MUMBAI: Malayalam general entertainment channel Asianet and cellular operator Idea Mobile have come together to launch Malayalam television's first mobile-based talent hunt for singers. 
The Idea star singer contest will provide a platform to youngsters above 15 years to showcase their singing prowess.
To participate in the talent hunt, one needs to buy an Idea connection and dial short code 4560101. Participants would be given options to choose from Hindi, Malayalam or Tamil songs and record his/her voice over of six prefixed songs on 456. One time registration fee of Rs 25 and calls at Rs 6.99 per minute will be charged from the participants. 
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Asianet chief producer M R Rajan said the preliminary rounds would be held in six districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur. 
"40 singers will be shortlisted. In the television round, two persons will be eliminated every week via calls and SMS. Winners will be signed up for singing assignments," said Rajan.
Preliminaries will kick off with the Thiruvananthapuram round on 17 January followed by the Kottayam round on 19 January. According to Rajan, the channel is planning to wind up the initial rounds by the first week of February.
Two episodes will be aired on Asianet every week on Saturdays and Sundays. The channel will complete the hunt in 26 episodes.
South India's popular music director, M Jayachandran will supervise the judging process. Asianet has roped in singers Afsal and Rini Tomy to anchor the show.