‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ to make ZEE TV return in May

ZEE TV is leaving no stone unturned in promoting its huge property ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – Challenge 2007′ when it returns with a bang next weekend.

There has been much speculation on judges, hosts and even the format since ex-producer Gajendra Siingh left to join the STAR camp. But we have all the details…

The attempt with this new series is to take the show globally with contestants being shortlisted from various countries including the UK, US, UAE, South Africa and Pakistan.

The show’s tagline will be “Sangeet ka pratham vishwayudh” (The biggest musical challenge).

Business head of ZEE TV said; “Gajendra Siingh was part of the team that developed both the formats, but we are the creators and the platform and will continue to remain as that.” Shaan who has been the host of the show up until now will front STAR Plus’ own ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ show, which will be produced by Gajendra Siingh.

The new series will be fronted by Udit Narayan’s son Aditya Narayan and the will be produced by Gyan Shahai, who supposedly worked closely with Siingh during his tenure at ZEE.

The five judges confirmed for the show are Ismail Darbar, Bappi Lahiri, Himesh Reshamiya, Vishal and Shekhar.

Goenka believes that a a distinction in the format had to be made and therefore the introduction of international participants. The show is surely looking to attract more eyeballs globally. The show will divide the contestants into groups of six, each mentored by one guru and special guests on the show that will shortlist the finalists, the first among the guests judges will be Asha Bhosle.

ZEE Network has teamed up with India’s ‘Big FM’ to promote the upcoming series and online portal rediff.com. There will also be an additional show on sister station ZEE Muzic, which will air exclusive behind the scenes content.

Incidentally, the weekend ZEE TV launches ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa – Challenge 2007’, Sony Entertainment Television Asia will be introducing the third series of its musical talent show ‘Indian Idol 3’! There is certainly going to be a huge battle for eyeballs on Bank Holiday weekend. Who will be crowned the ultimate winner… we’ll let you know in due course!

‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa ��� Challenge 2007’ will air Saturdays and Sundays at 20:00 on ZEE TV UK.