MUMBAI: Artist Aloud, a platform by Hungama that supports and promotes independent music and Khazana, an annual concert that celebrates the brilliance of ghazals, today announced the first-ever talent hunt for ghazal singers in India – ‘Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt’. This unique, pan-India contest seeks to amalgamate the magic of ghazals with the technology and reach of Artist Aloud to enable aspiring singers, irrespective of their age, be a part of the magnificent art of ghazal singing. The talent hunt will give two winners an exclusive chance to perform at the Khazana concert on 27 and 28 July 2018 with the greatest ghazal singers India has ever seen including Pankaj Udhas, Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Bhupinder Singh, Mitali Singh, among others.

The participants will be judged by an esteemed jury that includes Pankaj Udhas, Rekha Bhardwaj and Sudeep Banerjee. In order to participate, aspirants can log on to the microsite and upload a video of them singing a ghazal of their choice, before 31st May 2018. Following this, ten shortlisted candidates would be required to perform on a song of the jury’s choice and upload their videos again. The two final winners will be given an opportunity to perform at ‘Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals’ in the august company of ghazal legends.

Speaking about the talent hunt, Soumini Sridhara Paul, Vice President, Artist Aloud, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are elated to partner with Khazana and embark on a journey to find the most talented ghazal singers in India. Over the years, Khazana has carved a niche for itself as a platform for established and upcoming ghazal singers. Through the synergies between Khazana and Artist Aloud, we’ll be able to provide a platform to deserving voices and get them the recognition they deserve. We are certain that the talent hunt will give budding ghazal singers an opportunity to showcase their skills and be a part of the biggest celebration of ghazals in the country.”

Speaking about the talent hunt, Pankaj Udhas said, “Since its inception, Khazana has always aimed to help people discover the beauty and grandeur of ghazals. With Khazana Artist Aloud Talent Hunt, we wish to open the stage to a host of talent that is yet to be discovered. I am certain that Khazana’s legacy will inspire young talent to come forward and Artist Aloud’s digital expertise and reach will make it easier for them to participate. I am excited to be a part of a unique talent hunt and look forward to hearing fresh voices from across the country.”  

Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals was founded by legendary ghazal singer and President, Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust, Pankaj Udhas and Y.K. Sapru, Chairman and CEO, Founder Director, Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) with the support of ghazal maestros Talat Aziz and Anup Jalota. Currently in its 17th year, Khazana has excelled in presenting a melodic mix of exquisite poetry and soulful compositions rendered by both, new and established ghazal singers of the country in an ambience that transports ghazal lovers to a land of pure bliss. All proceeds from the festival go to the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT) and Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).