A girl takes part in a solo singing competition at Sur Tal organised by Bhairavi. Picture by Ashok Karan

Ranchi, Dec. 11: If a boy next door like Abhijeet Sawant can turn into an overnight star, thanks to the Indian Idol show, so can Ranchi youths.

It was with this in mind that Bhairavi, an organisation involved in the promotion of performing arts, started auditions today for Sur Taal, a singing contest aimed at giving a national platform to city singers.

The contest will see one winner being sent to Mumbai.

The winner will be given a chance to perform with music director Vivek Asthana.

Today?s turnout was a decent one with over 100 wannabe stars coming in from various parts of the capital to try their luck.

As Sandeep Sinha, the president of Bhairavi, said: ?Our attempt is to bring forth the hidden talent in the capital. There are surely people here who are even better singers than the participants of Indian Idol or Sa Re Ga Ma.

?We have appointed able and talented judges of the likes of K.C Sinha, Shyamanand Jha and Veena Shree, all artistes of the All India Radio, to test their talent. May the best person win,? he added.

The participants have the freedom to sing any song, from traditional to folk to modern.

The competition has been divided into three phases: the first round, second round and the grand finale. The final round will see 10 people performing at the Jaipal Singh Stadium on December 29. One winner will be chosen from among them.

The participants looked enthusiastic about the show.

Shaheen, a student of the St. Xavier?s College, said: ?It is a golden opportunity for upcoming singers like us. Now we too have got a chance to be among the best in the business.?

?I have worked hard for this and should be selected. My ambition is be a playback singer for Aishwarya Rai,? she added.