Talent
Zee TV brings Sa Re Ga Ma Pa auditions to the UK for the first time
Hundreds audition in London as nine singers advance to the next round for India’s iconic music reality show
LONDON: Zee TV has taken one of India’s longest-running music reality shows beyond its home market, holding Sa Re Ga Ma Pa auditions in the UK for the first time and opening the doors for aspiring Hindi singers to compete for a place on the national stage.
Organised by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, the auditions were held in London on July 26, marking the first overseas audition round for the iconic singing competition in its more than 25-year history.
The initiative invited singers aged 18 to 45, offering trained vocalists, emerging artists and undiscovered talent an opportunity to earn a place in the show’s selection process.
According to Parul Goel, territory head Europe and CFO Europe and Americas at Zee Entertainment UK Limited, the auditions are part of the broadcaster’s efforts to transform the brand from simply showcasing talent to creating opportunities for new artists.
Reflecting on the event in a LinkedIn post, Goel said the idea grew from last year’s Rewind Queens concert at Wembley Arena, where former Sa Re Ga Ma Pa winners performed.
“What audiences see is a day of auditions. What they don’t see is the ecosystem required to make it happen,” he wrote, highlighting the extensive planning across creative development, legal processes, digital campaigns, production, logistics, contestant management and venue operations.
The auditions attracted hundreds of participants, with nine contestants progressing to the second round. Successful singers could now move on to the Mega Auditions in India.
Goel credited teams in both India and the UK for delivering the event, along with judges Channi Singh, Veronica and Mona Singh for evaluating participants. She also thanked St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel for supporting the event.
The auditions reflect Zee’s broader strategy of extending its entertainment brands beyond television by engaging global audiences through live experiences and talent discovery initiatives. With the London auditions completed, the broadcaster has opened a new pathway for aspiring singers from the UK to compete on one of India’s most recognised music platforms.
