Now why would anybody want to do that? Bring an average reality show on a channel, which is still trying to get a foothold in the satellite sky. But then we guess, it’s all about taking risks.
And so Sony’s sister channel SAB is bringing back Fame Gurukul but this time it will be called Fame-X, the ‘X’ standing for that much-abused quality, the Xfactor. So come November, and 14 aspirants shortlisted from auditions taken in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Lucknow will be trained in the ‘Academy’ or the ‘Gurukul’.
This time, the hunt will be for one singer who will also besides winning the moolah, get to sing a cricket anthem specially composed for the Indian team. But why not do a new show altogether?
Says Vikas Bahl, senior vice president and business head, SAB: “Because Fame Gurukul has the right mix of reality and the ability to scout talent. We want to build upon the existing brands and Fame Gurukul has more potential to do it. It also fits in well with the profile of our channel which is young and vibrant.”
X-factor was something even the judges of the Indian Idol harped on? So what exactly are they looking for? Says Priya Mishra, programming head, SAB: “Shah Rukh Khan is th biggest example with the ‘x’ quality. He doesn’t have the looks or the body, is just about talented yet is the biggest superstar today.”
The details about the gurus, hosts and jury is still under wraps though we hear talks are on with Daler Mehndi and Himesh Reshammiya to be the jury. Fame-X is a licensed adaptation of the Spanish reality show Operacion Triunfo.