Sony TV confirms ‘X Factor’ show details

Sony Entertainment Television Asia has confirmed details of its new talent show, the ‘X Factor’.

First up, Sony TV has confirmed singer Sonu Nigam as its first main judge, with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and musician Sanjay Leela Bhansali also reported to be on the panel.

The channel’s plans to rope in Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor have been ditched as reports suggest that the show would have gone over budget if they had Rishi a part of the line-up too.

Aditya Narayan has been confirmed as the show’s host. He has previously hosted rival channel, ZEE TV’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’.

Like the UK version of the show, the Indian adaptation will also have three categories – 16���25 years, above 25 years, and individual groups. Candidates will be screened for their singing talent, attitude and star quality.

Sony TV’s Programming Head Ajay Bhalwankar said, “As pioneers of reality programming we are delighted to announce that Sony will be hosting the biggest singing reality show on Indian television. X Factor is the greatest platform for gifted singers and performers coming from any and every background what so ever. It is a show, where an ordinary Indian can fulfill his dream and aspiration of achieving an extraordinary position.”

The initial process is underway with auditions taking place in seven Indian cities ��� Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Indore, Delhi, Mumbai and Nagpur.

The ‘X Factor’ launches after the ‘Indian Premier League’, which is being shown on sister channel, MAX in India.

“We will use IPL to promote the show. It is the biggest platform to promote anything. Right now we are just focusing on creating awareness about auditions, while in the later stage the campaign will focus on building the brand X Factor and the promotions,” Sony TV Marketing Head Danish Khan said.