Ekta enters reality TV arena with hunt for 'actor couple'

New Delhi, May 20 (UNI) She has revolutionised the small screne over the last decade with her unique brand of 'Saas Bahu' sagas.

After producing hugely popular and successful television shows like the ''long-running'' 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi' and 'Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki', Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms is all set to make a new foray into reality shows.

Balaji Telefilms has joined hands with actor Suneil Shetty's Popcorn Entertainment Limited to produce new reality show 'Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket' (KJBKT), a mega talent hunt across the country where 12 couples will compete for the golden opportunity to act in their Bollywood film.

To be aired on 9X general entertainment channel next month, KJBKT will witness the 12 couples, guided by their respective mentors (the names of which are yet to be finalised) judging their acting and dance skills in quest of an opportunity to be a part of ''a glamorous world, an extravagant life and a celebrated name'' that Bollywood promises.

The couples will be chosen through country-wide auditions across four zones, which are already on in various parts of India.

In fact, auditions in Delhi are to held later this week, sources in 9X said.

Speaking on the launch of the new reality show, Founder and CEO of INX Media Pvt ltd, Indrani Mukerjea, said,''I am delighted to announce that 9X will air the biggest Bollywood reality extravaganza - Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket. 9X is the strong No 3 Hindi GEC of India as per both TAM and aMap and we have achieved this by virtue of our innovative content.

''This mega reality show conceived by Ekta's Balaji Teleflims Ltd and Suniel Shetty's Popkorn Entertainment will provide a great platform for people who aspire to make it big in Bollywood giving them the biggest launch platform that the country has ever seen.'' Speaking of her foray into reality shows, the television soap queen Ekta Kapoor said, ''Kaun Jeetega Bollywood Ka Ticket is a show that can take a person from being a talented unknown to becoming India's next superstar. This unique reality series on 9X will bring to the viewers the biggest celebrities and the best of talent across the country.'' On the first reality show, Ekta said, ''Being the first reality show produced by Balaji Telefilms Ltd we wanted it to be associated with a channel that could share our vision and not compromise on the budgets.'' UNI AR SW RK1200