Searching for a new voice

Voice of Bangalore Phase III took off on a sound note, a pleasant one at that, marked as it was by the release of song album of the Kannada film Manassu, at Garuda Mall on Saturday night.

The shoppers and those who simply chose to hang out at the mall were treated to an evening of choicest of Kannada and Hindi songs.

Shakti Mohapatra, winner of Voice of Bangalore Phase I, and Santosh, winner of Voice of Bangalore Phase II sang on the occasion, setting the tone for yet another hunt for the best among Bangalore's young voices.

Shakti opened the evening with Nanu Neenu, later he and Santosh sang Manasiruve from Manassu. Shakti and Aishwarya teamed up for Kuch Kash Hai from Fashion and there was a solo by Shakti, Masakali from Delhi 6. 

Shakti, a software professional with Wipro was auditioned at the Wipro campus.

This techie, who spent a better part of his spare time composing music, was egged on by his friends to sign up for Voice of Bangalore Phase I and sure enough this young man struck gold in his first attempt. “This is my first stint with the Kannada film industry and I would love to sign up for more movies if good offers come by,” Shakti told Metrolife.

The talent hunt which is slated to run from August 1 to October 10 will be held at several colleges in the City including MES, National College and Jain College. The IT crowd will also be among the contestants.

The auditions will begin from August 3 and will be spread across the City. About 400 people can give auditions per week and 10 will be shortlisted. The chosen few will be later picked up as playback singers.

“This is a launch pad for aspiring singers who wish to make a career in the music industry,” said director Yograj Bhat.  

There will be two winners every week, one male and one female. Eight participants will be chosen from among the competitions held in various colleges and companies across the City.

The chosen finalists will battle it out on October 10. The winners will win a Maruthi A star, diamond jewellery from Gili, a laptop and other branded merchandise.