. Ganesh sent Banjo, Sammy, Priyanka and Alok to the safe zone. Thereby Jyotika, Anandroopa, Rohit and Vidhhan were left in the Danger Zone. It seemed like Anandroopa and Jyotika might cry a river. Rohit shamelessly was smiling and Vidhhan looked like he was shot. There were questions raised as to why Jyotika and Anandroopa featured in the Danger Zone. The judges blamed it on the combined marks. When it came to saving one – the faculty decided to save Anandroopa! The look on Jyotika’s face was really heartbreaking. Oy Vey! So who did the contestants save?

Reality Bites Talent Hunts

Reality bitesTalent hunts, a rage on the small screen, make instant idols and celebrities of the girl or boy next door. But, do these riveting real-life contests, asks Srabanti Chakrabarti, bring real and lasting success to the winners. Or, do they merely provide two minutes of fame that begins and ends with the show.
The saying that there are no shortcuts to success, perhaps, no longer holds true in today’s television world. All you need to attain overnight stardom and fame is a victory in any of the reality shows on Indian television – be it Sony’s Indian Idol, Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa or Star’s The Great Indian Laughter Challenge. In return you will get everything that you have always dreamt of – fame, money, luxury and stardom.
Finalists of Indian Idol on Sony TV
For instance, Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs recently got over with close to 50 lakh voters deciding on crowning Sanchita Bhattacharya from Kolkata. None other than King Khan Shahrukh crowned Sanchita (a 13-year-old student from Howrah – a suburb of Kolkata) as the Little Champ.
Needless to say, the girl mustn’t have dreamt of something like this before participating in the show. The usual flood of tears, flowers and smiles followed just after her victory and Sanchita returned home to Kolkata a few days later only to be mobbed by hundreds of fans. An open jeep ride with photographers and fans in tow, front-page splash in leading dailies, request for interviews from journalists — life sure was changing for this teenager.
But how long will this instant success last? Is it something like the artificial sweetener that gives you a taste of sweetness and then suddenly disappears? Or is like the good old sugar which takes time to dissolve, but the taste of which lingers till the end?
Though it’s too early to completely write off long-lasting success in reality shows (Indian Idol started two years ago and Shreya Ghoshal and Kunal Ganjawala were discovered at Sa Re Ga Ma Pa), it is generally seen that instant success does not last long. Sounds too pessimistic? Take this test – What is Abhijit Sawant, Indian Idol, doing these days? Or for that matter Ruprekha-Qazi, the winners of Fame Gurukul? If you don’t know what they have been doing lately, we have a case in point.
While all of those who have been winning these reality shows have accumulated a lot of wealth through stage shows and commercials, very few have successfully ventured into playback singing – the so-called acid test of an Indian singer’s success.
Sample this: while you might not have heard many a song from Rahul Vaidya — one of the most popular finalists of Indian Idol, his monthly earnings cross Rs 10 lakh. Sounds unbelievable? It won’t if you take into account the fact that as per his contract with Sony-BMG, he gets Rs 3 lakh every quarter and Vaidya has been doing stage shows all over the world, for which he charges close to a lakh per show.
Debojit Saha with Dia Mirza at Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005
And he is not alone. Aditi Paul, another Indian Idol finalist also charges a lakh per show. So do Amey Date and Anuj Sharma — both finalists of Indian Idol 2. And their Sa Re Ga Ma Pa counterparts (Debojit, Vineet et al) are also not far behind. They too charge an equal sum for their shows. And if media reports are to be believed, even the teenagers of Li’l Champs —Sanchita, Sameer, Diwakar and Abhrokanti — charge more than a lakh per show.
But is this the only measure of success? Not really. And, thankfully, some of the participants realise this. As Vaidya was recently quoted in the media as saying, "I feel it is important to sing for movies to survive in the industry. I have sung in Shaadi No 1, Jaaneman and Jigyasa and also for a few television serials. But there’s still a long way to go."
Explains Debojit, winner of this year’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, which had seen as many as 1.2 lakh participants competing for the top slot, "Merely winning a reality show is not a yardstick of success. On the contrary, it is just the beginning of a career that can be successful. I believe reality shows give you a platform and nothing else. What you do after that is entirely up to you. Reality shows show you the way and it is entirely up to you how hard you work to travel on that road."
This is in line with what Vaidya has to say, "We have to approach the music directors ourselves, the channels don’t do that for us. But getting work has definitely become easier as music directors know us now."
Zubeen Garg, the voice behind the chartbuster Ya Ali, is, however, totally against these shows. "I don’t believe in these shows at all. If someone is talented, he or she will succeed irrespective of whether he came through a talent show or not," says the singer who had to struggle for more than a decade to carve a niche for himself.
This phenomenon is not limited to music talent hunts. The talent hunt shows for actors and actresses have not yielded very good results either. If you are interested in taking another test, tickle your grey cells to remember if you have seen Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj winners Sarvar and Aditi since they were crowned the topmost acting talents in the country. Though a number of promises were made about their launch through a big banner film, very little has actually materialised. They have been seen of late in the promos of the latest edition of Zee Cinestars Ki Khoj.
However, some of the finalists — like Naman Shah, Yuvika Chowdhury and Amruta — have got a foothold in the small screen. Comments Naman (better known as Nakul in Kyun Ki`85and Pushkar in Kasam Se) when asked how much reality shows helped him in his career, "They have definitely helped me. Thanks to Zee, my dream is coming true. They deserve full credit for training me and giving me a platform. But what happens beyond that is completely up to the person concerned — no show or channel can compensate for the hard work required to make it big in showbiz."
Is this opening the floodgates to dreamy-eyed teenagers who have over the years wanted to come to Bollywood to make it big in the film industry? Is this opening up of an alternate career path for teenagers? Is it an attempt to go miles away from my-parents-want-me-to-become-an-engineer syndrome? No one is ready to comment.
Encouraged by the success of Little Champs, Star TV has teamed up with Hindustan Lever Limited (HLL) to kick-start a new show — Rin Mera Star Super Star. The programme is supposed to be a nationwide hunt dedicated to unearthing talent in children aged 5-14. It promises to offer a national platform for talented children to showcase their potential in three categories — singing, acting and dancing. The winning contestant will get a scholarship of Rs 5 lakh to help pursue their dream of becoming an artiste or going for higher education.
Scholarships notwithstanding, what happens to the studies of participants and winners is a different story altogether. With offers of stage shows pouring in, it would really be very difficult for the likes of Sanchita and Sameer to complete their studies.
Their elder counterparts are no better either. Amit Sana (Indian Idol runners up) quit his engineering degree course to join showbiz. Same with N. C. Karunya, runner up of Indian Idol 2. And Rahul Vaidya, thanks to the hectic schedule he has to keep, couldn’t even finish his plus two exams.
But these reality shows have definitely done to music what cricket did to Indian sports a decade or so back — glamorised it to such an extent that everything else looks pale in contrast. Remember the early 1990s (and the trend is still continuing) when mothers used to rush their kids to the closest cricket coaching camp in a bid to produce another Sachin Tendulkar or Sourav Ganguly? The same frenzy and mass hysteria is now continuing with reality shows. Without venturing into the propriety of such a trend, one can’t but comment on the fact that if it were not for instant fame and money, these shows wouldn’t have been so popular.

