Not going the tried and tested way, the new reality show on Zee Kalinga promises to offer viewers a concept that has never been seen in the history of Odia television. Mr and Miss Kalinga, a one-of-its-kind show, has set the stage for the young participants to not just showcase their special talents but also explore various facets of their personalities.
Being judged by the young and bubbly actress, Prakriti Mishra, locking and popping sensation Harihar Dash and Director, Prelude Sanu Rath, the show, which completed its audition rounds, is now ready with its top 14 contestants, selected from four major cities of the state - Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Rourkela and Balasore.
While the audition rounds garnered viewers’ interest across the state thanks to the interesting interaction between the contestants and judges which also had a fair dose of humour in it, what lies in store for the top 14 is a mixed bag of contests that will put to test their talents, communication skills, IQ, general knowledge and even mental strength. The show, for the first time, will have rounds similar to fear factor challenges.
In the words of Sanu, ‘’this is a personality based show where we are focusing beyond special skills and talents. The top 14 will therefore be made to go through different challenges which cannot be revealed now but I can assure you it will be even more interesting than the audition rounds.’’
Prelude, in fact, is also producing the show. ‘’This is our first reality show on Zee Kalinga and I am very happy with the way it is shaping up. From the sets to the crew, everything is great,’’ he adds.
All the three judges, in fact, feel extremely involved with the show and add different dimensions to the show. If Prakriti adds youth power and glamour to the show, Harihar is talent personified while Sanu is known for his wit and intelligence.
Like Upasana, one of the top 14 from Rourkela and also the youngest in the show, says, ‘’The judges are our real encouragement. When I auditioned, I thought my USP was acting but with the kind of contests the judges have planned ahead, I think I will be able to explore myself in other aspects too. And trust me, this is one show where even if you are a jack of all trades and master of none, you can be a winner.’’
Upasna, who is studying in Class 12, also feels this is one of the most organised reality shows on television today. ‘’They are shooting with HD camera and the set is grand. Very impressive crew as well,’’ she adds. The excitement is for sure not limited to the participants. Says Prakriti, ‘’I am so happy that at such a young age I have got a chance to be a judge on a show like this. Since all the participants are young, I can very well relate with them. It’s been a great journey so far thanks to these talents and my co-judges and I am looking forward to some nail-biting competition in the months ahead.’’
On a similar note, Harihar says he has been bowled over by the budding talents he has seen in the show so far. ‘’We have selected the best of the lot. There are singers, dancers, magicians, actors, models and I am just waiting to see them perform as the show progresses,’’ he quips.
Of course, with such high expectations, pressure is also mounting for the contestants. Says Swarupraj Panda, a trained dancer and an engineering student from Bhubaneswar, ‘’I had never planned to be a part of the show but after being selected in the top 14, I can feel both the excitement and pressure as there are a lot of challenging rounds ahead from group discussions to talent display.’’
Similarly, Ahmed Khan, an MBA student and upcoming model adds the show will become really tough from now on. ‘’There are seven boys and seven girls and the judges are hunting for a brain, beauty and talent package. I am preparing hard for the rounds ahead,’’ he explains.
With every passing week, an increasing number of viewers are getting hooked to the show, which will also see some celebrities from Ollywood making special appearances in the coming weeks. No wonder, the channel is more than happy.
‘’Personally, this is my favourite show on Zee Kalinga as it has directly dared to target the youth.
The youth of Odisha is evolved, unabashed and cool. No one has tried to explore them. I am glad we did and hope to pleasantly shock the Odia viewers,’’ concludes Arjya Pattnaik, Programming Head, Zee Kalinga. The show is being aired from 9.30 to 10.30 pm on Zee Kalinga every Sunday.