| | | | Qazi Touqeer and Ruprekha Banerjee, last year's winners of Fame Gurukul | Fame Gurukul returns for a second season not on Sony, but SAB. Titled Fame X, it will be made hip with lots of emphasis not only the singing talent but also on the X factor (read: overall appeal) of the contestants.
"The reason why the show has been renamed Fame X," says Priya Mishra, programming head, SAB.
X-files
Slated to air from November, the various details of the show are being presently worked upon. As Sony has just launched a reality dance show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Fame X is being shifted to SAB, which is also a part of the Sony network.
Moreover, this move is also seen as a step to lure the young audience to SAB. "The channel is looking at building a younger audience with shows like Left Right Left. The X factor of the contestant will be given plenty of weight," says Vikas Bahl, business head, SAB.
"As Fame X is going slicker there will be a few modifications but the format basically remains the same," adds Mishra.
The power of 'One'
It is learnt that unlike last year where there were two winners (the Fame Jodi) there will only be a single winner. Besides the fat cash prize and other benefits, the Fame X winner will also be singing the cricket anthem of the Indian team during the ICC Champions Trophy. Crucial matches of the ICC Champions Trophy will also air on SAB.
New anchors
It is also learnt that there will be a fresh set of anchors as last year's hosts Manav Gohil and Mandira Bedi are busy. Gohil has his acting assignment besides Nach Baliye 2 on Star One while Bedi has a cricket season on Max. "We are looking at an anchor from the music world. "If the person is also a singer, it will add to the show," points out Mishra.
Apparently, the channel is in talks with leading playback singers to host the show.
In the last season, the Fame Gurukul had a headmistress, Ila Arun, and the judges included Javed Akhtar, Kay Kay and Shankar Mahadevan. There are likely to be changes on this front too.
Will last year's winning Fame Jodi, Qazi Touqeer and Ruprekha Banerjee be roped in? "Yes, may be for the initial episode," says Mishra. |
Debate Mansion