fame x

Fame X, the second season of Fame Gurukul is back on SAB. The 16 talented aspirants are all set to showcase their singing talent. They will live together at the prestigious 'Fame X Academy' where industry experts will train them vocally. Says Sowmya Raoh, the vocal trainer for contestants, “The format is the same but the presentation and styling is completely different. Fame X is about singing talent and attitude. The contestants should have that distinctive edge, the X factor that we are looking for.”
The talented songstress is a part of the faculty. Daler Mehndi, Ganesh Hegde and MTV are the judges. Fame X will be aired every Monday-Thursday at 9.00 pm on SAB and every Friday at 10.00 pm.
Sowmya is reluctant to divulge any details about her upcoming films with big banners. “I don’t wish to talk about it right now. Things

FAME X AUDITION VENEUS

Fame Gurukul is back as Fame X. Even bigger and better than before, we're looking for truly great singers who will take the nation by storm with their talent. If you think you have it in you, come over for a audition.Just carry your photo ID, age proof and one passport size photograph.

VENUE and Dates

Ahmedabad Karnavati Club Sarkhej HighwayAhmedabad- 380058
AUDITION DATE: 12th OCTOBER

Jaipur: Sri Mahavir Digamber JainSenior Secondary School Mahavir Marg C Scheme Jaipur 302 001
AUDITION DATE:15th OCTOBER

Delhi: Laxmi Studios Plot no 1. Sector 16 A Film CentreNoida 210 301
AUDITION DATE: 18th OCTOBER19th OCTOBER

Kolkata: Swabhumi – The Heritage Plaza EM bypass 89 C Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Sarani Opposite Subhash SarovarKolkata 700 054
AUDITION DATE:26th OCTOBER27th OCTOBER

Mumbai: Maharashtra Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Next to Siddhi Vinayak Temple PrabhadeviMumbai-400028
AUDITON DATE: 30th OCTOBER31st OCTOBER

FAME X RULES & REGULATION

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RULES & REGULATIONS for applying for ‘Fame X’ Auditions
The "Fame X Audition Entries” (hereinafter referred to as "Entries") will be
hosted on 2525 wireless service, (available on select networks only) as stated
hereunder:
1. The Entries will be open to only Indian Citizens residing in India and NRIs
who are over 18 years and below 30 years of age as on October 1, 2006
and shall be required to produce copies of their birth certificate/passport,
or such other applicable and acceptable documentation, as we may
reasonably request, confirming your identity and age, other than the
employees of SET India Private Limited ("SET") and its affiliates, channel
affiliates, subsidiaries, assignees, representatives and their immediate
families as well as the producer ( Endemol India Pvt. Ltd.) of the Program
and the companies and their subsidiaries that are sponsoring and/or
promoting the Entries.
2. The cellular mobile phone user (hereinafter referred to as the "Applicant")
has to SMS the keyword FAME to 2525 to be eligible to apply for
auditions, after which the Applicant shall receive a SMS to send in his/her
name, age, gender and the city he/she resides in.
3. The time of receipt of the entry will be when the SMS is received and not
dependent on the time the SMS was sent.
4. Only entries with complete details and as received will be considered for
short-listing for auditions.
5. The short listed Applicants shall be informed their unique registration code
(hereinafter referred to as "Code") and the relevant city and audition
venue details as an SMS push message across by 2525 to the Applicant’s
mobile number from which he /she had SMSed FAME to 2525. The Code
will be sent to the short listed Applicant 24 - 48 hours prior to the actual
auditions taking place in the relevant city.
6. The Code will be a 6-digit alpha-numeric value that is to be presented as a
mandatory requirement at the audition venue in that particular city by the
short listed Applicant on the actual date of audition as given in the SMS
push message details.
7. By sending the SMS you have consented to allow SET to send any
information regarding the Programme via SMS on your mobile number.
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8. This Code will be sent to the Applicant at the sole discretion of SET, which
will be final and binding. No correspondence in this regard will be
entertained by SET or any of its affiliates. The decision of SET in this
matter will be final and binding and no correspondence will be entertained
on the same.
General Rules
1. You have read and agree to abide by the rules, regulations, terms and
conditions (the “Rules”) of “Fame X” which expression shall include any
interview, auditioning process, competition and event relating thereto (the
“Programme”) as devised from time to time by Endemol International BV
or its group of companies as well as SET and shall accept the decision of
SET as final and you hereby acknowledge that the interests of the
Programme shall override those of any Applicant.
2. You have not and will not enter into any commercial or other sponsorship
agreement (such as a management contract, recording contract and/or
merchandising contract) or arrangement with any person, firm or company
in respect of your appearance in the Programme.
3. You shall not bring any weapons, alcohol or non-prescription controlled
substances for any part of the competition including auditions and you
agree irrevocably to allow SET and any of their agents to conduct a
discreet inspection of your person and belongings to ensure strict
compliance of this condition.
4. With full title guarantee you will irrevocably assign to SET (including
present assignment of future copyright) the entire copyright and all other
rights of whatsoever nature in and to your contribution to the Programme
such that SET shall be entitled to use and exploit and license others to
use and exploit such contribution by all means and in all media and
formats whether now known or hereafter invented throughout the Universe
for the full period of copyright including any extensions and renewals
thereto and thereafter insofar as is possible in perpetuity and you
furthermore irrevocably grant all consents and waivers as required by
statute to enable SET to make fullest use of the Programme without
restriction. Furthermore you hereby waive irrevocably in respect of your
contribution any and all “moral rights” which you may have now or in the
future including but without limitation any of your rights under the The
Copyright Act, 1957 or any similar laws of any jurisdiction and
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acknowledge SET’s right to use your name, likeness, voice, biographical
details, photographs and recordings in advertising and publicity material.
5. Without limiting the foregoing in any way, you agree that SET shall be
entitled to include your name, likeness, voice, biographical details,
photographs of you and recordings of interviews with you separately from
or in conjunction with the Programme in all media and formats throughout
the Universe including but not by way of limitation in advertising, publicity
and exploitation material.
6. You hereby expressly acknowledge that no fees, royalties, residuals or
other consideration will be payable to you in respect of any broadcast,
subsequent rebroadcast or retransmission or any other use by SET (or
any assignees or licensees) of the Programme or any part thereof in any
manner or media now known or hereafter invented.
7. By your participation, you agree to be bound by these rules and the
decisions of SET, the voting audience, and the panel of Judges, which
shall be final and binding. Your presence at the audition, and the presence
of your friends, family members and anyone else accompanying you,
constitutes your and their consent and agreement to the recording and
use of your and their performance, appearance, name, voice, singing
voice, likeness and any musical or sound effects produced by you and/or
your family members, friends for use in connection with any television
program, motion picture or the Internet for all purposes (including
advertising, marketing, promotion, merchandising and the exploitation of
any and all ancillary and subsidiary rights), as the same may be edited, in
all media, throughout the universe, in perpetuity for no compensation,
unless otherwise required by law. You further represent to SET, its
affiliated, related and/or associated corporations that you/your
friends/family members agree that SET shall not be liable to you or your
legal representative or them for any loss or damage or injury to you, them,
your property and their property caused by or suffered during or in
connection with your taking part in the Programme, including without
limitation, as a result of personal injury, invasion of privacy, libel,
defamation or infringement of copyright, unless caused by the gross
negligence of SET and recoverable on that ground following judgement of
a competent court of final judgement.
8. You are aware that the dates and locations of the Programme are
subjected to change. You agree that SET and/or the production personnel
for the Programme, participating television stations, advertising agencies
or any person or entity connected with the production, administration or
judging of the audition or the program, or any of their respective parent
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companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents or representatives are not
responsible for and shall not be liable for: (i) any failure or transpiration,
bad directions, or inability for any reason to appear at an audition site or
audition or appear before the judging panels; (ii) any costs, expenses,
injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by traveling to or from the
audition venues, being present at the audition venues, participating in the
auditioning process or being selected to or disqualified from continuing in
the auditioning process and/or the show; or (iii) any printing, typographical
or technological errors in any materials associated with the Programme.
9. You acknowledge that SET in no way warrants, represents, guarantee or
promise any rewards or prizes other than those specifically stated to the
Programme and SET shall not be liable to you in the unlikely event that
the prize providers do not make good on the prizes promised by them.
10. The Applicant(s) of the Entries agree(s) that he/she shall hold harmless
SET and/or the Channel, its directors, employees, officers or
representatives in connection with the voting and shall also not file in
person/through any family member and/or any third party any applications,
criminal and/or civil proceedings in any courts or forum in India against the
SET and/or the Sponsor to claim any damages or relief.
11. Non-conformance by any Applicant and /or will result in immediate
disqualification of the vote from participation or winning as the case
maybe.
12. SET reserves all rights to make amendments to the existing rules without
prior notice.
13. SET and its affiliates, subsidiaries reserve the right to cancel/ postpone/
stop/ terminate the Contest at its sole discretion.
14. SET and its divisions, affiliates and subsidiaries, and their respective
agents and representatives, are not responsible for any loss of entries for
any reason whatsoever including, due to any problems caused by
telephone lines, telephone systems, for entries received after the deadline
as a consequence of telephone or computer service delays, interruptions,
failures or overloads, or for lost, misdirected or misplaced entries. Entries
shall be void if unreadable, inaccurate, incomplete, damaged, tampered
with, falsified, mechanically reproduced, irregular in any way or otherwise
not in compliance with these Rules.
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15. SMS sent by you will be charged by your telecom service provider as per
the applicable tariffs, details available with your service provider. Such
expenses incurred in registering or interacting will not be reimbursed.
16. SET is not responsible for any errors or omissions. All information
provided in the Contest is provided "As is" without warranty of any kind.
SET makes no representations and disclaims all express, implied, and
statutory warranties of any kind to the Contestant and/or any third party
including, without limitation, warranties as to accuracy, timeliness,
completeness, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
17. Unless due to willful tortious misconduct or gross negligence, SET and/or
its directors, employees, officers, affiliates or subsidiaries shall have no
liability in tort, contract, or otherwise (and as permitted by law, product
liability), to the Contestant/user and/or any third party.
18. Under no circumstance shall SET and /or the Channel and/or their
directors, employees, officers, affiliates or subsidiaries, be liable to the
Applicant and/or any third party for any lost profits or lost opportunity,
indirect, special, consequential, incidental, or punitive damages
whatsoever, even if SET has been advised of the possibility of such
damages.
19. The “Fame X Auditions” shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the applicable laws in India. All matters with respect to
the Contest are subject to the jurisdiction of the Courts at Mumbai only.
20. The above facility of applying for the auditions is available only within India
21. Right of shortlisting will rest with SET and will be final and binding
22. Your participation in the Entries by sending your entry to 2525 will be
construed as an acceptance of the above stated Rules & Regulations
including the General Rules AND also of the terms of use of the website
www.sabtv.com
23. Details of the auditions – venue, date and time as communicated via SMS
is tentative and subject to change
24. All information regarding the auditions will be available from the shortcode
2525 only. SET shall notify if any other form of sending entries is
introduced

