Impressive response as Darj 'Rising Star' auditions begin

SNS, DARJEELING, 1 APRIL 2018: The much awaited auditions for the 'Rising Star' singing and dancing contest organized by the Darjeeling Police finally kicked off to a gala start here yesterday.

While the audition round for the junior and senior dancing categories was held at the Gymkhana Club, the junior and senior categories for singing started at the Capitol Hall. Police said such auditions also began in Rangli-Rangliot, Kurseong, Mirik and Pul- Bijanbari, and that more such auditions would take place at Jorebunglow, Lodhama, Sukhia Pokhari, Mungpoo and Panighatta. With Kalimpong being another district now the auditions will also be held for areas under it soon after a venue is fixed.

"We want to create- a good relationship with the public and we have received a good response, with many good participants coming in from remote areas also for the auditions. Till now, we have a already got about 4480 participants with the forms still being distributed in Kalimpong. We may have somewhere around 5,000 participants in total." Inspector General of Police Manoj Verma said.

"This is also a positive symbol that Darjeeling is getting back to normal (after last year's agitation).Tourists also seem to know about this programme and they are also getting a taste of normality here. We thank the people for showing eagerness and enthusiasm in participating in the talent hunt contest," he added.

The event format has been categorized under juniors (from 10 to 17 years of age) and seniors (18 to 32 years) for both dancing and singing categories, while one winning the first prize under the junior category in singing and dancing will get Rs 1,50,000 each, the second position will get Rs 1 lakh, while the third will be given Rs 50,000.

Similarly, in the senior category. the first prize is Rs 2,50,000 followed by Rs 2 lakh, while the third prize is Rs 50,000.with prizes being also given to contestants who make it to the top 10, the total amount that is being distributed as prize money is Rs 26.44 lakh.

Alter the auditions, selected participants will have to go through different performing grounds and only 10 will be selected for the grand finale in each category. With the dates of the finals yet to be declared (but expected to take place in the end of April), celebrities are also expected to attend the programme.

"We will have two rounds of the audition level here, along with other places, where screening for the second round is being done, which

will be held on 7-8 April. Sixty persons will be selected in each category which will again be short listed to 30, and finally 10 will be chosen for the finals which will be held at Chowrasta. We are also trying to rope in celebrities to make an appearance in the Finals," Darjeeling SP (Operations) Amarnath K said.

A contestant, 15-year-old Akanksha Lama, who performed a Nepali dance said, "We watch such contests on TV, but sadly we cannot participate. This competition has given us a platform to showcase our talent. It is a motivating experience, while it prepares us for bigger programmes if we get the opportunity in the future."