Indian television channel Zee TV is preparing to launch a new season of music reality show "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa" on September 19. The long-running programme would feature a 360-degree stage, over 100 musicians and an expanded chorus ensemble.
The entertainment channel unveiled the music show at a media event in Mumbai on Thursday; it will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 pm on Zee TV and stream on Hindi ZEE5.
According to the press release, the new season is themed "Hindustan Ka Sangeetsthan" and is aimed at celebrating the musical traditions from different parts of the country while expanding the scale of the singing reality format.
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The show will be hosted by actor Shreyas Talpade and playback singers Shankar Mahadevan, Kumar Sanu, Neeti Mohan and Javed Ali will serve as the musical gurus on the show.
According to Zee TV, the programme is designed to be conducted at the scale of a live concert, with the 360-degree stage being a first for an Indian music reality show and a live orchestra of more than 100 musicians and a chorus ensemble.
Ragahvendra Hunsur, Chief Content Officer, ZEE Limited, said the music franchise has been for nearly three decades and has maintained its focus on authentic music and talent.
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"This season, we wanted to go beyond creating another singing reality show and build a complete world dedicated to music. A new generation of contestants, rooted and real, guided by exceptional musical Gurus who nurture and shape their journeys. A hundred-piece orchestra that lets every voice sound as large as its dream," Hunsur said.
"This is not just where singers are discovered. It is where Indian music comes home," the official added.
The latest season, according to the makers, is poised to showcase musical traditions from different parts of India through performances by the contestants whilst maintaining musicianship and the diversity of Indian music at the heart of the show.
