Sudeshna Sarkar
Indo-Asian News Service
"Nepal Star" is being organised by Nepal One, the Indian TV channel headed by Nalini Singh, with Nepal Lever`s Lux beauty soap being the main sponsor. The two-year-old channel in Nepalese says it is scouting for latent talent especially in the "underprivileged segment of society" who otherwise would have very little chance of getting a leg-up.
Nepalese have music in their blood, says Nina, coordinator of "Nepal Star". "While
"Walk into any school, college or office and say you want to organise a concert and five people will immediately stand up to volunteer. There is immense musical talent here but probably because they have been living with it, people here are not so conscious of it. But to outsiders like us, it is a revelation."
Less than a week after the contest was announced, applications started pouring in from all over
Applications can also be sent online via the contest`s website, www.nepalstaronline.com. The auditions start on Jan 3rd. The first round will be held in Biratnagar in the south, near the Indian border, the second in Pokhara in western
The winner gets music contracts and a Bollywood offer but Nina is not divulging the details immediately. "The winner gets to cut a CD which Nepal One will help market," she says. "The recording company is based in
The prize might not seem as glittering as the contract worth Rs.10 million with Sony Entertainment that "Indian Idol" is offering along with a recording contract with a major Indian music label but it is definitely a step towards stardom for aspirants in the poverty and insurgency-wracked country.
Besides, "Nepal Star" is also open to blind contestants, in keeping with Nepal One`s employment policy. In 2005, Nepal One is gearing up to launch many more events, including musical programmes, Nina said.
Indo-Asian News Service