AUDITON FOR SUPERSTAR

Urmila Matondkar to give you the next SuperStar

Urmila Matondkar is making her television debut. No, not as an actress but as a judge. The bollywood beauty will be a part of a panel of celebrity judges in a search for the next Superstar. Urmila will be accompanied by the dance maestro Shiamak Davar and the two will be joined by a guest celebrity judge every week.

After the success of other talent hunt reality shows like Indian Idol, Fame Gurukul and Saregamapa, it is not surprising that Sahara too has jumped onto the bandwagon. Indian Idol has a celebrity judges panel of Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam, music director Annu Mallik and choreographer and director Farah Khan.And Sahara brings in Urmila and Shiamak Davar to bring in some glamour to the show, The Superstar. The winner gets 1 crore in cash and an opportunity to act in a Sahara One movie.

So is Urmila Matondkar looking for the next superstar ? Do we not already have so many of them. “It’s not about being another Aamir or Amitabh. These stars are legends. We will judge the contestants for their inherent talent. For the ‘it’ thing that every performer has.” Urmila says. Talent shows like this have brought into light the immense talent India has. In Bollywood, it is very tough to make it if you are not related to anyone from the industry or you are not a beauty queen. And such shows help the not-so-connected talented people to showcase their talent. Some end up with their 15 minutes of fame and some end up being celebrities.

The auditions of Sahara ’s SuperStar are at Ludhiana on August 10-11, Delhi on August 13-14, Kolkata on August 17-18, Bhopal on August 20-21 and Mumbai August 22-23.

Abhijeet Sawant to act in a film?

if rumors are to be believed, Indian Idol winner Abhijeet Sawant may soon be acting in a film. It is to be directed by none other than Rakesh Sawant, brother of Rakhi Sawant. Although we tried to get in touch with Rakesh Sawant, he was unavailable for comment. Rakesh Sawant has earlier directed Hello Kaun Hai and Hot Money. However, only Hot Money has released so far.

Abhijeet Sawant shot to fame after being crowned the Indian Idol. He has earlier sung the song Marjwana Mit Jawan in Aashiq Banaya Aapne. This movie will be his acting debut.

Karu in new york

NC Karunya lost out to Sandeep Acharya in Sony Entertainment Television's second season of the hit reality show, Indian Idol some weeks ago.

While Sandeep is making waves with his first album in India, Karunya is performing in New York these days.

