ITV

Tag: Anu Malik

  • Albert Kabo Lepcha wins Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023 title

    Albert Kabo Lepcha wins Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023 title

    Mumbai: After three months of being on the quest of perfecting their sur-taal through endless riyaaz and delivering some performances, Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2023 comes to an end. Throughout the season, viewers have watched the judges – Himesh Reshammiya, Anu Malik, and Neeti Mohan guide these budding singing sensations, while Aditya Naryan entertained one and all as the show’s host. And now, racing ahead of all the contestants, we have Albert Kabo Lepcha as the winner of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa amidst much fanfare and celebrations. A consistent performer throughout the season who was much loved by the judges and viewers of the show, Albert Kabo Lepcha was presented with the coveted trophy during the grand finale. On the other hand, finalists Nishtha Sharma and Ranita Banerjee were announced as the first and second runners-up respectively.  

    This season was all about the industry-first promise of giving its talent a chance to record original singles even before the season ends, every week one of the contestants got the golden chance to launch their OG song with Zee Music Co, and with the show drawing the curtains, the grand finale was nothing short of an entertainment extravaganza packed with some breathtaking performances and soulful acts. The final episode commenced with a power-packed performance by the top five finalists of the show – Sonia Gazmer, Sneha Bhattacharya, Nishtha Sharma, Albert Kabo Lepcha and Ranita Banerjee which left everyone spellbound. The episode was double the fun, as the judges were joined by the evergreen Govinda, his wife Sunita Ahuja, and veteran actress Aruna Irani. Not just that, the episode was co-hosted by Haarsh Limbachiyaa alongside Aditya Narayan.

    During the episode, viewers got to watch the legendary actor Govinda in his element, dancing to the song ‘Oo Haseena Zulfowaali’ along with the judge – Neeti Mohan. He also set the stage on fire with his performance to the song ‘Chadti Jawaani’ with the beautiful guest Aruna Irani. Not just that!  Govinda also sang a beautiful song – ‘Sathiya Nahi Jana Ke Jee Na Lage’ for his beloved wife – Sunita and while all the special moments as well as the performances kept everyone hooked, the final face off performance of the top 5 contestants left the audience glued to their television screens.

    Winner of the Sa Re Ga Ma 2023, Albert said, “This is a dream come true for me! Honestly, the competition was tough as all the contestants of the season were very talented, and I really feel grateful that I got to share the stage with them. My journey on the show has been a great learning experience and I would like to thank all my mentors and judges who have constantly supported me and helped me scale my potential as a singer. I even got the chance to record and release my own single, composed by the iconic Vivek kar; I received loads of love for that. I am definitely taking a bundle of memories along with me and looking forward to my new singing journey ahead. Thank you to each and every person for making this a beautiful experience.”  

    Himesh Reshammiya said, “First of all I would like to congratulate Albert, he has been consistent in giving his best throughout the season and has always exceeded expectations. He has surprised us week after week and always strived for perfection. Moreover, this time Sa Re Ga Ma Pa gave an amazing opportunity to all the contestants to release their original singles, which has certainly kickstarted their musical journey in the entertainment industry. Lastly, I would like to say all the best to all the contestants as they’ve started their careers and I am sure all of them will reach great heights in the future.”

    Neeti Mohan said, “According to me, all the top 5 are winners of this season, but of course, we can only have one winner. Albert’s win is very well deserved. I have loved and enjoyed his performances throughout the season, and I believe he is a really versatile singer with the potential to make his career in the industry. I am glad that I was able to witness such amazing talent perform in front of me. I wish the best for all the contestants; I am sure they all will work hard to fulfill their dreams in the music industry.”

    Anu Malik said, “I had a great experience working on this show and I would like to say ‘Congratulations Albert, I am so proud of you’.. From his first performance till today, I am glad that his hard work has finally paid off. I must say that this season has been incredible, and every contestant has left us floored by their amazing talent. During the show, I saw such wonderful talent and I also composed two OG songs, one for Rik Basu and the second one for Nishtha Sharma. Indeed, it was great working with them. My best wishes and blessings to all the contestants of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.”

    While the audience enjoyed every moment during the finale episode, the epic performances by the talented contestants will surely be an unforgettable experience for one and all.

    While Sa Re Ga Ma Pa culminated with a bang, stay tuned to Zee TV as the channel continues to entertain you with exciting fiction shows on a daily basis! 

  • Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa emerges as every advertisers’ preferred platform

    Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa emerges as every advertisers’ preferred platform

    Mumbai: Carrying forward its rich musical legacy of nearly 30 years, Zee TV’s iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa recently returned with a new season, featuring Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan, Anu Malik as judges, and Aditya Narayan as the host. With a brand new format and the exciting promise of giving its talent opportunities to record original singles even before the season ends, the hunt for India’s OG voices has created quite a stir among the audience, while emerging as the preferred choice for advertisers.

    Through the years, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, given its credibility as the country’s longest-running and most definitive singing platform, has forged partnerships with numerous leading brands. However, this year marks a significant milestone as the show has brought on board an impressive line-up of 18 sponsors for its upcoming season. These esteemed sponsors include Maruti Suzuki India Ltd: Co-Title, Dabur India Ltd: Co-Presenting & Associate Sponsor, Mondelez India Foods Ltd: Co-Powered By, Hindustan Unilever Ltd: Co-Title & Special Partner, Rajdhani Flour Mills: Special Partner, Procter & Gamble: Special Partner, WhatsApp LLC: Special Partner, Loreal India Private Ltd: Special Partner, Berger Paints India Ltd: Special Partner, The Association of Mutual Funds in India: Associate Sponsor, Bandhan Bank: Special Partner, Capital Foods Private Ltd: Special Partner, Kohler India Corporation (HAR): Special Partner, Eveready Industries India Ltd ( Kol ): Special Partner, H&M Hennes & Mauritz: Special Partner and Wipro Enterprises Private Ltd: Special Partner. The use of customized solutions for brands seems to have had a positive impact, resulting in the acquisition of 18 sponsors. It highlights the effectiveness of ZEE sales team in tailoring approaches to meet the needs of each sponsor.

    ZEE chief growth officer, advertisement revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “As the pioneer of music reality shows in India, Zee’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has become an iconic brand in itself and has been among the most-watched shows across India in its run of more than two decades. In the new season of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, we have added extra layers of uniqueness which stems from our profound expertise in creating content that resonates deeply with our audiences across India. With our hyper-local approach of scouting talents, the show has created a strong connection with our viewers as the top contestants face tough musical challenges to release their own original songs on Zee Music Company. This provides the perfect opportunity to seamlessly integrate the brand communications of our sponsors led by our anchor, judges, and the contestants. We are extremely delighted with the response from the brands and I whole-heartedly welcome all the 18 sponsors on board – who have continued the trust in our platform, as we embark into the festive season together. With our curated multimedia promotion plan, each sponsor will get phenomenal 360-degree exposure and innovative brand engagement opportunities in every phase of the show to bring out the brand’s core propositions effortlessly and leave a long-lasting impression among our viewers in this vibrant festive season. I am certain that this new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa will re-ignite the musical spark among millions of our viewers and generate immense value for our esteemed partners.”

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle said, “We are delighted to see an exceptional response from advertisers for our new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. A combination of some remarkable fresh talent coupled with a revamped format has elevated our appeal with both the audience and brands alike. Our team is poised to bring you the OG voices of India who, basis their performance in the season, are already getting opportunities to record their original singles to be released by Zee Music Company. With so much excitement in store every episode, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa remains an unparalleled platform for brands to leave a lasting impact with audiences, given our extensive reach and dedicated viewership.”

    Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Sr executive officer, marketing & sales Shashank Srivastava said, “This marks the beginning of an interesting partnership between Maruti Suzuki Arena,  India’s  largest automotive channel and the iconic television show – Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. We believe in bringing the joy of mobility to all and creating exciting new experiences. Maruti Suzuki Arena brings this vision to reality with a modern, tech-enabled and youthful experience. Now, “Find Your Match” with our wide array of cars and network. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa shares a similar journey where talent meets opportunity. This collaboration elevates our brand positioning amongst the relevant audience. Hoping, together, we deliver a great season.”

    Hindustan Unilever Ltd VP – F&B Shiva Krishnamurthy said, “We are pleased to associate with Zee TV and their iconic show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Taj Mahal tea has always championed Indian classical music. Stalwarts like Ustad Zakir Hussain, Niladri Kumar, Rahul Sharma and now Nirlai Kartik have endorsed it. Taj Mahal tea salutes craftsmanship – whether it is a master tea blender or a music maestro. We look forward to celebrating musical talent with this show.”

