MUMBAI: Out of the 20 talented contestants that were handpicked for the singing reality show - ‘The Stage’, few contestants could get an opportunity to work with Universal Music India and EMI Records India, revealed Universal Music Group and EMI Music, South Asia, MD and chief executive officer, Devraj Sanyal, during the launch of 'The Stage' at Hard Rock Cafe.

Sanyal said, "I might probably sign few contestants, because they are so talented." One of the show's contestants has also landed a song in an OST of a Hollywood project that is slated to release in 2016. Yet another contestant has signed a deal with EMI Records India and Sanyal revealed that the contestant "will be hopefully launched in January-February."

Sanyal, who happens to be one of the judges on the show, added that the label will put in all its might to take all the handpicked contestants from the show, including winner, to a new level which includes giving them A-list treatment and media coverage. "As far as the label is concerned, we intend to take this very seriously," he added.

The show, which is hosted by Shibani Dandekar, has also roped in music director-Vishal Dadlani, singer/actress- Monica Dogra and musician -Ehsaan Noorani as the judges for the first-ever home grown English singing show.

Talking about the show, Noorani said, “I am enthralled by the discovery of such priceless, hidden talent that exists within India. Without getting the right platform, it gets difficult for them to reveal themselves. With 'The Stage' I am ecstatic to showcase the best of English talent from across the country.”

Dogra averred, “I firmly believe that India needs an artist that has something to say and an identity of his or her own.”

“‘The Stage’ is something that every independent artist in this country had been waiting to happen. This is going to redefine music in this country,” stated Dadlani.

'The Stage' will feature 20 contestants – Alisha Pais, Kenishaa Francis, Rimi Nique, Kamakshi Khanna, Malsawmi Renthlei, Abhijit Gupta, Abner D’souza, Sylvester Pradeep, Kamakshi Rai, Soundarya Jayachandran, Anushka Shahaney, Yatharth Ratnum, Aditya Narayan, Nihal Shetty, Isheeta Chakrvarty, Tshering Bhutia, Rupin Pahwa, Grace Maureen, Kimatsung Jamir and Nirupan Sinha, competing to make it big in the music industry.

The channel has rolled out a 360 degree marketing plan with extensive campaign on its digital and on-ground platforms. The show is being promoted on other network channels and brands of Viacom 18, including MTV, Vh1, INS and Live properties.

‘The Stage’, which is produced by SOL, is presented by Renault and powered by Truly Madly. It will premiere on Colors Infinity on 10 October, 2015 at 9 pm.