Seen here, Karunya at the Hindu temple auditorium in New York, July 21.

aane char aane by karunya

So our tapori buddies are back to the usual mischief, with Producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Director Rajkumar Hirani at the helm in Lage Raho Munnabhai. Now, if you’re like me, then you are gasping for fresh air among the over-polluted Reshammiya skies. Besides a little Pritam and Vishal-Shekhar interspersed throughout the first half of 2006, it’s pretty much been a Reshammiya dictatorship (with no sign of a democracy looming in sight!).

However, the man who brought us exceptional music in the forms of Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi, Yahaan, and Parineeta has returned to give the listening audiences a break from repetitive song structures and nasal voices! Shantanu Moitra is the man to replace Anu Malik as the musical head in the second season of Munnabhai and Circuit’s adventurous journey, and the replacement pays off big time. Swanand Kirkire [Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi, Sehar, Parineeta] picks up the pen for Moitra once more.

First up we have the two tapori numbers, which were prevalent in the prequel. Lage Raho Munnabhai has vocals by Vinod Rathod with a very lively chorus infiltrating the piece throughout. Although the composition is ecstatic and joyous in nature; it’s quite evident to the trained ear that Shantanu Moitra gets his hands dirty with something he’s not quite familiar with. Place this number next to say, Parineeta’s Raat Hamari To and you can discern the familiarity that he has with each genre. Nonetheless, he makes a commendable effort. And due to the raw talent and musical impulses he possesses, he creates a composition that should be a treat to unravel on screen. Swanand Kirkire does his job right by writing some situational lyrics to fit the composition and mood of the film as a whole. Verdict: A valiant effort that will come alive on screen.

Jatin Sharma puts his spin on the remix version that features Shaan in place of Vinod Rathod. A typical remix, that has its share of pep and flare.

Samjho Ho Hi Gaya is the second tapori number. Featuring Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, and Vinod Rathod, this piece is all but boring! Yet another situational piece, with similar arrangements as its predecessor, the track excels in the lyrical department. Swanand Kirkire, Farhad, and Sajid come together to write some witty lines that, once again, will have an optimal effect while experienced on screen.

Shantanu Moitra goes to the Caribbean way to compose Aane Char Aane. Rendered by debutant Karunya (runner up of Indian Idol 2), the piece has some tropical arrangements enacted by hyper bass, trumpets, and flutes. Although it may take some time to grow on you, Karunya’s soft vocals blend into the piece with ease. Moitra uses this piece to flex his muscles when it comes to knowledge of world music. The chorus that backs Karunya only adds to the tropical flavor of the piece. VVC himself picks up the pen to write alongside Kirkire, as they write some simple situational words for Karunya to croon. Jatin Sharma’s remix adds nothing to the original and is unnecessary.

Pal Pal Har Pal is by far the best piece in the soundtrack and amongst the most melodious of the year. Now this is the Shantanu Moitra we have all come to know and love. The piece is like another Piyu Bole, which has Shreya Ghoshal and Sonu Nigam romancing over Moitra’s sublime creation. The PizzStrings, infused with a lonesome play of the bass, the piano, the chorus, and the flute, make for a heavenly experience. Melody triumphs, as Moitra creates a very contemporary waltz that should have you humming in no time. Shreya Ghoshal is at her peak, hitting ever note perfectly, while dragging the beauty out of each and every phrase. Just like Moitra, Kirkire too returns to his niche to write some simple, sweet, and romantic lyrics. Verdict: Brilliant work by everyone involved!

But…there’s some bad news. It appears that Shantanu Moitra has ripped off the title line from British singer Cliff Richard’s hit single Theme For A Dream. It should be noted that Shantanu Moitra had also lifted his Kaisi Paheli Zindagani from Parineeta. Also, Urzu Urzu Durkut from Yahaa had bits and pieces lifted as well. Let’s just hope that this doesn’t turn into a re-occurring habit!

To finish the soundtrack off is Bande Mein Tha Dum – Vande Mataram. Write off the bat, Shantanu Moitra puts his signature touch with the guitar serving as the harmonic base, upon which Sonu Nigam renders a flawless song. Apart from a distinguished composition, VVC and Swanand Kirkire write of The Father of The Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Shreya Ghoshal makes her presence felt with the classy Vande Mataram interludes, while Pranab Biswas does justice to his limited role of repeating the Bande Mein Tha Dum chorus.

Shantanu Moitra presents us with an Instrumental version of the previous, with Ashvin Shrinivasan’s flute taking over Sonu’s vocals. Kudos to Moitra for creating a very classy, yet varied composition by throwing instruments like the crunch guitar, harmonium, and the flute into one basket and creating a mirage of sorts.

Lage Raho Munnabhai is a keeper for sure. If Shantanu Moitra’s name on the cover wasn’t already enough to get you to buy the CD, then just do it to give your system a break from the Reshammiya regime.

VOCAL SUNIDHI

By LISA TSERING
India-West Staff Reporter

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Sunidhi Chauhan
strutted and sizzled her way
through a dynamic concert
July 9, leaving her audience
breathless. By the time Chauhan
closed the three-hour-plus show
with a blockbuster performance
of her biggest hit, "Aisa jadoo," she'd
evoked a rainbow of emotions, from
the seductive "Deedar de" to the tender
"Mere hath mein," and to fiery heights
of vocal prowess on her faultless interpretation
of the English song "I will always love you."

Chauhan also took her show to Long Beach, Calif., July 8, presented by Core Media Solutions and Mastmobile TV. Accompanying her on tour were Indian Idol finalist Rahul Vaidya; singers Javed Ali ("Kajara re") and Ayub Patel; and compere Manasi Parekh, a singer and star of the StarOne serial "India Calling."

Chauhan is known for a husky, but wide-ranged, vocal style that has been most often used on fast-tempo, Western-flavored songs, but her perfect grasp of sur and her impeccable breath control and phrasing make her far more versatile than that. She has often said she longs for the opportunity to record more soft-tempo ballads, so that she does not become pigeonholed in one musical style.

Nevertheless, throughout most of the evening, Chauhan kept up a high energy level on her songs, many of which were Himesh Reshammiya compositions such as the percolating "Aa aa aashiqi main teri" from 36, China Town. Other fast-paced highlights included "Sajna ve sajna" (Chameli), "Mehboob mere" (Fiza), the title track to Ek Ajnabi and "Ishq kabhi kario na" (Musafir).

At other times, Chauhan showed herself capable of extraordinary delicacy, as in her light and poignant reading of "Aa bhi ja" from Sur, her rendering of the oldie "Dil cheez kya hai," and an unforgettable performance of the vocally demanding "Mere haath mein," one of two songs she's performed on the soundtrack to Fanaa.

Chauhan often toyed with the audience: "Here's a very romantic little song," she said with a coy smile, as a soft sitar twanged behind her - and moments later blasted into "Dhoom machale." Capping the show, she drew out the climax of the blistering "Aisa jadoo," pretending to build up to the explosive chorus ... and then retreating, her hand on her hip, with a laugh.

She kept the show interactive, often playing call-and-response with the audience or switching the song's tempo to keep things fresh. A seven-man band and four female dancers added visual appeal, but Chauhan didn't need it - with her movie-star looks, glittering costumes and graceful moves, the petite singer is a perfect entertainment package.

