Radio station comes up with reality show

With "reality shows" catching the fancy of youngsters on television, a slew of production houses are working earnestly to add another name to the string of such shows. And radio stations are not far behind. BIG 92.7 FM is the first one to jump on to the bandwagon by joining hands with the team of Omkara. The radio station will launch a reality show to select the hero of their next untitled film and this will be produced by Kumar Mangat and Anil Devgan will direct it. The jury members of the talent hunt are Raj Kumar Santoshi, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anurag Basu and Ajay Devgan.

After receiving applications from all over the country, Mangat's team is currently auditioning the shortlisted candidates. "The main purpose of telecasting a talent hunt on radio is to hide the identity of the upcoming superstar (though it's too early to give him that title)," said Vishal Mull, national creative director, BIG 92.7 FM.

Following the selection, "he" will undergo an intensive training which will be provided by the film's team. Only in mid-January will people get to see the face of the "hero". But the question arises whether it will be able to draw people's attention? "We are very optimistic about its success because of the novel concept and the star factor involved (jury members)," added Vishal.

But critics doubt the prowess of an actor selected from a talent hunt and believe that the whole exercise will be futile if an undeserving person walks away with the crown. Theatre guru Barry John said, "This is just a way to exploit the country's youth and mint money by playing with their ambitions. I don't think one can choose a talented actor through such shows."