A.R.RAHMAN HUNTS FOR MUSIC TALENT

Maverick music maestro A R Rahman's journey through fifteen states of India hunting for music talent will be aired on Doordarshan early this December.

Rahman will host the 'The Big Band' show where bands from seven countries- India, Nepal, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore and Sri Lanka- will vie for a three-year recording contract with Phat Phish Records, an entertainment and communications company.

The winner will also get artist management up to three albums and six music videos, tours and concerts on national and international stage as well as cash prize worth Rs 10 million.

"We have seen so many reality shows on the television. But what makes it different is that the show is not all about India alone, we have the idea of providing a common platform for all these guys from various places," Rahman said here on Tuesday.

"There is a huge audience of people who look beyond the typical Bollywood music. Music talents cutting across regions, languages, genres will be performing on the show. Considering the excellent reach of Doordarshan, we will launch the show soon on Doordarshan," said Phat Phish chairman Anand Surapur.

"We think the timing is right for people to be exposed to a wider choice. There is an unbelievable amount of talent available and it is just a matter of bringing it out, nurturing it and presenting it to be recognised," Managing Director, Phat Phish, K R Harish said.

Participating bands must have between 2-10 members with at least one lead singer and must submit three tunes with the first tune being an original interpretation of a popular Bollywood, folk or regional piece.

The second tune has to be based on the bands' interpretation of Rahman's specially composed melody for the show which will be released on October 24. Besides, the bands will also have to submit one of their original compositions.

"My role is to be the little link between these bands and the people. The show's concept is something unique but it has to be linked with the public," said the ace music director.

Asked on his expectations from the show, Rahman said, "Its all about discovering something new from these bands. We will be looking for various elements. One element from one band, another element from another... I think there will be lot of surprises in the show as there are so many bands."

Short listed bands will be invited to the first stage of audition where they will be asked to perform any of the three pieces by the judges.