The July 9 show, at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts, was a fundraiser and awareness booster for the Foundation for Excellence, a Silicon Valley-based NGO that grants scholarships to India's top-achieving students from indigent backgrounds.

All proceeds from the July 9 concert (an exact figure was not available by press time) will go toward providing scholarships to talented and needy students in India through the FFE, said a spokesperson. Since its inception, the FFE has provided over $3.7 million in over 18,500 scholarships to deserving students in 25 states in India.

Prabhu Goel, a leading Silicon Valley entrepreneur and philanthropist, started the FFE with his wife, Poonam, in 1994. Recently, the organization brought onboard two noteworthy individuals who have vowed to increase its influence even further - Vikram Modak, now FFE president, had earlier headed up Intel's operations in India; and Kailash Joshi, who has just joined FFE's board of directors, is a founding member of The Indus Entrepreneurs.

The FFE now has ambitious plans to expand. "We've started asking ourselves, what should FFE's vision be?" said Goel. "How can we now reach out to one million students? When we started, our goal was 10,000. We don't have the answers yet, but we think we see how we might get there."

Sunidhi Chauhan, who is just 22, has not even reached the peak of her powers. Discovered as a child artist on the TV talent show "Mere Awaaz Suno" by no less than Lata Mangeshkar, Chauhan has made an indelible impact on the Hindi film music industry with hits such as "Mast," "Aisa jadoo" and "Dhoom machale."

"I'm my own teacher," Chauhan told India-West during a brief interview backstage. "I've never had classical training, though I'd sing along to Lataji's songs when I was young ..." She laughed. "... younger!"

Karunya music profile

All's Well that Ends Well

He narrowly missed being this year's Indian Idol.
Karunya, as he is popularly known, is not too heartbroken.
After all, he is well on his way to making it big in a Munnabhai sequel.
Without even trying, he has got a godfather in director Vidhu Vinod Chopra
who seems dedicated to making Karunya a star.

For Karunya, reaching the finals of the 'Indian Idol' contest was pre-destined. The Hyderabad-born youth enthralled the audience with numbers sung by singers ranging from Manna Dey to Sonu Nigam seemingly effortlessly. He earned raves from judges Farah Khan, Anu Malik and Sonu Nigam. The audience was with him all the way. And all this, at 19. Was he very disappointed when he lost? Karunya declares he was expecting to lose. When he saw the support for his rival Sandeep, he simply thought about the positive side of losing out. Everything happens for the best, he says.

He has never recorded a song before and is excited about his first assignment - as a playback singer to the 'Munnabha' sequel. He has sung a duet, 'Aane chaar aane bache hai...' with Shreya Ghoshal after which he got opportunities in Telugu, Kannada and Tamil. Things are going great guns for Nallan Chakratanthula Karunya, which is, by the way, his full name.

Karunya was born into a musically-inclined family but he is the first in his family to become a professional singer. His family members play various musical instruments and love classical music but none have used their talent professionally. Singing in different languages came very naturally to Karunya even as a boy (which he actually still is!) He enjoyed every kind of music, including Western. In preparation for 'Indian Idol', he trained under Bhavdeep Jaipurwale in Mumbai, who was also training the other contestants.

While the dream of most contestants and finalists is to release their own album, Karunya is taking it easy by concentrating on his playback singing. He would love to do an album if it appeals to his creativity. For a person so young, he seems surprisingly untouched by fame - as yet.

Karunya is doing his final year in Electrical and Chemical Engineering. He is particular that he will sing only quality songs considering that he chose challenging classical numbers doing the contest. And he wants to sing in his own style. His dream is to sing every genre of Indian music and become an international star. All he wants, he says, is to be known as a great singer and nothing else. For a person so obviously blessed with talent, that should not be difficult.

karunya song

These days many producers are making bold make youthful entertainers with rank newcomers.

New Wave Creations Media has joined the bandwagon. The production house, headed by Kode Srinivasa Raja and Uma Maheshwari, has made the film Something Special.

The movie stars Samrat, Rajender, Aswini, Sunaina and Mona Chopra in the leads.

As the title of the movie makes it apparent, this is a movie that has something for everyone. In that sense, it has something of everything.

Not surprisingly, this is a youthful romantic flick. The director Ch Srinivas Rao chips in to say that there will be plenty of emotion and comedy too.

Producer Srinivasa Raja adds that the film has been lavishly mounted. He points out that out of the seven songs in the movie, six have been canned in Thailand.

Both the director and producer assure you full value for your ticket.

The director says the music of the movie will be a great highlight. Incidentally, this was the first movie that Indian Idol runner up Karunya as a singer. He has sung two numbers in the movie.

The music of the film, a good mix of melody and mass, is already a hit.

Samrat, the hero of the movie, has set much store by the movie. He says the script and story is very good, and his role itself is also pretty sturdy. It is a fact that is also echoed in heroine Sunaina's words.

Both say that the movie has turned out well and there are plenty for them to feel satisfied and happy.

Mona Chopra is there to add glamour value to the movie.

The director is not ready to talk about the film's story. He says let the expectation linger.

And certainly does, as the movie gets ready for release.

SONU NIGAM

As a singer, do you include personal emotions in your songs?

It's a very difficult question to reply. If I want, I can give you a dramatic answer, but frankly speaking, when music directors sign me they know that I am not just a singer, I do give my personal inputs to the tracks I sing. Lately, I have become very choosy about my songs. Initially I thought that it would go against me. I am glad that despite Himesh Reshammiya singing so many songs, my tracks from Fanaa and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna have been appreciated. Over the years I have learnt that everyone teaches you something. I tried to copy Himesh in Phir Hera Pheri ('Dil Vij Lagiya Re') and people got confused, they thought it was Himesh singing. But by simply copying him, my range as a singer has increased. I get inspired by everyone, from Ustad Bade Gulam Ali to Adnan Sani.


But wouldn't you lose your originality in the process?

I think the concept of originality is clichéd. If Amitji had only stuck to acting in films like Anand, he would have never become the icon he is today. An artist needs to be versatile, and only then can he survive in this industry. If you've watched any of the singing competitions on television, you'll notice that most of the contestants are singing my tracks. They love me and I appreciate the fact that they look up to me. So I work harder to live up to their expectation.


Will you be part of Indian Idol 3?

I was not interested in Indian Idol 2. It was my friend Tarun Katiyal from Sony TV who dragged me to the show. Now that Tarun has quit Sony, I don't know if I will be doing the show or not. I don't have any qualms with television, as I was the first playback singer to host a TV show in 1995. I will work on a television show if it excites me.


You are finally coming up with your classical music album.

Yes. This is like a dream come true for me. This will be a pure, classical music album for those who value and patronise this kind of music. But you can't classify the album as hard-core classical. We are working on different sounds and combination of instruments; I am sure people will appreciate our sincere effort.

