MUMBAI: After receiving an overwhelming response for Idea Jalsa Music for the Soul which is currently being aired on Doordarshan, Art and Artistes co-founders Durga Jasraj and Vikram Shankar have taken the initiative of popularizing Indian music one step ahead. The duo along with Indian Music Academy (IMA) are presently helming a national level talent hunt as an extension to this ongoing music series 

After skimming through talents across cities like Chandigarh, Kolkata, Chennai and Bhopal, the search now comes to Mumbai.

There may not be long serpentine queues like we see in reality shows, but the response so far has been modest says Art and Artistes director Durga Jasraj, "The response was quite reassuring – in addition, the quality of participants was exceptional – that makes a lot of difference," she adds.

Till now, the televised series Idea Jalsa showcased performances of stalwart and upcoming musicians from the Indian classical scene. However, the national level talent hunt opens doors for all - from singers to instrumentalists across genres like Sufi, Folk, Ghazal, Qawali, Hindustani and Carnatic music, "At least vocalist get a chance through various means, but instrumentalist don't always get a stage to showcase their talent," reasons Jasraj.

As far as numbers go, around 190 participants auditioned from Chandigarh, 250 from Bhopal and 120 from Kolkatta. "Not only did we get response from the cities where we held these auditions, but many participants from far-off cities travelled to these venues," she says. The national level talent is open for participants between 5-45 years 

Out of the thousands that have auditioned, 18 particiapnts from six zones will be chosen for the mega final that are scheduled to take place in Mumbai on 11 & 12 December 2009. Pt. Rattan Mohan Sharma, Sitar maestro Niladri Kumar and Durga Jasraj will be judging this show. There will be no SMS voting.

However, not one, but six winners from across the genres will be chosen, "We want to open it for as many people as possible," says Jasraj. The finalists will be featured on a national platform along with several Indian young and senior maestros.

As far as prizes go, there are no fancy album deals – the winners of this hunt stand to win music scholarship. "We will be offering scholarships for one year to the winners to study music. In addition, they will also get an opportunity for review performances. If they excel, we'll give them a scholarship for another three years," she adds. Needless to say, it is better to learn music first than release album in haste 

For those interested in auditions: Mumbai, 31 Oct Mehboob Studio, Bandra (West) and Indian Medical Association Hall, Ambazari Road, Dharampeth Nagpur on November 7, 2009. 9 am onwards.

For more info visit: www.imaindia.in

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