    With the new season of the show striking a harmonious chord with both its ardent viewers and a multitude of esteemed sponsors, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has showcased the enduring appeal and innovation that have been the hallmark of this iconic show once again. As it continues to provide a stage for fresh talent to shine and captivate audiences of all ages, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa continues to stand as a beacon of entertainment brilliance, promising not only musical excellence but also a unique avenue for advertisers to forge lasting connections with a diverse and engaged audience. With this season’s impressive lineup of sponsors and talent, the journey ahead promises to be a melodious symphony of success for all involved.

    Stay tuned to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa for some magical performances and limitless entertainment, on Saturdays and Sundays at 9 PM, only on Zee TV!

     

  • New Season of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa premieres on 26 August

    New Season of Zee TV’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa premieres on 26 August

    Mumbai: After the raging success of its previous season last year, Zee TV’s iconic singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa returns with an exciting new season that has Himesh Reshammiya, Neeti Mohan, Anu Malik as judges and Aditya Narayan as the host. Premiering on 26 August, the new season is poised to change the game with a new format that includes spontaneous challenges thrown at contestants by the judges after one of their peers has delivered an outstanding act in a particular style or genre … Rather than a set template with weekly rounds one is familiar with, this challenging environment is bound to shake up the room a bit, stimulate a competitive edge amongst the contestants and pack in a new surprise for its viewers in every single episode!

    Two months ago, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa announced a nationwide quest for ‘OG’ voices across India. For the first time ever, the audition process went paperless – led by a strong digital leg and even the on-ground phase saw negligible use of paper as a part of the channel’s endeavour of being environmentally responsible. Leaving no stone unturned in scouting the best of talent, the creative team even welcomed recommendations from anyone who could spot raw talent around. While each aspirant’s distinctive singing style and proficiency determined their success, it was only the truly ‘OG’ that made the cut. From the panel unanimously agreeing that West Bengal’s Albert Kabo Lepcha has the voice of a hero after hearing his soulful rendition of ‘I Love You’ to Kharagpur’s Sonia Gazmer modulating her voice only the way she can, acing both the male and female portions of ‘Nagin Se Meri Chaal’; From Delhi’s Sana Arora who struck a chord, strumming a guitar as she sang ‘Love You Zindagi’ to Mumbai’s Abdul whose eyes convey as much passion as his voice when he sings ‘Teri Yaadon Mein’; From UP’s Nishtha Sharma leaving everyone spellbound with her aalaap of ‘Banarasiya’ to Kolkata’s Ranita Banerjee standing up to Himesh’s on-the-spot challenge and rendering an equally evocative rendition of the same song, audiences are in for an exceptional musical extravaganza, marking a grand celebration of music this season!

    Zee TV business head Aparna Bhosle said, “With Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s rich legacy spanning nearly three decades, we take pride in staying true to our commitment of showcasing the most distinctive, extraordinary voices of India. To fuel a healthy spirit of competition and make the viewer experience more dynamic, we are infusing this season with spontaneous challenges to the talent and rewarding the top performers with an opportunity to release their original singles via Zee Music Company. This should make for a compelling watch”.

    ZEE chief growth officer, advertisement revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’s new season has created great buzz among audiences in the run-up to its launch. I am delighted to welcome Maruti and Dabur as the main sponsors for this highly anticipated show, which will not only help us find new talent but will launch original singers in the industry.  We thank our sponsors for being part of this journey and l look forward to more such associations.”

    Dabur India Ltd head- oral care Augustus Daniel said, “We are pleased to announce our association with Zee TV. Their large viewership would help in building awareness about our new launch in the Gels toothpaste category – “Dabur Red Bae Fresh Gel”. The brand has been meticulously crafted with Gen Z and millennials in mind – ‘BAE – Before Anyone Else’ captures the essence of a close friend or a partner, while ‘irresistible freshness’ appeals to youth aiming to leave a lasting impact in every interaction.”

    Get ready to witness the exciting new season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, starting 26 August, every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm, only on Zee TV!

  • Sony to soon launch Indian Idol season 10

    Sony to soon launch Indian Idol season 10

    MUMBAI: Indian Idol, one of Sony’s most acclaimed reality shows, is all set to come back on small screen with its tenth installment. Considering that all its previous seasons have done exceedingly well, there are great expectations this year as well.

    Sony has released its first promo, captioned #MausamMusicKa. The judges for this season will be Vishal Dadlani, Neha Kakkar and Anu Malik.

    While the date and time for the show is yet to be revealed, a source close to the development told Indiantelevision that Indian Idol 10 will be a weekend property and launched tentatively in the month of July.

