Sunny, Sanju, Sonu, Shreya, Rahman -- X-Factor makers wooing everyone

Last November TellyChakkar reported that Sony would be launching their next big reality show X Factor. Now reports suggest that pan-India auditions for the show are currently on and will end by February-end or early next month. Meanwhile, a list of probable judges for the show is out. A source informs, “Since this is a big ticket show the channel is trying to rope in the best in the business. Top actors and singers are being considered to judge the show. Rishi Kapoor is almost finalised but not much can be confirmed about the latest on this. The other names under consideration are Sunny Deol, Sanjay Dutt, Juhi Chawla. Then there is music composer-duo, Vishal-Shekhar and Shreya Ghoshal too who are top favourites. In fact there are suggestions that AR Rahman, Sonu Nigam and have also been approached.” As is known the international version was made by Simon Cowell. Cowell’s production company owns the format of the show. It was also reported that the channel was keen on having Cowell on board as one of the judges. Sources say Fremantle India Television Productions will produce the show for Sony. The reality show is slated to launch after the Indian IPL (Indian Premier League). The format of the show is such that the finalists are mentored by a judge. Each judge is assigned a category and then aids the contestant with song selection and styling. The winner of the show usually gets no prize money but a recording contract. We tried getting in touch with Ajay Bhalwankar Programming Head, Sony for confirmation but he remained unavailable.