What makes a show superior to the others? Content? Presentation? Viewership? And if all these factors are taken into account, either individually or collectively, the one show that would win hands down on Indian television is Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007.

It was the Challenge 2005 leg of the show that took the oldest show on Zee to another level altogether. Despite Gajendrra Singh's sudden departure from the show, the show has gone on, and how! Singh was the director and the producer of the show, as well as the initiator.

The show consistently throws up surprises in the form of raw talent. This season showcases some of the most gifted singers of the sub-continent, belting out popular hits, and sometimes, songs we have never heard.

The panel of veteran music directors, who assess and encourage these young aspirants are Ismail Darbar, Bappi Lahiri, Himesh Reshammiya and Vishal-Shekhar. These judges also act as mentors to the contestants, who make their way into the contest from all over the world.

These competitors are placed in the various gharanas – Yalgaar, Josh, Rock and Hit - under the music directors.

Punit Goenka, Business Head, Zee Television, says that it was necessary to raise the bar after Challenge 2005 and 'Lil Champs. The programme picked talent from six countries, justifying the sub-title, Sangeet ka pratham vishwa-yudh.

Mr Goenka adds, "I firmly believe music binds the world, moves across borders. And not only on paper, we have seen it happen in Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2007, too. The participants are a prime example of talent not being hampered by geographical borders, of talent not having a religion."

And, of course, the unique format of the show continues to captivate the audience.

There were 32 participants initially, all placed under the guidance of the four maestros. Unlike the last time, the decision-making process is shared equally between the judges and the viewers. This should keep both the contestant and the audience happy.

The show is not just about young singers. The anchor plays a very important role, too. This season, Aditya Narayan, child artiste and Udit Narayan's son, is in the limelight. He has had to fill some big shoes – Sonu Nigam and Shaan were the previous anchors of the show.

"I do not have to worry when professionals are guiding me. Moreover, I will learn as time passes by," Aditya says, smiling confidently. Of course, this will also provide a platform for Aditya to hone his singing abilities, and maybe he will make a mark in the industry, just like his father.

The celebrity guests only added glamour to the show. From Salman Khan to Lara Dutta, Anubhav Sinha, Dia Mirza, Vidya Balan, and Shamita Shetty, to Sunny Deol – all of them have had a blast in the episodes, and provided the much-needed boost to the young talent. Riteish Deshmukh, once invited to the show, admitted, "I am a big fan of this show, and so is my dad."

The range of themes that these young singers take on varies from patriotic songs to current hits. And then, of course, there is the studio audience, that makes as much a spectacle of themselves as the singers.

The popularity of the show has sky-rocketed, thanks to the talent, emotions and music, and we are already looking forward to the next season. Watch this space for more.

With time, the popularity of the show is steadily increasing. The crescendo will pave the path for the forthcoming season of "Sa Re Ga Ma Pa", which will be yet another melting pot of talents, emotions and music.