One of India's most loved television shows, Antakshari, will soon be back on screens across the country in a new avatar and on a new network -- Star.

"We are introducing Antakshari in a new format and with a new concept, but the essence of the show will remain the same. I was looking to explore my creativity in a new way and Star has allowed me to do that," Gajendrra Singh, director and creator of the hugely popular series, told reporters here.

Anatakshari, which ran for 12 years on Zee TV, was taken off air early this year.

"Even though this has been a long-running show, we hope to enhance it by making it more interactive and reality-based. This will involve a lot of on-ground publicity. The show will go on air in February," said Ajay Vidyasagar, Star's executive vice president for marketing and sales.

When asked why he moved from Zee to Star, Singh said, "It was not a question of a fallout or anything. It was just that I felt my creativity had reached a stagnation point. When I presented my new concept to Star they were very positive."

The show's long-time host and actor Annu Kapoor will play host again with an as yet unnamed female anchor. "I will try to bring that era back and make my best effort, but I am nobody to guarantee success," Kapoor said.