Sabi Hussain, New Delhi: Following the footsteps of the small screen, an increasing number of reality shows on radio have revamped the audio medium among urban masses.

The sudden spurt in the number of 'reality shows' that promise to guarantee entertainment are riding high on the radio airwaves.

Most FM radio stations believe that the time has come to provide their dedicated listeners an opportunity to showcase their talent on air.

"The radio reality shows provides a much broader platform to the younger lot of our country to showcase their hidden talent and become famous instantly as I think every individual has some inherent quality in him," says Anand Chakarvarthy, Vice President- Marketing, BIG 92.7 FM.

"It's wonderful to know that radio is coming out with such a great form of entertainment providing ample opportunities to the untapped talent of our country.

I have also taken part in one of the reality show on TV and I know radio is a wonderful platform to prove yourself," says actress Pooja Bedi, who had participated in Star One's reality show "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa".

Big 92.7 FM has launched a sing-along reality show with Sonu Nigam, where one lucky winner will be selected from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and Chandigarh to share centerstage with music maestro himself at special concerts scheduled to be held in each of the 5 cities between the 16th and the 20th of April and then attend the final in Mumbai.

This will be followed by the channel collaborating with singer Sonu Nigam to exclusively market his new single sensation album " Punjabi Please".

"This is the first time, a radio station has tied up with an artiste to market his album. The reality show will offer young talents a 'Life Banao' opportunity through this concert," says Chakarvarthy. Last year, BIG FM had launched the "Chipak ke Jeeto" reality show in association with Hyundai motors to promote its just launched Hyundai i10 car.

Earlier this year, Radio City 91.1 FM had launched the 'RC Live', a month-long radio reality show for nationwide hunt to identify and create India's best Hindi band. "Swarathma" band from Bangalore had won the event and bagged themselves an album release contract from EMI.

The winner band is now being promoted by the channel for the period of a year through various promotional ctivities and radio shows.

"To be a winner in radio reality shows, you need to have lot of energy along with dedication. You should be original in your approach and always believe in yourself. These shows can give good boost to one's career," says 'Ulta-Pulta' fame Radio Jockey (RJ) Nitin.

"Radio reality shows encourage young and new talent of our country to come out with their singing talent and fulfill their dreams of making it large on the canvass.

Imagine, how wonderful it would be to come out with your own CD," says Bollywood famous playback singer Aarti Kakkar, who is one of the judges of singing reality show by BIG 92.7 FM. Fever 104 FM of HT Media group also had launched the reality talent hunt show last year providing an opportunity to the winner to sing with music legend A R Rahman at a live concert held in Delhi, which saw huge enthusiasm from listeners.

"The rising popularity of the reality shows has added a new dimension to their growing demand. These shows give opportunities to the participants residing in the interiors of the country to showcase their talent," says Dr. Zeus, bollywood singer and 'Kangana' album fame.

Reality shows are a win-win situation for everyone, be it contestants, radio channels or the viewers. The high listenership these stations command tells you about their advantages, he adds.