Dubai, UAE, 27th December 2006: Zee TV held auditions for the second season of its immensely popular Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge 2007 on December 22-23 at the Dhow Palace Hotel, Dubai.

Billed as one of the longest running musical competitions in the history of 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, it has established itself as the most respected platform for building and grooming amateur singing talent in Asia.

The second season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge 2007 promises to be even more grand than the first season, with auditions already held in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE and to follow suit soon in Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion of the Dubai auditions, Rajeev Kheror, Creative and Programming Head, Zee TV Middle East said, "The second season of the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa - Middle East Challenge is set to carry forward the tradition of this great show. We have already produced singers such as Kunal Ganjawala and Shreya Ghoshal and hosts of the caliber of Shaan and Sonu Nigam. Now, we are intent on exploring the rich musical talent of the Middle East. The auditions in Dubai were very promising and I am sure we will be recruiting some talent from here".

Over two and a half thousand people lined up to get a chance to showcase their voice and musical talent in front of a panel of judges consisting of Rajeev Kheror and music maestros, Ajmal Ali Khan and Nadeem Ali Khan.

Commenting on the auditions, Ajmal Ali Khan said: "This is a good start. We already see an improvement in the quality of talent as compared to last year's auditions. In terms of evaluation criteria, we are really looking for four things -melody, rhythm, quality of voice, and confidence"

Of the hundreds of participants and their family members sitting in the waiting room, Mr. Dhanak Bharat's story was perhaps the most unique. His son has already participated in the show in the past and he now has high hope for his daughter Disha: "I never knew that my son was talented till he was selected to participate in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, and even though he did not win, I think that the show did a great job of giving him confidence to explore his music further. Today, I have come with my daughter Disha. I hope she is selected for the final rounds".

With the Dubai auditions completed in Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE, the Zee TV team is waiting for the auditions in Pakistan to finalise their list of shortlisted participants.

The filming of the show will take place in Dubai during mid January 2007 and the show will go to air shortly afterwards.

-Ends-

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