    Also Read:

    Sony’s Indian Idol season 7 to be aired live on dittoTV

    Sony re-jigs weekend programming for ‘Indian Idol Junior’

  • Sony’s Indian Idol season 7 to be aired live on dittoTV

    Sony’s Indian Idol season 7 to be aired live on dittoTV

    MUMBAI: dittoTV subscribers have one more reason to celebrate Christmas with some entertainment. Indian Idol, one of India’s singing reality shows, is back and fans of the show will be able to catch the latest season 7 live on Sony Entertainment Television available on dittoTV from 24 December every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm.

    This latest season will be judged by Indian Idol’s original panel of judges – Anu Malik, Sonu Nigam and Farah Khan, who will be making a comeback on the show after 12 years.

    “Indian Idol is one of India’s oldest and most loved musical reality shows, with a huge fan following. As a weekend show, many people could be missing out on the live airing since they may be out or just don’t have easy access to a television set. dittoTV now makes it possible for them to conveniently watch Indian Idol as it airs, anywhere on any internet-enabled device. And at a very affordable price point,” said Z5 Business head of digital Archana Anand.

    With its large bouquet of channels, dittoTV enables its on-the-go audiences to stay connected to their favourite shows across channels such as The Voice India, which launched its second season earlier this month on &TV, and now Indian Idol on Sony.

  • Sony’s Indian Idol season 7 to be aired live on dittoTV

    Sony’s Indian Idol season 7 to be aired live on dittoTV

    MUMBAI: dittoTV subscribers have one more reason to celebrate Christmas with some entertainment. Indian Idol, one of India’s singing reality shows, is back and fans of the show will be able to catch the latest season 7 live on Sony Entertainment Television available on dittoTV from 24 December every Saturday and Sunday at 8 pm.

    This latest season will be judged by Indian Idol’s original panel of judges – Anu Malik, Sonu Nigam and Farah Khan, who will be making a comeback on the show after 12 years.

    “Indian Idol is one of India’s oldest and most loved musical reality shows, with a huge fan following. As a weekend show, many people could be missing out on the live airing since they may be out or just don’t have easy access to a television set. dittoTV now makes it possible for them to conveniently watch Indian Idol as it airs, anywhere on any internet-enabled device. And at a very affordable price point,” said Z5 Business head of digital Archana Anand.

    With its large bouquet of channels, dittoTV enables its on-the-go audiences to stay connected to their favourite shows across channels such as The Voice India, which launched its second season earlier this month on &TV, and now Indian Idol on Sony.

  • Anu Malik composes next hit on Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan

    Anu Malik composes next hit on Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan

    MUMBAI: This week on Living Foodz, Zarine Khan will invite National Award-winning composer Anu Malik and renowned ghazal singer, Talat Aziz, on her show Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan.

    Anu, known for his uncanny ability to create melodies out of thin air, composed an impromptu number with Talat Aziz on the show. Anu Malik brings to the table his famous humour, as he also belts out a comical song with a culinary twist.

    In the episode, the acclaimed musicians will take a beautiful walk down memory lane over a scrumptious spread of vegetable biryani and prawn pulao. A proud father to daughters Anmol and Adaa, Anu enthusiastically speaks about their foray into the world of music and fashion respectively. He divulges details about his daughter Anmol, who made a mark in music industry with popular songs from Ugly aur Pagli and Tanu Weds Manu Returns.

    In a conversation with Zarine, Anu reminisces about his early food memories and also reveals his comfort food: Kadak tandoori roti paired with dal and hot gulab jamun!

    Talat Aziz shares with an interesting anecdote with Zarine, “Music and food go hand-in-hand. Acclaimed singers, right from R.D.Burman, to the artistes in today’s age, are food connoisseurs and enjoy the art of cooking”

    Talat then shares an invaluable tip for aspiring singers, that desi ghee is very effective in keeping your throat healthy and in perfect condition to croon melodies at any time.

    To watch Zarine and her guests share endearing anecdotes and secrets, join Zarine Khan every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM on Living Foodz.

  • Anu Malik composes next hit on Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan

    Anu Malik composes next hit on Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan

    MUMBAI: This week on Living Foodz, Zarine Khan will invite National Award-winning composer Anu Malik and renowned ghazal singer, Talat Aziz, on her show Spices and Secrets with Zarine Khan.

    Anu, known for his uncanny ability to create melodies out of thin air, composed an impromptu number with Talat Aziz on the show. Anu Malik brings to the table his famous humour, as he also belts out a comical song with a culinary twist.

