Doordarshan is launching an new music based reality show, The Big Band. Hosted by A R Rahman, the show is produced by Phat Phish, an integrated entertainment and communications company.
Beginning in the first week of December, the show will be aired in the prime time slot. The objective of the reality show will be the hunt for the biggest music band, and thus he show will be a combination of a travelogue and a reality show, set in the studio and outdoors. The show will encompass a pan Asia hunt. Apart from India, it will also go to Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. Based on an indigenous format, this hunt aims to provide a platform for nurturing talent across different genres of ethnic, regional and contemporary music. The winner band will be awarded a three year recording contract with Phat Phish Records. This will include end-to-end artist management, three albums and six music videos, tours and concerts across the world and mentoring from leading musicians. The top bands will also get prizes (including cash) worth Rs 1 crore, awarded proportionately through a pyramid structure. The last date for receipt of applications from aspiring contestants is November 15, 2008. The show will not only focus on music but will have a humane angle to it as well. The lives of the contestants and their families will also be showcased. A R Rahman will be the sutradhaar of this travelogue, which will traverse the journey across 15 Indian cities through his eyes. A R Rahman says, "The Big Band is a unique stage that will give local bands a chance to dive deep into their true artistic depth and create original music, which transcends language and that is universally accessible. We want to present to India and the world at large the story behind what forms and binds a band and how they can be mentored to become world class talent." Phat Phish will refrain from following the format of other reality shows – instead of launching the popular SMS voting and inviting celebrity judges, they will invite common people like homemakers and teenagers to judge the show. Phat Phish has tied up with many popular music channels, which will showcase the promotional videos of the contest. Though Harish denied that the show would be on the lines of Channel V Launch Pad, he admitted that one or two elements would be similar. Anand Surapur, chairman, Phat Phish, says, "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. We have constantly endeavored to promote music that emote the sounds which are heartbeat of India. This band hunt is our next step in this direction." http://www.televisionpoint.com/news2008/newsfullstory.php?id=1224074260 -- regards, Vithur ARR in my Heart; His Music in my Blood;
