Health, Mind, Beauty and Relations: India, Pakistan battle it out

Thursday, December 6, 2012

India, Pakistan battle it out

    For the first time, Indian television witnesses a music reality show that has not only been shot outside the country, but also features two of the most musical countries of the sub-continent — India and Pakistan. Shot in Dubai — that’s to make it as unbiased as possible — the main objective of Sur Kshetra is to discover the best singer.
The show, produced by Sahara One and co-produced by Saaibaba Telefilms, is simulcast on Colors
and Sahara One every Saturday and Sunday at 7.30 pm, as well as on Geo Tv in Pakistan, UAE and other parts of the world. Gajendra Singh of Saaibaba Telefilms has been a pioneer in the music reality show business — he has given audiences classic shows like Sa Re Ga Ma, Antakshari, Music Ka Maha Muqabla, Chhote Ustaad, Voice of India and several others.
    Six contestants were chosen from each country after auditions. Not only have these gifted contestants performed well on the show, some have also got breakthroughs in the film industry.
    Aman Trikha, a contestant who is an engineer by profession, has sung for Akshay Kumar in the title track of OMG Oh My God! and for Salman Khan in Po Po from Son Of Sardaar. His voice can also be heard in Akshay Kumar’s next film, Khiladi 786. Yashraj Kapil, another contestant who has been a music enthusiast from the time he was four years old, has lent his voice for movies like 1920: The Evil Returns and Khiladi 786. The contestants have also performed at various shows across the country and even at the Goa International Film Festival.
    Indian contestants are mentored and led by singer/music director/ actor Himesh Reshammiya, while their Pakistani counterparts are mentored by singer Atif Aslam.
    The pressure to excell often results in harsh exchanges between the contestants and sometimes, even among the two captains. Actress Ayesha Takia, the show’s host, is often seen playing the mediator. The responsibility of judging are in the competent hands of Asha Bhosle from India, Abida Parveen from Pakistan and Runa Laila from Bangladesh, with Laila bringing a neutral point of view to the show.
    Sur Kshetra has a unique elimination process. A great performance is given a score of 10, while a good, average and bad performance will all fetch a zero.
    The show not only captures the passion and love for music in both countries, but is also a treat for viewers. The teams will be in Indore on December 6 to perform on the occasion of the 25th marriage anniversary of Kishore Wadhwani, the CMD of Dainik Dabang Duniya.