    In the episode, the acclaimed musicians will take a beautiful walk down memory lane over a scrumptious spread of vegetable biryani and prawn pulao. A proud father to daughters Anmol and Adaa, Anu enthusiastically speaks about their foray into the world of music and fashion respectively. He divulges details about his daughter Anmol, who made a mark in music industry with popular songs from Ugly aur Pagli and Tanu Weds Manu Returns.

    In a conversation with Zarine, Anu reminisces about his early food memories and also reveals his comfort food: Kadak tandoori roti paired with dal and hot gulab jamun!

    Talat Aziz shares with an interesting anecdote with Zarine, “Music and food go hand-in-hand. Acclaimed singers, right from R.D.Burman, to the artistes in today’s age, are food connoisseurs and enjoy the art of cooking”

    Talat then shares an invaluable tip for aspiring singers, that desi ghee is very effective in keeping your throat healthy and in perfect condition to croon melodies at any time.

    To watch Zarine and her guests share endearing anecdotes and secrets, join Zarine Khan every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM on Living Foodz.

  • Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    MUMBAI: After strengthening the weekend programming with Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to bring one of its iconic shows — Indian Idol — back.

    “Sony has traditionally done very well as far as the weekend is concerned. So, when we started rebuilding this channel a year ago, the aim was to make Sony the number one weekend destination. I am happy to say that we have achieved that. Weekday programming is where we are going to focus now. We have launched Beyhadh which received a good opening. Weekday is a habit which will take time to be cultivated, and can’t happen in one go,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan.

    Khan added, “There are three-four launches between January and July in 2017, and, in July, people will see a very healthy weekend. It will be gradual, step by step, but, like you have seen in the weekend, you will see weekday of Sony fulfilling expectation of the audience very soon.” Sony’s much talked about historical drama Peshwa Bajirao is slated to launch in January.

    Indian Idol is the first step in bringing back the old iconic shows of Sony. The show will be aired from 24 December on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

    The channel has roped in Vivo as the title sponsors, and KUV 100 and Quick Heal as the ‘Co-powered By’ sponsors. According to sources, a 10-sec ad rate for the show has been sold for Rs 1 lakh each.

    This season also marks the comeback of its original trio of judges, Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik, which has come together on the platform once again, after 12 years. Their chemistry and unique style of interaction with the participants holds promise — to make this season an ultimate entertainer on the Indian television.

    While the contestants impress viewers with their talent, the judges will also mark them on three most important factors that define the Indian Idol platform – Riyaaz, Awaaz and Andaaz. The legendary singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam, will focus on the contestants’ ‘Riyaaz’, the maestro Anu Malik will be keenly observing their ‘Awaaz’, and known for her distinguished style, Bollywood’s ace choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will judge their ‘Andaaz’.

    The show will begin with audition episodes from across the country; episodes that witnessed lakhs of talented singers competing to make it into the top 110. Hosting the ninth season will be the charming Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathy.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “It’s an authentic talent hunt show with authentic talent. Indian Idol is a show which broke new ground a few years ago, and in many ways changed the landscape of reality shows in India. It worked really well for us.”

    Post the fantastic success of its most popular show Super Dancer, the channel now brings to the fore one of its biggest properties — Indian Idol. Khan informed, “We have created a dedicated time of 8pm on weekends that will continue to bring unseen talent to our viewers. Super Dancer saw some amazing dancers and now, with Indian Idol, we intend to take this legacy ahead. The original trio of judges is a wonderful combination in the world of music and their chemistry coupled with outstanding singers will surely create magic on screen.”

    Said FremantleMedia India business head Vidyuth Bhandary, “The global phenomenon of the Idol format — launched in 52 territories worldwide and rated as the No 1 show 48 times — has been watched by half a billion viewers globally, making it one of the world’s most loved shows. We are proud of our strong partnership and collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, and happy to announce the launch of the 9th season of Indian Idol. It’s been 12 years since the first season of Indian Idol was launched on SET making it the longest-running reality show in India with unprecedented participation.”

    The channel will soon bring back all its iconic shows such as — KBC and Dus Ka Dum.

