AR Rahman and Phat Phish, an integrated entertainment and communications company, have joined hands to launch a reality show, The Big Band on Doordarshan. The show aims to find not one but a few bands from across the subcontinent that thrive on originality and give them a mainstream release.

This show is based on an indigenous format and will provide a platform for nurturing and building musical talent across languages and the broad genres of ethnic, regional and contemporary music. Spanning the seven Asian countries of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka, this reality show aims to create Indian television and web cast history by all measures of budget, viewer ship, regional breadth and diversity.

The show will be presented as a combination of a travelogue and a reality show  through Rahman’s eyes as he journeys across fifteen cities of India in search of new talent.The show will be set in the studio and outdoors.

Rahman says, “We are really excited to expose the hidden talent in these places, especially India.”

According to industry sources, the show is pegged to be worth $10 million. Beginning in the first week of  December, the show will be aired in the prime time slot.

The last date for receipt of applications from aspiring contestants is November 15, 2008. The show will not only focus on music but will have a humane angle to it as well. The lives of the contestants and their families will also be showcased.

The winner band will be awarded a three year recording contract with Phat Phish Records. This will include end-to-end artist management, three albums and six music videos, tours and concerts across the world and mentoring from leading musicians. The top bands will also get prizes (including cash) worth Rs 1 crore, awarded proportionately through a pyramid structure.