Singing for their supper

Yes, general entertainment channels appear to have hit upon the right vehicle that will ensure their suppers as well as their desserts.There's a minimum of one 'music reality hunt' per channel, and more are in the pipeline. Channels yet to launch, like NDTV Imagine, have already announced two - Dhoom Macha De and Say Shaava Shaava. 9X, despite its clutch of different minded, well made soaps, has got itself a Mission Ustaad to spice up the weekends.And Zee and Star, still panting after the strenuous Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge and Voice of India hunts, have straight away plunged into kiddies' versions of the same. Music is the flavour of the season and apparently, there's no dearth of aspiring singers in this country. From the ages of five up to 80-year-old grandpas (who were welcomed on the aptly unsung Bathroom Singer), awesome talent lurking unknown in distant corners of India has suddenly found a platform. Actually, several platforms. If you can sing a tune or two, there are the Idols and Challenges to choose from. If you are just good at the lyrics, go for Bol Baby Bol. And even if you are an established singer relegated to 'playback' status thus far, go for a makeover and get your share of the spotlight on Mission Ustaad or Dhoom Macha De. It couldn't get any better. The question is - will the wave ride out the test of time?****

The Bluffmasters, the Kaun Banega Crorepatis and the Tol Mol Ke Bols and even the Jet Set Gos have all but disappeared, probably biding their time till the 'music hunts' lose their flavour. But with FM and its 24X7 Bollywood music a mobile phone click away, and a new slew of music channels at the country's doorstep, it's unlikely that the sound of music will evaporate soon.The most awesome talent on the hunts, though, has come from the generation that's still nursing milk teeth. On Zee's Lil Champs, the tots sing with awe inspirng confidence and some remarkable talent. Likewise, Star Plus' Chhote Ustaad that begins this week, has lined up some cute looking but ferociously gifted children on its show. These children understand competition, know no nerves and appear to be born facing the camera. If anything, it is the hosts and judges who seem to be having a tough time keeping up with the tots' quips and repartees.****Sahara One seems to have understood the rules of the music reality game a bit late. Nevertheless, it's jumped into the fray with some on camera spats, with Shekhar Suman as the instigator. Outdoor hoardings have capitalised on the fight, and news channels, on their part, have been happily replaying the squabbles between Suman and host Rahul Vaidya, as also the one between Suman's mentor Sanjeevani and judge Shabana Azmi. Nothing like some good fights to boost the TRPs. Next week's ratings should tell whether the exercise has been worth the effort.

Pritam turns judge

After giving a super hit show Amul Star VOI. Saibaba Telefilms is ready with yet another show Amul Star VOI Chote Ustaad which will begin its journey from December 30, 2007 on Star Plus. The episode will launch 12 Chhotey Ustad who will compete with each other for the coveted title Amul Star VOI Chhotey Ustad.

The show will be judge by melodious Shreya Ghosal, Music Director Pritam & Singing sensational Kunal Ganjawala.Says Gajendra Singh, Director Saibaba Telefilms, “Even before starting Amul Star VOI I had planned the sequel - Chhotey Ustad. In India even kids have great potential in singing so why not give them a chance. This show will make the viewers sit back and listen to such amazing Chhotey Ustad.”Amul Star Voice of India – Chote Ustaad is presented by Saibaba Telefilms which will start it journey on December 30, 2007 on Star plus every Friday & Saturday.

Two New Reality Shows Join the Analysis List this Week!