    “Indian Idol has been a torch-bearer of sorts in terms of the non-fiction programming slate for Sony, and has proved to be a war-horse when it comes to TVR numbers. Thus, it’s great news for Sony that the show is making a return after a rather long hiatus and what’s better is that they have gone back to the earlier panel of judges, which allows the audience to find an instant connect from the word go. What’s worked for the show earlier is the platform that it has provided for stars of the future, but the fact that the show wasn’t around for four years has allowed other shows like ‘The Voice’ to create ample room for competition. It will be a great battle to be witnessed between Indian Idol’s return along with a new format in Colors’ Rising Star on the small screen in the coming days,” said a senior media planner.

  • Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    Sony strengthens weekday programming; launching four shows by July ’17

    MUMBAI: After strengthening the weekend programming with Super Dancer, Sony Entertainment Television is all set to bring one of its iconic shows — Indian Idol — back.

    “Sony has traditionally done very well as far as the weekend is concerned. So, when we started rebuilding this channel a year ago, the aim was to make Sony the number one weekend destination. I am happy to say that we have achieved that. Weekday programming is where we are going to focus now. We have launched Beyhadh which received a good opening. Weekday is a habit which will take time to be cultivated, and can’t happen in one go,” said Sony Entertainment Television EVP and business head Danish Khan.

    Khan added, “There are three-four launches between January and July in 2017, and, in July, people will see a very healthy weekend. It will be gradual, step by step, but, like you have seen in the weekend, you will see weekday of Sony fulfilling expectation of the audience very soon.” Sony’s much talked about historical drama Peshwa Bajirao is slated to launch in January.

    Indian Idol is the first step in bringing back the old iconic shows of Sony. The show will be aired from 24 December on Saturday and Sunday at 8pm.

    The channel has roped in Vivo as the title sponsors, and KUV 100 and Quick Heal as the ‘Co-powered By’ sponsors. According to sources, a 10-sec ad rate for the show has been sold for Rs 1 lakh each.

    This season also marks the comeback of its original trio of judges, Farah Khan, Sonu Nigam and Anu Malik, which has come together on the platform once again, after 12 years. Their chemistry and unique style of interaction with the participants holds promise — to make this season an ultimate entertainer on the Indian television.

    While the contestants impress viewers with their talent, the judges will also mark them on three most important factors that define the Indian Idol platform – Riyaaz, Awaaz and Andaaz. The legendary singing sensation of India, Sonu Nigam, will focus on the contestants’ ‘Riyaaz’, the maestro Anu Malik will be keenly observing their ‘Awaaz’, and known for her distinguished style, Bollywood’s ace choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan will judge their ‘Andaaz’.

    The show will begin with audition episodes from across the country; episodes that witnessed lakhs of talented singers competing to make it into the top 110. Hosting the ninth season will be the charming Karan Wahi and Paritosh Tripathy.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Sony Pictures Networks CEO NP Singh said, “It’s an authentic talent hunt show with authentic talent. Indian Idol is a show which broke new ground a few years ago, and in many ways changed the landscape of reality shows in India. It worked really well for us.”

    Post the fantastic success of its most popular show Super Dancer, the channel now brings to the fore one of its biggest properties — Indian Idol. Khan informed, “We have created a dedicated time of 8pm on weekends that will continue to bring unseen talent to our viewers. Super Dancer saw some amazing dancers and now, with Indian Idol, we intend to take this legacy ahead. The original trio of judges is a wonderful combination in the world of music and their chemistry coupled with outstanding singers will surely create magic on screen.”

    Said FremantleMedia India business head Vidyuth Bhandary, “The global phenomenon of the Idol format — launched in 52 territories worldwide and rated as the No 1 show 48 times — has been watched by half a billion viewers globally, making it one of the world’s most loved shows. We are proud of our strong partnership and collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India, and happy to announce the launch of the 9th season of Indian Idol. It’s been 12 years since the first season of Indian Idol was launched on SET making it the longest-running reality show in India with unprecedented participation.”

    The channel will soon bring back all its iconic shows such as — KBC and Dus Ka Dum.

    “Indian Idol has been a torch-bearer of sorts in terms of the non-fiction programming slate for Sony, and has proved to be a war-horse when it comes to TVR numbers. Thus, it’s great news for Sony that the show is making a return after a rather long hiatus and what’s better is that they have gone back to the earlier panel of judges, which allows the audience to find an instant connect from the word go. What’s worked for the show earlier is the platform that it has provided for stars of the future, but the fact that the show wasn’t around for four years has allowed other shows like ‘The Voice’ to create ample room for competition. It will be a great battle to be witnessed between Indian Idol’s return along with a new format in Colors’ Rising Star on the small screen in the coming days,” said a senior media planner.