Much has been written about your relationship with your wife Madhurima. It has been speculated that your marriage is over and she is staying separately with her parents. But you have always refrained from commenting on this issue. Why?

I don't think that anybody has the right to know about my personal life, unless I decide to share the information with others. Actually, life is cool and fine with me. I am at peace, and the kind of good work I am doing can only be possible when I am at peace with myself and there is peace in my family. I don't like to include my family and Madhurima in my interviews or in professional matters. They are very special to me and I would like to keep my affairs with them private.

But was there trouble in paradise?

As an artist and singer I am very selfish and let nothing affect me. But let my work speak for me…if you see the kind of work I am doing, you'll understand that I am in harmony with my life; I am well and there is no trouble.

With marital problems afflicting almost every other musician in the playback business, it seems like you have managed to maintain harmony.

It's by the grace of God. I keep myself away from unwanted controversies. I will never get caught with an unlicensed gun, or kissing someone in public. I don't subscribe to such cheap gimmickry.

You were linked with Sunidhi Chauhan...

I have stopped reacting to such link-ups. I don't want to talk about all these rumours as I really don't care. Sunidhi is a very good friend, just like every colleague of mine. It's about compatibility and if you want to know about my friends, I will talk a lot about my friendship with Lataji.

AMIT TANDON

How did you enter the TV world?
I started my career as a Channel [V] VJ. I also was one of the 10 finalists of Indian Idol. This gave me a bigger platform where I was noticed. Thus, I made my foray into TV serials, my first one being Ekta Kapoor's Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai.

What are your current projects on television?

I'm currently working in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi on Star Plus. Here, I play the role of Manthan, Karan and Tanya Virani's son.

What character do you play?
My character is typically of a bade baap ki bigdi hui aulad! Manthan is over confident and proud since his father's a billionaire. He misuses his power. Basically, his is a very selfish character.

How far do you relate to this character?
I am diametrically opposite to the billionaire's son that I portray. We have nothing in common.

Can you tell us something about your hobbies?
I like singing, watching movies, listening to music and playing squash.

Which has been the happiest moment in your life?
The happiest moment of my life was when I signed my first television serial.

What kind of roles do you like to play?
I like to play characters which have lots of emotion and many shades. But more than positive characters, I like to play the negative ones as they call for more creativity and effort.

What are your future projects?
I want to launch my music album. As far as my future projects are concerned, I will be starring in a show which will release, maybe, next month. The name of the show has not yet
been decided.

CRICKET IDOL

NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Thursday announced a reality TV show 'Cricket Star' that aims to cash in on the popularity of the game through a talent hunt programme.

Cricket Star, on the lines of 'Indian Idol', will screen applicants from across the country and select the best through auditions in their region.

The finalists will spend up to 10 weeks in an academy where they will be subjected to a televised series of unique mental and physical tests.

They will also get a chance to display their cricket skills through weekly televised matches involving cricket celebrities.

The performances will be marked while the public will vote by phone and internet to prune down the list. The final selection will be made by millions of television viewers in a dramatic final episode.

The applications would be processed in August and the regional screening would take place in September-October.

The Cricket Star academy would open in November and the winner would be identified in the first week of February.

Investors in Cricket (IIC), the company behind the concept, has plans to televise the programme in the UK in 2007 and in Pakistan soon after.

Interestingly, Fraser Castellino of IIC, said the programme would serve as a selection trial for the board and the winner would be fast-tracked into the national side.

Faced with a barrage of questions, Castellino made a volte face. "We will use the board's facilities and draw on the coaching staff but there is no guarantee of selection into the state or national team," Castellino said.

Kapil Dev, Chairman of Board's Cricket Development Committee said, "India is a vast country. If the board can reach the rural areas (to hunt talent), it is good. And if others can also do that, then it should be welcome."

"We have the honorary and professional set up on either side. In two or three years we will come to know who has done what work," Kapil added.

Castellino said Cricket Star was a commercial arrangement between IIC and the board.

Board's Marketing Committee members, I S Bindra and Lalit Modi, were not present at the press conference although the invite said they would be.

BCCI Secretary Niranjan Shah said over phone: "It is like that musical programme, and nothing else."

SHOWS

The truth is Jassi is not your asli Punjabi kudi grown up on sarson da sag, makki di roti and desi ghee. The original — silly fringe, oversized spectacles, denture and all — is Columbian. And our good old Jassi, and her German, Russian, Dutch, Greek and soon-to-be-created American sisters are all cast in the mould of Beatriz Pinzón Solano of the hit show Yo Soy Betty La Fea.

Over the last few years, international formats seem to have outshone all other programming. What KBC did for Amitabh Bachchan's career or what Indian Idol and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin did for Sony is the kind of stuff that media folklores are made of. Those running currently include Ek Ladki Anjani Si (Juana's Miracle) and Deal Ya No Deal on Sony, Fear Factor India on AXN, Heartbeat on Star One to name a few. The line-up of what's to come can't get any bigger: Extreme Makeover , The Apprentice and even the always-controversial Big Brother.

They're all raking in the moolah, you would presume. After all Indian Idol reportedly recorded 5.5 crore votes (convert SMS into earnings); its first winner Abhijeet Sawant's debut album sold more than 9 lakh copies — a record five-year high.

But producers of these mega shows insist that fiction is the staple of Indian television. "At any given time we have just one or two format shows on the channel. All other shows are home-grown content," says Anupama Mandloi, Senior Vice-President and Head of Programming, Sony Entertainment Television. No matter how many marriages, how many resurrections... the audience seem to never tire of their Baas, their Saas, and their Bahus.

"Game shows and reality programming are only the icing on the cake," says Rajesh Kamat, Managing Director, Endemol, format owners of Deal Or No Deal, Fear Factor and Who Wants to be a Millionaire , known as KBC here.

The reason why format shows seem so overwhelming is the superbly orchestrated marketing drama that supports them. The buzz (or fuss) created around the participants of reality shows is incredibly indulgent in tele-time. Moreover, celebrity anchor fees, celebrity guest fees and prize money add up to make the cost per episode much higher than that of fiction shows, points out Kamat. Plus, "a daily runs for about 200 episodes, a weekly reality show will do 52 episodes a season."

But surely the icing is rich enough to entice both FremantleMedia and Endemol to set up shop in India. Season two of Indian Idol was produced by Fremantle. Heartbeat and Deal Ya No Deal are Endemol formats currently produced by Synergy for Star One, and by Miditech for Sony respectively. Further runs and all new Endemol formats will be undertaken by the India arm. Nirat Alva of Miditech, which produced Indian Idol 1, admits that though they may have had an advantage earlier ("of knowing what works and what doesn't on the ground"), things are very competitive now. "Endemol has a quality team of great dynamic professionals, who are equally aware of the Indian scene."

More than a `mould'

Miditech has acquired the licence to produce formats owned by the Swedish reality programmer Strix, such as The Farm and Survivor. "People see us as the reality TV guys, but the truth is we do everything across the board, from documentaries for National Geographic and Discovery Channel to soaps," says Alva, adding that format shows aren't ready-to-cook dal makhni, and do involve creativity.

