Hyderabad, June 22, 2013: Doordrashan (DD) in association with SPIC MACAY is launching a national-level reality show of classical music, where young musicians will display their talent and vie for the top prize.

Known as ‘Naad Bhed’ at national-level and altered as ‘Naada Sudha’ for regional rounds, the contest will have two major categories, namely Hindustani and Carnatic, with three subcategories Vocal, Instrumental and Accompanist in each.

Sharing the details at a press conference on Friday, Deputy Director of the Doordarshan-Sapthagiri channel Shailaja Suman said the contestants for the national rounds will be selected from 20 centres across the country, through various preliminary rounds.

Twenty-four contestants will be initially chosen for each category, out of which eight candidates will be short-listed for regional finals.

“The first round at regional level will be just about performance, while the subsequent rounds will test the candidates for their knowledge in music,” Ms. Shailaja Suman said.

The auditions may begin in August which could be telecast on Sapthagiri channel from September onwards, she added.

Prize money

Winners will be chosen from each of the six categories, and given prize money of Rs. 3lakh each apart from awards named after stalwarts.

Overall best performers in Carnatic and Hindustani categories will each receive a cash reward of Rs.10 lakh.

Those who wish to apply should send in their bio-data in prescribed format along with a CD of the music recording in the chosen category.

Biodata of the teacher and a recommendation letter from him or her validating the number of years of learning, and another recommendation from a person known to the applicant must accompany the application. Participation fee of Rs.150 should be paid through a demand draft drawn in favour of SPIC MACAY, payable at New Delhi.

Application forms may be downloaded from the website www.spicmacay.com/naadbhed, or obtained from any of the Doordarshan or All India Radio centres. Filled in forms along with all required documents should reach Naad Bhed, C/o SPIC MACAY, 41/42, Lucknow Road, Delhi-110054, on or before June 30. For more details about participation, one may contact 9490037479.