Zee ropes in Alisha to judge SYR alongsite Anu

Following strong statements to the press by music director Anu Malik about wanting to be the sole judge on Zee TV's celebrity singing reality show 'Star Ya Rockstar', the channel has gone ahead and roped in glamorous pop icon and playback singer Alisha Chinai to co-judge the show along with him. With a colorful history of harassment allegations between the two and an equally interesting patch-up a few years later, Alisha makes for a truly intriguing choice as Anu's co- judge!

While it remains to be seen how Anu reacts to Alisha's entry as co-judge, the 'Made In India' maiden expressed great excitement at being signed on for the position. "I have judged reality shows before where I've been called upon to spot superlative singing talent amongst the masses. But this is my very first opportunity to judge people who are full-fledged celebrities in their own right and recognised and loved as actors. I am told each of the actors is genuinely passionate about music and not roped in merely on the basis of their star power. I am sure I'll enjoy the experience of seeing an all-new dimension to their personalities as they present their hidden talent of singing."

When asked if she is worried about Anu resenting her presence on the show, Chinai clarified, "I am aware of Anu wanting to be the sole judge ... but that's between him and the channel. When Zee approached me to judge the show, I am sure they were clear what they wanted me to bring to the table. As a professional, I am here to live up to my commitment. I have no qualms about co-judging the show with Anu, let's hope we can both handle this maturely without getting into each other's hair!"

While the show has roped in a second judge, it has also added to its kitty of celebrity contestants. Joining the ranks of Ragini Khanna, Neha Marda, Mansi Parekh, Sumeet Raghavan, Sachin Pilgaonkar and Chhavi Mittal are actors, Vikas Bhalla and Debina Bonnerji.

While Vikas is remembered most for his tryst with Bollywood in the 90's, he was last seen in Zee TV's Sanjog Se Bani Sangini. Buzz has it that Anu Malik is already extremely impressed with his vocal style and range of expressions in the course of the grooming sessions for the show. Debina who lent her own natural innocence and nobility to Sita will regale the audience with her singing skills as the show premieres on Saturday, October 8 at 8:30 PM, only on Zee TV.