"I don't know whether you can call Gali Gali Sim Sim (the Hindi version of Sesame Street) a format show or if it wouldn't be more appropriate to call it a brand," he says. Kamat agrees, "At the end of the day, Deal Ya No Deal or Fame Gurukul is going to be relevant to our audience only if it is rooted in our own cultural idiom."

Sony may have had a very rewarding experience with format shows. Yet, warns Mandloi, "Dependability is not a term associated with entertainment.

This is a high-risk business. There are no guarantees. Format shows provide a blueprint but do not ensure success."

Miditech's own RAAH (Romance Adventure Aap Aur Hum) may not have done too well, but its Extreme Makeover series for Sony may just be the heart-wrenching, soul-stirring reality show we have been waiting for. Alva claims it rises far above the perverse voyeurism it is usually accused of. "It's not purely cosmetic, in fact it is being produced by a primarily women's team, who are socially very, very sensitive. We'd like to believe we are giving the person a second chance," says Alva. Case files belong to the boy whose smile was smashed by a cricket ball, or the girl whose face is a melted grimace from the acid thrown at her. "We've had some amazing responses, from top doctors and hospitals who believe it is about giving back. They have offered to take cases that were too complicated beyond the purview of television, and treat them anyway," he says. "I'll be honest. It also makes for fantastic television."

Sony won't share figures, but it is confident that Indian Idol was the "biggest phenomenon ever to hit Indian television". "We have created an equity with the Indian Idol brand and it's here to stay," says Mandloi. "Audiences everywhere are the same. As long as shows address universal emotions of love, hate, anger, jealousy, greed, desire, etc they will succeed in addressing a larger cross-section of the audience."

Before you can say `So much for the uniqueness of Indian Television!' here's the good news. Zee has stuck to desi formats, and rather successfully. Antakshari ran more than 600 episodes and into 12 years. Saregama and pa, is still going strong. Though Cinestar Ki Khoj, and now Business Baazigar are a little more format-ish, they're home grown. And there's Star One's Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Nach Baliye. The latter seems to have set the new trend of marrying celebrity with reality TV like in Synergy Communication's game show Heartbeat.

According to Alva, going regional is yet another option. He cites the outcome of Indian Idol 2, where a populist vote worked in north Indian Sandeep Acharya's favour. "Karunya (the runner-up) was a very talented singer, and many would say a better singer. If there was more connectivity with southern audiences, it might have guaranteed him more votes." (Trivia: Karunya is currently recording for a Vidhu Vinod Chopra film). Star's already ventured there, taking mug and Koffee with a K to a show hosted by Suchi on Vijay TV.

Those in the business believe it's only a matter of time before they make their own blue books and syndicate the shows, and Indian formats are ready for export. Endemol is in discussion with broadcasters and will in a month begin airing shows designed in India and for an Indian market. According to Kamat, it is simple arithmetic. "Our philosophy is quite clear, we have more than 900 format shows, and we add a hundred to that every year. So every country produces about two to three new formats."

Till then you'll just have to make do with Endemol's biggest format show, Big Brother, which accounts for 30 per cent of their global turnover, or will it be Bade Bhai?

Ruchi Narain directs Indian Idol 2

Unlike Indian Idol 1, the music album of Indian Idol 2 has arrived with far less fanfare and that could be the reasons why the director of its music video 'Mere Saath Saara Jahaan' is going unnoticed!

Ruchi Narain is the female who directs Indian Idol 2 - Sandeep Acharya in his debut music video 'Mere Saath Saara Jahaan'. Ruchi Narain? Does the name ring a bell? Well, she is the female who made her directorial debut with Shiney Ahuja-Chitrangda Singh-Smriti Mishra starrer 'Kal - Yesterday and Tomorrow' that released last year and virtually went unnoticed. Her effort was appreciated though from certain quarters that saw sparks of an upcoming talent in him.

Ruchi is not new to Bollywood as she has earlier written films like Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Calcutta Mail and Snip

karunya sing

Asthram:’ Pleasant in patchesSaturday June 17 2006 19:13 IST
P Tulasi
Unlike his other movies, Asthram (starring Vishnu Vardhan and Anushka) by S A Rajkumar, has a fairly large sprinkling of mass songs. The only relief is the track Prema Kanna Emundi by Rajesh, Ananthu & chorus which is hummable. Veturi’s lyrics need no certificate -- because they are simply superb.The lyrics for the title track for which Vishwa, Anchal and the music director himself have lent their voices, is a mix of Telugu, Hindi and English. It is a hot number having drumbeats and is targetted at youth. The two numbers penned by Bhaskarabhatla Ravi Kumar obviously are meant for keeping masses in good humour.Padahare, sung by Shreya Ghoshal and Roshini, resembles a qawwali. Another track, Sakhiya, sung once by Karunya (Indian Idol fame) and by Hariharan, both accompanied by the female singer Shivani, is enjoyable. Bhuvanachandra’s lyrics fail to leave a long-lasting impression on the listener.The track, Undipo Nesthama though sung by Chitra and Rajesh, fails to be melodious. The album has three pleasant numbers.It also provides karaoke for all the numbers. Budding singers can record the songs in their voice and get a chance to render their voices in the forthcoming film to be produced by Supreme Recording Company Private Limited.

Neha kakar

Idol-finalist flooded with sympathy after ‘death’

Call it a comedy of error, but Neha Kakkar, an Indian Idol finalist, was hardly amused. She had been declared dead by the TV channels and newspapers.
“I am alive. I am very much alive," shouted the 18-year old in the phone. “God I can’t explain how it feels to be declared dead when you are alive. I and my family are struggling hard to tell people that it’s not me who committed suicide last night.”
It was another Neha Kakkar, also a resident of Janakpuri, who “mysteriously” fell down from the local district centre on Saturday evening.
“I left Delhi for Mumbai on Saturday night. The same time, the incident happened. My absence from home further added to the confusion. Several people assumed that could be due to some controversy we are deliberately denying it,” Kakkar told the Hindustan Times.
Relatives and friends started pouring in almost immediately after the news was flashed. “Even the local policemen were there,” she said.
The worst of all, says Kakkar, is that even after being informed of her well being, no news channel bothered to run an apology or a corrigendum. “There was a big breaking news that declared me dead but when I informed them I was alive, they just brushed the issue,” said Kakkar.
Her mother Kamlesh Kakkar, the first one to see the breaking news of her youngest daughter’s death, became speechless until the family rushed and called Neha to confirm. Despite talking to Neha several times on phone she has still not come out of the shock completely.
“As I was on my way to airport when a news channel first flashed this news she thought I probably died in a road accident. Thank God they got the confirmation before I boarded the flight. I wonder what might would have happened to my family if the news would have flashed after my boarding the flight and switching off the phone," said Kakkar who is now worried about how to inform all her sponsors that she is alive and ready to perform.
Kakkar turned 18 early this month.

