MUMBAI: Mitti Ke Sitare, India’s first musical reality show for underprivileged kids between 7-15 years, is pleased to announce their top 18 semi-finalists. Shortlisted from 1187 MCGM and slum schools of Mumbai, they will now get an opportunity to introduce themselves at the Grand Finale on 22 June, 2019. The semi-finalists, specially handpicked after extensive rounds of auditions, are immensely gifted singers in both the spheres of vocal and instrumental music.

Mitti Ke Sitare is a social initiative by renowned social activist and Vice President-Corporate Head with Axis Bank, Amruta Fadnavis organized by Divyaj Foundation, in association with MPower Foundation, to provide a platform for the hidden talents across indigent areas of Mumbai. To conduct this social welfare project, Divyaj Foundation associated with 1187 MCGM schools to connect, identify and select children from the underprivileged sector - those who are blessed with talent but lack resources to improve themselves.

The Talent Hunt had three rounds of auditions, which involved scouting for the best from a massive artistry pool of 1.2 lakh BMC and Slum school children across Mumbai. For Round one, a total of 6000 students were identified to participate and upload their recorded audios or entries on the servers provided to these respective schools. 527 students out of 6000 participants were selected for the second round.

In round two, 54 students were selected by the board of evaluators appointed by Divyaj Foundation.

These 54 students selected in round two were further evaluated in round 3 and subsequently the finest 18 gems have been selected to perform against each other at the grand finale which will be judged by renowned people from the musical fraternity.

These eighteen students are now undergoing three months special musical training and grooming session in Mumbai, under the guidance of professionals – Shankar Mahadevan Academy for vocal training, holistic fitness training by Mickey Mehta, mental health training from Mpower and other trainings to prepare them for the grand finale where they will get a chance to perform on stage with renowned artists of the music industry.

The Foundation will be honing, polishing and presenting these 18 contestants to the global audience by providing them a platform to perform and giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent to the world.

Speaking on the occasion, Amruta Fadnavis said, “These children have the talent, they have the fire in the belly, desire to excel but they lack resources which we will provide them and help them to realize their dreams.”