In a unique talent scout for Bollywood aspirants, 36 young men and women will be cast in 10 short films and evaluated by the audience and a panel of judges - to choose six finalists for major film projects.

The 36 finalists of the Chek-presented Sahara Manoranjan initiative 'Mr & Miss Bollywood' will have their short films telecast on Sahara Manoranjan.

After an audience poll on the films and evaluation by a panel drawn from Bollywood, six finalists will be launched in feature films as heroes and heroines.

The 36 were selected from among 74 participants. The results were announced at the Taj Lands End hotel here.

To make it to the coveted 36 was no easy task. Judges had to shortlist 550 aspirants from among thousands of entries from cities across the country, before it was pruned to 74.

Sanjay Lal, CEO, Percept D'Mark said: "This is the first time the finalists of any talent hunt will be judged on the basis of their performances on screen through 10 short films. It is the first time that 36 people will be gifted to the industry."

The Sahara Manoranjan team is set to make 10 films with the participants. The best actors will be crowned 'Mr and Miss Bollywood'. There will be four runners up: two girls and two boys.

Talented yesteryears actress Asha Parekh, one of the panel judges, found the 'Mr and Miss Bollywood' concept quite novel.

"It is a very nice concept. And the results are for all of us to see. The best part was that Sahara Manoranjan gave us judges space and freedom. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to say that it looks the most original talent search so far."

Ken Ghosh, the director of "Fida" who was another judge, also appreciated the initiative.

"Judging the talented participants was an amazing experience. New talent is always welcome. The best part was that this hunt has a completely new format," he said.