Classical renditions would throw a challenge to talent shows beaming dance or music competitions on the telly, as Doordarshan and Spic Macay have teamed up to provide a platform to promote Indian classical compositions.

The reality show — Naad Bhed: The Mystery of Sound — based on Hindustani and Carnatic classical music would be judged by doyens of the art forms.

Vivek Sinha, the national executive of Spic Macay, said: “The reach of Doordarshan will create an impact among the youth, as it is the only audio-visual medium in rural areas. The show would be telecast on DD National and DD Bharti.”

The maximum age for participation is 26 years as on July 31, 2013. The applicants should have a formal training in classical music for at least four years under a trainer.

“The applications will be shortlisted and sent to 20 regional centres of Doordarshan across the country. Among these, 480 will be shortlisted for the first round. The chosen participants will be informed through text messages and phone calls,” said Vivek.

In each category, the winner would receive Rs 10 lakh. Each section has been further divided into vocal, instrumental and accompanist. For the second round, which would be judged by local artistes, 240 youths will be shortlisted. For the third round, 100 participants will be chosen. The participants of Hindustani classical music will be sent to Sangeet Research Academy, Calcutta, while those chosen for the Carnatic classical music will be sent to the Madras Music Academy, Chennai. Thirty-six participants would be shortlisted for the final round, scheduled to be held in Mumbai.

The final will be of two rounds. The first will be telecast in nine episodes featuring four contestants in each.The participants will be given five-and-a-half minutes to perform. Two minutes would be dedicated to a raag, 1.5 minutes for composition and two minutes for judge’s choice. Of 36 participants, 18 will be shortlisted for the second round of the final. The final round will be judged by veterans of classical music, including flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia, Carnatic music violinist T.N. Krishnan, santoor player Shiv Kumar Sharma, sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, singer Parveen Sultana and Carnatic vocalist T.V. Sankaranarayanan.