File picture of an Odia reality show

Bhubaneswar, June 8: Several beauties from different regional backgrounds are bagging lead roles in Odia films.

This has created a certain dearth of Odia actresses and it can surely be felt in the film industry.

In a bid to spot new talents from the state, a reality show has been launched that aims to provide an opportunity to Odia girls across the state to join the industry.

Mu Bi Heroine Hebi (I can be a heroine), a one-of-its-kind show that has never been attempted in the film industry is meant to be a stepping-stone for aspiring actresses to make a mark on the silver screen.

Three male leads of Sarthak Entertainment Group’s next film Raghupati Raghava Rajaram will tour Odisha in search of their respective heroines.

Tentatively, the three actors are Member of Parliament and noted actor Siddhant Mohapatra, the very popular Sabyasachi Mishra and Akash Das Nayak, who is also a newly elected member of Legislative Assembly.

While the shoot of the reality show would begin towards July end, the film will be shot and edited within three months thereafter. The actors will select 12 girls from across the state based on various criteria, while leading filmmakers will bring the list down to three. The release date of the film is scheduled for January 1 next year.

“The first couple of episodes of the 20-episode show will be shot at six outdoor locations across Odisha. The following episodes where the final three contestants have to be selected will be shot indoors. A girl-next-door participating in the reality show and then becoming lead heroine for a movie is a way Sarthak TV attempts to connect with the masses,” said Debi Prasad Padhi, manager, marketing department, Sarthak Group.

In four years since its inception, Sarthak TV has launched three Odia mega serials along with reality shows such as Rajo Queen, Gruha Laxmi and Sunabohu to appeal to the tastes of Odia viewers.

Many industry people believe that if the show delivers what it promises, it would do a great service to the industry.

“A section of audience are miffed because we have only Bengali heroines in our films these days. Also many noted faces of the industry such as Priya Choudhury and Barsha Priyadarshini after having entered the nuptial bliss, have become more selective about the work they wish to do. We need good looking Odia girls who can act,” said a celebrated filmmaker on the condition of anonymity.