Mobile service provider MTS India is all set to rock five cities i.e. Kolkata, New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune with ‘MTV Independence Rock' (MTV I-Rock), India's biggest and oldest Rock Music Festival.

I-Rock as it is fondly known has a 25 year history, this year the musical festival starts from November 7.

The call for entries from budding rock bands across the five zones has been invited by Imran Khan, Bollywood star & Youth Icon, Amitesh Rao, Director – Brand & Marketing, MTS India, Aditya Swamy, EVP & Business Head, MTV, Ferzad Palia, Business Head, Vh1 and Farhad Wadia, CEO, E18.

Speaking about the event, Imran Khan said: "I am excited to be a part of the 26th edition of MTV Independence Rock brought alive by MTS Red Energy.

"It is a platform which has introduced some of the most famous rock bands to India. I've always been a big fan of rock music, and I have great memories of attending I Rock over the years. I'm hoping to see some great new bands along with old favorites."

Application received from rock bands across all 5 zones will be scrutinized by the jury. Each zone will have 8 bands competing against each other for a regional winner.

The regional rounds would be organized in Hard Rock Cafés across New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bengaluru. All five regional winners will then compete at the Grand Finale on November 26 in Mumbai.

The zonal audition dates are: Kolkata (Nov 7-8), Mumbai and Pune (Nov 9-10), New Delhi and Bengaluru (Nov 16-17).

According to Amitesh Rao, Director – Brand & Media, MTS India, said: "MTS Red Energy offers talented bands a shot at winning a wildcard entry into the finals of Independence Rock, based on their online activity and engagement with rock music fans."

The program is aimed at engaging change leading youth more meaningfully. In today's time when ‘Online Social Status' has truly become social status, the ‘Red Energy' program allows youth to leverage their online influence to advance their real life status with rewards and recognition from MTS.

Aditya Swami, EVP & Business Head, MTV, said, "I grew up going to I Rock and now to be a part of it is unbelievable. MTV will now take this iconic property LIVE for the first time and showcase the music not just from Mumbai but from the other 4 cities as well. So a historic property makes history once again"

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh.