X Factor India is the Indian version of The X Factor, a show originating from the United Kingdom. It is a television music talent show contested by aspiring singers of all genres drawn from public auditions from all across India. The show in its inaugural year was broadcast on Sony Entertainment Television Channel. The 2011 competition was open to all Indian citizens born before 15 January 1995. There were 3 categories[1] for registrants: Solo performances for those between 16 and 24 years of age as of 15 January 2011 and for those equal to and above 25 years of age as of 15 January 2011 and Group performance for a group of 2 or more people, all of which should be above the age of 16 years as of 15 January 2011. Reservation draws were to be divided one third to each category.[2] Each week, live concerts were held in Mumbai where the 12 finalists performed for the judges and a live studio audience
| X Factor India | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Created by | Simon Cowell |
| Presented by | Aditya Narayan |
| Judges | Sonu Nigam Shreya Ghoshal Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
| Original language | Hindi |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| Production | |
| Producers | FremantleMedia (India) SYCOtv Multi Screen Media |
| Cinematography | Surindra Rao |
| Original release | |
| Network | Sony Entertainment Television |
| Release | 29 May – 2 September 2011 |
Auditions edit
Registrations were launched via telephones and SMS on 20 January 2011 all across India. Auditions were held in the following cities:
Judges and host edit
The first season of the Indian version of X Factor was judged by singer Sonu Nigam, playback singer Shreya Ghoshal and film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali. The show was hosted by Aditya Narayan.
Key:
- – Winning judge/category. Winners are in bold, eliminated contestants in small font.
| Season | Sonu Nigam | Shreya Ghoshal | Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 16-24's Seema Jha Sahiti G Piyush Kapoor Shovan Ganguly |
Over 25's Geet sagar Kartar Singh Yadav Amit Jadhav Manjeera Ganguly |
Groups Sajda Sisters Nirmitee Deewana Last Minute |
Geet Sagar from Gwalior[3] was announced winner of the show. As a prize he won Rs. 50 lakh, a car & an opportunity to sing in Karan Johar's movie.[4] He recorded the title track "Draamebaaz" for the film Nautanki Saala! (2013). He has also been singing for TV commercials & jingles like Cinthol, GoIbibo.com, Parachute Tender Hair & Care, Garnier, Marvel Tea, among others.[5][6]
References edit
- ^ "Format and Details about X Factor India". 29 May 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2011.
- ^ "Rules and Regulations - Terms and conditions governing participation Uin the X Factor India auditions" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- ^ "Geet Sagar". Archived from the original on 16 August 2011. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
- ^ "Geet Sagar wins X Factor India". The Times of India. TNN. 30 August 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ "Excited to sing for Karan Johar: X -Factor winner Geet". NDTV. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
- ^ "X Factor changed me as a person, says winner Geet". Rediff.com. 5 September 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2014.
