Close Up 1 2012
Audition round begins with a bang
After four years, the audition round of the much hyped musical talent hunt, ‘Close Up 1 2012’, began on September 9 at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), Dhaka.
Mohammadpur Government Physical Training College was brimming with aspiring talents, numbering not less than 26,747, at the preliminary selection round that began on September 3.
The 72 candidates, who got the ‘YES’ cards in the preliminary round, faced the judges Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, Fahmida Nabi and Partha Barua at BFDC.
The judges of preliminary selection include noted music composers Shujeo Shyam, Anup Bhattacharjee, Jajal Ahmed, Anisur Rahman Tonu, Md. Shanewaz, and Partha Majumder
among others.
“We are auditioning the young talents and I find it rather intriguing that most of the singers are rendering the melodious songs of yesteryears. It is often said that
the young are gradually leaning towards western songs and are missing out on the songs of the golden era of the country. But this has so far proved wrong. We noticed
that the first choice among the competitors is still music from that era. This is followed by folk songs ranging from Lalon and more. Songs of Bangladeshi bands are
quite popular as well,” said Anisur Rahman Tonu.
Md. Shahnewaz said that the aspiring singers who are doing well, mostly have a solid background in institutional training. “I am convinced that young singers are
taking music seriously and they are aiming to attain goals through a training process, and not aiming to reach the top by a stroke of luck,” he said.
“I hope these young voices will enrich our music industry,” added Shanewaz.
After the audition round in Dhaka, preliminary selections will be held in Chittagong, Comilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Kushtia, Khulna and Barisal. The
preliminary rounds for expatriate Bangladeshis will be held for the first time in USA, UK, Canada, UAE and Australia.
This year ‘Close Up 1’ is being directed by executive producer of ntv, Alfred Khokon. Producer of ntv, Kazi Mohammad Mustafa, is the Line Producer of the talent hunt
RJ Sayem and former ‘Close Up 1’ contestant Putul will emcee the programme.
This year’s theme is “Shopno Shadhona Shahoshey Gao Atmobishshashey”. Organised by Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, the title winner will receive Taka 10 lakh and a brand new
car while first and second runners up will be given Taka 5 and 3 lakh respectively.
-With The Daily Star input
