Auditions to be held in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan and UAE

Dubai, UAE, 13 December 2006: After the phenomenal success of the first season, Zee TV has now announced the second season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge, and plans to hold auditions in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Pakistan and UAE.

Billed as one of the longest running musical competitions in the history on television, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has become an increasingly international music phenomenon since its inception in 1995. Predating shows such as the American Idol, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa has established itself as the most respected platform for building and grooming amateur singing talent in Asia.

Singers such as Sonu Nigam, Shaan, Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Ghoshal have started their singing careers on the stage of this show and maestros such as Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Zakir Hussain have graced it with their presence as judges.

The second season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge will carry forward this tradition with an even wider pool of talent and auditions being held in five countries in the Middle East.

Yogesh Radhakrishnan MD & CEO, Real Media - Zee Network said: "Our entire team is very excited about this second season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. We are committed to exploring and developing the immense, un-exposed musical talent in this region. The response to our first season was overwhelming. Not only is the show popular amongst Asian audiences but even Arabic- speaking audiences have shown tremendous interest. Sa Ra Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge is one of our prime properties in terms of local programming here and it is completely in line with the increasing consolidation of the network in the region".

The auditions will be held over a two week period in all five countries. Of the thousands of entries, 32 participants will be short listed. The filming of the show will take place in Dubai during mid January 2007.

Rajeev Kheror, Creative and Programming Head, Zee TV Middle East said: "The ball is rolling for another music extravaganza. The response to the auditions is unbelievable. People are taking out time from their jobs to come and audition overall, the quality of the talent is even better than last time. Over time the concept of the show has matured. People realize the kind of talent they are up against and this has improved their own skills".

Interested individuals can still take part in the auditions by registering at the venues in Muscat on 15th December at Sohar Hall, Haffa House Hotel, in Bahrain on 16th December at Al Seef Hall, Al Safir Hotel, in Qatar on 17th December at Lubneh Room, Mercure Grand Hotel and in Dubai on 22nd and 23rd December at Dhow Palace Hotel.

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About Real Media - Zee Network
Real Media - Zee Network is the regional arm of Zee Network & Essel Group. It spearheads its activities in Middle East, Northern Africa & Pakistan. Real Media & Zee Network covers the entire media spectrum including television programming; satellite broadcasting; cable distribution; production & distribution of films; music publishing; theme parks; entertainment zones; multiplexes; long distance education and the creation of animation software.

The network today has an estimated reach of over 350 million viewers in over 120 countries including all major markets such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East, United Kingdom, United States of America, Africa, Caribbean Islands, Australia and Canada.

About Zee TV Middle East
Zee TV Middle East is one of the first Asian channels from the Indian Sub Continent to have a dedicated Middle East beam for its viewers in the Middle East and Pakistan. It caters to the vast diaspora of Indian sub-continent expats in the region. Zee TV is a general entertainment channel available of Pehla, E Vision and Qatar Cable. Apart from being a preferred Asian channel in many leading hotels and other Multiple Dwelling Units (MuDs). Zee TV's programming delivers a variety of choices for all segments of the audience, including primetime comedy and drama series, television movies, miniseries, theatrical films, specials, children's programs, daytime dramas, game shows, and late night shows. Zee has always believed in bringing innovative programming to its Middle East viewers. Since its inception the channel was brought ground-breaking programming like Gulf Pulse, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Middle East Challenge, Anthakshari Middle East Masti, and many more. Zee TV Middle East entertains 2.6 Million viewers in the G.C.C.

For more information, please contact:
Nadia Ejaz,
Bates PanGulf PR,
Tel: +971-4-295 3456;
Fax: +971-4-295 1027;
Cell: 050-245 7153
E-mail: nadia@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2006