AUDIO RELEASED

The audio of NTR and Samira starrer Ashok was released in the market on june 8th. The good news is that the music scored by Mani Sarma has got positive report. Music lovers feel the music is different this time is offbeat and different from what one gets to hear in NTR films. The Mani Sarma impact is definitely there and Ashok songs are far better than Samba and Narasimhudu. Jaabiliki vennlistha, Ekantanga Vunna, Oka chinna navve navvi, Mumtaj Mahal are all melodious and would be a sure fire hit with the class and youth but Nuvvesukunna dress nacchale and Gola gola are so so. Indian Idol 2 Karunya scored well in Ekantanga Vunna.

AMIT TANDON IN KYUKI

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Indian television’s most popular soap, will once again take a leap into the unknown future with a 20-year fast forward. As of last week, it has introduced seven new faces who will decide the fortunes of the Virani family as we join the fourth generation.

Ever since our dear Tulsi departed, Shantiniketan has been in mourning. It’s time to shake it all up. And so, in true Star Plus fashion and in accordance with the producers (Balaji Telefilms) wishes, new characters will try to take Tulsi’s place. The Virani home has a new set, one wall in the snazzy mansion is covered with garlanded photos of all dead family members-quite a number by now, including the saintly Tulsi (Smriti Z Iraani). However, Baa (Sudha Shivpuri) lives on as the all-knowing matriarch. As you may know, Saahil's wife Ganga moved out of the house too, making way for the conniving Meera. Mihir, meanwhile, finds himself disoriented, lost.
Here’s some help figuring out TV’s famous new khandaan.

If Tulsi is missing, we need a new main female lead character. So please welcome onboard, Krishna Tulsi. The serial also introduces a mix of characters - the religious, mischievous, sensitive Krishna Nakul, who is bitter due to his non-wealthy status. Then there is the leader Bhumi - a spoilt brat and a tomboy. We will also see Akashdeep Saighal (Ansh) coming back to the show in the role of Eklavya. The family mix completes with Manthan, who like Meera and Mandira is shrewd, brooding and very manipulative. Living with this family is also the lovable and geek Joydeep.

Will viewers stay glued to the show? Chances are the answer is yes. The competition is poor at 10 . 30 pm and there’s still Karan, Tanya, Meera, and Mihir around. And there is always the possibility of Tulsi’s return.

Brief Profiles
Krishna Tulsi (Mouni Roy): Tulsi Virani’s adopted daughter. A debut performance, Roy is being guarded as the surprise item of the new pack.

Eklavya (Akashdeep Saigal): Ansh and Shraddha’s son. His father was killed by Tulsi, he’s got the same look and starts off as a good boy who turns bad.

Lakshya Virani (Pulkit Samrat): Ganga and Sahil’s son. Was to be the lead in the now stalled serial Sixer. In Kyunki..., expect some romance between him and Krishna. “Instant recognition” is what Samrat’s hoping for with his second trial on TV.

Nakul Virani (Naman Shaw): Ganga and Saahil’s son. Is currently seen as Pushkar on Balaji’s Kasamh Se, on Zee. Bagged the Best Smile award at Grasim Mr India 2003, when he was 18. Took on this role because when “Ektaa ma’am tells us to do anything, we do it.”

Bhumi Virani (Reshmi Ghosh): Tanya and Karan’s daughter. “My best career advancing move since Miss India,” she says. She’s been in the entertainment industry for seven years, doing theatre, telefilms and TV.

Manthan Virani (Amit Tandon): Tanya and Karan’s son. The New Yorker who's perhaps best remembered as an Indian Idol contestant, Tandon is trying hard to shrug off the American accent “Is serial main toh shudh Hindi bolte hain,” he says.

Joydeep (Manav Vij): Ganga’s relative, adopted by Saahil. The homeopath and clinical psychologist-turned actor has Punjabi and Telugu films to his credit. “Given my background, it would seem like I need the serial more than it needs me,” he says. His “slow” character is inspired by Tusshar Kapoor's role in the film Gayab.

Archita (Gunjan Vijaya): Harsh and Mohini’s daughter. She was Sanya in Sahara One’s Hare Kaanch ki Choodiyan, until a while ago. Vijaya’s also shot for Balaji’s thriller Karbon Kopy, but is tight-lipped about details. “Kyunki... is my big break, just look at the star cast,” she gushes.

SANDEEP FOR ANIMAX

India now a focus market for Animax

By HETAL ADESARA Indiantelevision.com Team

(12 June 2006 9:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Until now India was not as important a market for Sony Pictures Entertainment's (SPE) anime channel Animax and that reflected in its poor and negligible ratings. But now, with the repositioning of Animax Asia, which took place on 1 June, 2006, the network will be pushing it in India will renewed vigour.

Animax Asia has been repositioned as a lifestyle channel for the youth and will target the age group of 15 - 24-year-olds. One of the reasons for this shift was the fact that animation from Japan was moving towards a more youth-driven demographic. Hence, keeping with the pace of change, Animax too was repositioned. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, SPE Networks Asia vice president Animax programming and production Betty Tsui says, "In the last couple of years, we were not very focused on the Indian market because we underestimated the Indian youth's consumption of animation. Our focus initially was on the kids' but now we will be targeting the youth and the Indian market with renewed focus." "We are not a kids' channel and we're not competing with the likes of Cartoon Network and Pogo. Animax will be creating a category of its own. We are not followers. Animax will be charting out its own path," she adds. Apart from the re-positioning, Tsui also informed that Animax will also be looking at targeting the youth with the gaming and mobile platforms. "We will be connecting with the youth not only with animation but also with gaming and mobile. However, it is still too early to talk about it," she says. Animax is also undertaking an extensive lifestyle survey of their target audience in order to understand what's important to them and where they get their messages from. Once the results of the survey are out, the channel will be analyzing the responses received and accordingly bring about changes in the channel and its promotions. Queried whether the channel was looking at going totally Hindi, unlike the Hinglish feed that it has now, Tsui says, "One of the questions in the lifestyle survey that we will be conducting will be Animax's language preference of our target audience. Based on the results, we will take the necessary changes. South Indian languages may also be a possibility as we are open to everything." The channel has streamlined its programme structure to target the youth segment and has also introduced an on-air creative campaign - Imagine Nation - to capture the minds of the youth. Imagine-Nation features popular personalities that are connected to the creative world of games, film, anime and design from the Asian region to share with viewers their success stories, aspirations and passion for their work. For starters, F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and Indian Idol 2 winner Sandeep Acharya will be featured on this from India. "We will be featuring people who are successful but not necessarily in the conventional sense of the term. Our aim is to inspire our viewers to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be," says Tsui. The programming line up will be spruced up with popular anime that have garnered massive followings in Japan and around the world. Animax features programmes of various genres, from action (Blood+, Trinity Blood) to sci-fi (Ghost in the Shell), romance (Paradise Kiss and Honey & Clover) to drama (Black Jack, Jigoku Shojo), and also favorites like (Dragon Ball). A new integrated brand campaign in India will also be rolled out in a couple of weeks.