Reality bug hits Filmy with Bathroom Singer

MUMBAI: Sahara One Media and Entertainment’s Hindi movie channel Filmy has come up with a new idea to attract the audiences with the launch of a reality singing show called Bathroom Singer.

The unique proposition of this show is that it’s not like the usual talent hunt shows where contestants have to know every ‘Sur’ and ‘Taal’. Instead it will be a reality show about ordinary people and their journey to stardom.

Bathroom Singer is a hunt for an untrained singer who can capture the hearts of millions with the unique combination of singing and the entertainment quotient or ‘jhaag’. Unlike other music reality shows where contestants above the age of 35 are not allowed to take part, Bathroom Singer is open to everyone with a voice and an attitude that turns the bathroom into a stage, every morning.

The auditions will be held on 24 July in Ahmedabad, 28 July in Delhi, 1 August in Kolkata and 5 August in Mumbai. A combination of jury and viewer voting will then decide the winner, who will walk away with a cash prize of Rs 2.5 million (Rs 25 lakhs).

So what makes Filmy, which is primarily a movie channel go into this kind of programming mix? Filmy content and marketing head Shailesh Kapoor says, “We at Filmy believe in making TV watching a fun experience. A show like Bathroom Singer will allow us to add extra spice to our channel. The very name of the show is reminiscent of fun element. I’m sure the audiences are going to have a great time watching this show.”

The show will be anchored by Gaurav Gera, best remembered as ‘Nandu’ from Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Gera says, “I have lost count of the number of times I have floored myself with my talent in my own bathroom mirror. I am sure there are hundreds and thousands of aspirants waiting to be discovered. This show, much like Filmy, is going to be a great celebration of very real but very ‘Filmy’ talent. I’m sure the masses will love it.”

The jury on the show will comprise well known names like Ravi Kissen and Shibani Kashyap. Speaking about her association with the show, Kashyap adds, “Bathroom Singer is a refreshingly original concept as it breaks the monotony of the traditional reality talent singing hunts in both its setting and the kind of natural and spontaneous talent it will unveil. I can’t wait to begin shooting for the show.”

The show will air by the end of August this year.