Mumbai- This week two new musical reality shows have started in two different channels, Star Plus and 9X, to give company to Zee SaReGaMaPa L'il Champs. After watching all three shows, one thing was sure - the viewers were left spell bound and at a loss of words. If Soha Ali Khan in Zee L'il Champs mesmerized all, then in SVOI Chhote Ustaads, it was Shreya and the little kids in the company of Kunal and Pritam who did it, while in 9X, it was the incapability to understand the concept and all that talks by Simone Singh, which left viewers flabbergasted and at a loss of words. In Zee SaReGaMaPa L'il Champs, there were two eliminations to make up for no elimination last week. Two popular kids Sagar and Vaishali got eliminated. There were some power packed performances and Amir stole everyone’s heart with his “Teri Deewani” so much so that Sonu went up to him to give him a hug and a kiss. Rohanpreet’s Punjabi style birthday celebration was another highlight – it was totally unique. Soha Ali Khan impressed everyone with her vivacious and yet down to earth nature. The viewers could hardly take their eyes off her. She was such a brilliant guest making the participants feel so cherished and wanted. The Star Voice if India “Chhote Ustaad’s” kicked off without a host and the judges played the role of hosts. Between the three, Shreya was most impressive. The atmosphere in the set was very pleasant and very positive. The pranks, the songs and the interactions were pleasant. While Kunal seemed a bit loud and “Put On” in his presentation, Pritam seemed uncomfortable and feeble. As per the announcement by these three judges - Kunal, Pritam and Shreya, the new host will take over next week and he will announce the show format and from their hints, it seemed like the decision for selections of winner would be a combination of public votes and jury’s decision. Mission Ustaad of 9X opening show was a big disappointment. In their effort to convey the socio economic objective behind the show, some how in between all the talk, it lost its viewers completely. Viewers are as ignorant about the concept as they were before the show. The cause is noble but the format in which it will be executed was not at all clear. The three judges – ARR, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta although all talked a lot, but it was not clear what they expected. The show seems more like a remix of a political campaign and Oscar curtain raiser interspersed with some musical entertainment and looked very unlike a musical reality show. If it has managed to create any awareness so far - it has managed to put off the viewers. The 4 selected jodi’s are impressive, but hopefully from next week, we will see more of musical action rather than Simone wanting their reaction. Three shows, three different channels, three different choices. We will have to wait and see which one appeals to the viewers most, and which one does not. All three shows have two things in common – respectable judges, and impressive participants. Now all that remains to be seen is the packaging of the show to hold on to the viewers’ attention.
FOR MORE NEWS- http://www.timesofearth.com/ THE TIMES OF EARTH

Meet ‘Chhote Ustaad’-2007

The 'Voice of India' contestant, Abhas Joshi, will anchor the talent-hunt show for children Abhas Joshi had embarked on ‘Voice Of India’ (the recently concluded talent show on Star Plus) to establish himself as a singer. However, the youngest contestant failed to reach the finals and will now be seen switching his role from a singer to an anchor. Abhas will be hosting ‘Chhote Ustaad’ (Star Plus) — the kids’ version of ‘Voice of India’. The show premieres tonight.Quiz him on why he took over this task and the practical Abhas states, “Anchoring has boosted the careers of several singers including Sonu Nigam and Shaan. It will give me an opportunity to connect with the audiences. This is a superb prospect for growth.” So is he comfortable playing an anchor at such a short notice? “I am a little nervous. But it’s challenge that makes life fun,” he says. “I will try my best to do justice to my job and not let Shaan bhaiyya (‘Voice of India’ host) be missed. I cannot take his place but I will try to take the show to its zenith,” he adds.Talking about his exit from ‘Voice Of India’, Abhas admits he was disappointed but shares that hosting ‘Chhote Ustaad’ has converted his sadness into happiness. He shares, “Despite getting a wild card entry, I had to bow out of the show. But I was determined to give my best.”He continues, “‘Voice…’ taught me to persevere. I have faced some tough times on the show—but the lessons that I have learnt inspire me to continue my journey.” ‘Chhote Ustaad’ is produced by Gajendra Singh’s Saibaba Telefilms.

Two New Reality Shows Join the Analysis List this Week!

