LAHORE: The Lahore Arts Council (LAC) is preparing to change the format of its ‘Talent Hunt’ project.

The council will also introduce a weekly music programme featuring both new and seasoned singers performing Lollywood’s golden hits rejuvenating Pakistani film music for the younger generation, officials told Dawn on Tuesday.

The council’s music show, known as Alhamra Live or Talent Hunt, had been a weekly event where the public sang Pakistani-origin songs. This show has been a regular feature of the council for many years. However, officials said that modifications are in the works for the show’s structure. Under the new format, the show will take place every month, and the finest voices will be selected by a panel of judges and registered with the council.

After a year, a competition featuring the top 12 voices will determine the recipient of the ‘Best Alhamra Voice Award.’ A grand event will be organised attended by figures from the film, television, and social media industries for the grand finale.

Officials said these changes would allow the council to identify the best voices, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top three positions. The council would also showcase the best voices on its social media platforms.

The Talent Hunt show is overseen by the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts.

The Academy is also planning a show in which the timeless hits of Lollywood from the heydays of the Pakistani film industry will be celebrated. Colleges and universities will be specially invited to the show, aimed at educating the younger generation about the rich musical heritage of the Pakistani film industry.

The weekly programme will pay tribute to iconic singers like Noor Jahan, Mehdi Hassan, Ahmed Rushdi, Runa Laila, Mehnaz, Naheed Akhtar, Ghulam Abbas, and others. A live orchestra will accompany each weekly performance, expected to begin in October. Prominent figures from the film industry will be invited to participate in each show.

Officials say this show is aimed at reintroducing popular Pakistani film music of which the young generation does not know much. It will be tried by the Academy vocal teachers to choose such singers who could deliver songs sung by legendary singers.

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2023