Who’ll Be the New Star?

A short film,New Star of India,was launched on Facebook on October 19. Kiminobu Tokuyama,Managing Director of Nissan Motor India,said that the intention is to continue with the spirit of innovation. “We want to offer members of the public a genuine world’s first — an opportunity to become a Bollywood star,” he remarked.

While Tokuyama’s promise should be taken with a pinch of salt,the initiative is indeed a first-of-its-kind. The Facebook page offers the options of a few songs,out of which people can choose one and record a 45-second audition.

Twenty applicants will be shortlisted by Kapoor and the production team. The director,however,has not been finalised yet. Kapoor,confirming his involvement,said that he is looking forward to working with new talent.

Those who are not working on the screen are given the opportunity to work behind the scenes. “People can vote to decide the 20 lucky actors and help in finalising the plot,choose the music,pick the wardrobe and name the characters,” added Tokuyama.

Apart from Kapoor’s involvement,what makes the film a Bollywood venture,however,is the nature of the film. With music,dance and drama,it is being planned to be an entertainer.

New Star of India will premiere in January 2012.