Mumbai- This week two new musical reality shows have started in two different channels, Star Plus and 9X, to give company to Zee SaReGaMaPa L'il Champs. After watching all three shows, one thing was sure - the viewers were left spell bound and at a loss of words. If Soha Ali Khan in Zee L'il Champs mesmerized all, then in SVOI Chhote Ustaads, it was Shreya and the little kids in the company of Kunal and Pritam who did it, while in 9X, it was the incapability to understand the concept and all that talks by Simone Singh, which left viewers flabbergasted and at a loss of words. In Zee SaReGaMaPa L'il Champs, there were two eliminations to make up for no elimination last week. Two popular kids Sagar and Vaishali got eliminated. There were some power packed performances and Amir stole everyone’s heart with his “Teri Deewani” so much so that Sonu went up to him to give him a hug and a kiss. Rohanpreet’s Punjabi style birthday celebration was another highlight – it was totally unique. Soha Ali Khan impressed everyone with her vivacious and yet down to earth nature. The viewers could hardly take their eyes off her. She was such a brilliant guest making the participants feel so cherished and wanted. The Star Voice if India “Chhote Ustaad’s” kicked off without a host and the judges played the role of hosts. Between the three, Shreya was most impressive. The atmosphere in the set was very pleasant and very positive. The pranks, the songs and the interactions were pleasant. While Kunal seemed a bit loud and “Put On” in his presentation, Pritam seemed uncomfortable and feeble. As per the announcement by these three judges - Kunal, Pritam and Shreya, the new host will take over next week and he will announce the show format and from their hints, it seemed like the decision for selections of winner would be a combination of public votes and jury’s decision. Mission Ustaad of 9X opening show was a big disappointment. In their effort to convey the socio economic objective behind the show, some how in between all the talk, it lost its viewers completely. Viewers are as ignorant about the concept as they were before the show. The cause is noble but the format in which it will be executed was not at all clear. The three judges – ARR, Javed Akhtar and Lara Dutta although all talked a lot, but it was not clear what they expected. The show seems more like a remix of a political campaign and Oscar curtain raiser interspersed with some musical entertainment and looked very unlike a musical reality show. If it has managed to create any awareness so far - it has managed to put off the viewers. The 4 selected jodi’s are impressive, but hopefully from next week, we will see more of musical action rather than Simone wanting their reaction. Three shows, three different channels, three different choices. We will have to wait and see which one appeals to the viewers most, and which one does not. All three shows have two things in common – respectable judges, and impressive participants. Now all that remains to be seen is the packaging of the show to hold on to the viewers’ attention.


FOR MORE NEWS- www.timesofearth.com THE TIMES OF EARTH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ26Wv4gF0o

Abhaas Joshi replaces Shan as host of Star Voice of India Chote Ustad

Singer and TV host Shaan has quit STAR Plus’ reality TV show ‘STAR Voice Of India’, barely a year into the job. Shaan who was previously associated with ZEE TV’s show ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ left when the then producer Gajendra Singh was lured away to rival broadcaster STAR TV.So now Who could be a better judge of childrens' talent show than a kid?That's right, Abhaas Joshi, a teenager, is the new host of a television talent show Star Voice of India Chotey Ustad. This 17year old was chosen after singer Shaan dropped out as the host. Shaan says he needs a break and won't be able to continue with the show.But that shouldn't be a problem for the Indore lad. He has first-hand experience. He was one of the wild card contestants on Star Voice of India just recently. Abhaas was ousted in the final round and won a special jury award.Shaan secretly threw a farewell party after the final episode of ‘STAR Voice Of India’ last weekend at his residence.

Ishmeet Singh is the winner of Amul Star Voice of India

The much-awaited verdict of Star's Voice of India is finally out!Ishmeet Singh has been crowned Star's Voice of India. [ Watch Videos of Grand Finale here]The grand finale, which was held in Mumbai's Andheri Sports Complex on Saturday evening, saw thousands of fans cheering the participants. Ishmeet, who hails from Ludhiana, beat Harshit Saxena from Lucknow in the closely contested final.The event, hosted by singer Shaan, had quite a few hi-profile guests including actress Madhuri Dixit [Images] and legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar .Madhuri entertained the audience and participants alike by singing a couple of lines of a song from her upcoming movie Aaja Nachle.Lata Mangeshkar gave her blessings to the two finalists and wished them luck for their future endeavours.

Who will be the Star Voice of India?

Amul star Voice of India is now in its final stage. The Grand finale is going to be held soon and Lata Mangeshkarji is going to select the VOI. Who will be the Voice of India? Will it be Ishmit or Harshit? Lets see what our bloggers think..I am going to start a poll on this post..you can vote for your favourite contestant (this will not be counted for finale though:-) ) ...