Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Nov 4: Gavin Joshua Rodrigues studying in WGSHA (Welcome Group School of Hotel Administration) of Manipal University, has won the 'Campus Idol' title in a Udupi district-level talent hunt organised by Udupi Channel recently. He has won a brand new Maestro vehicle from Jaydev Motors, Udupi, the dealers of Hero and several other gift vouchers from other sponsors. Almost 2,000 students had participated in the event, which was held in 40 college campuses of Udupi district. The reality show was telecasted for almost 6 months.

The show which focussed on bringing out the best talents amoung youngsters was held in the age group of 18 to 22 years. The first of its kind of a unique talent hunt show in the coastal region, the reality show was structured under five categories – dance, music, drama, art and martial arts.
About 250 students were shortlisted for the quarter-finals from the campus auditions. Both for the auditions and the quarter-finals, the participants had the liberty to choose their own concepts.

Thirty-five participants were shortlisted for the semi-finals. To make the semi-finals more challenging, the students were given certain concepts under each category which gave them an opportunity to further explore their talent ability. Out of the thirty-five participants, six were selected for the finals: Anusha Shetty (drama), Gavin Rodrigues (dance), Shrisha Nayak (drama), Ayesha Rao (music), Kaleeb Saji (music-instrumental).

Before the semi-final event, the participants were given personality development training to improvise on their presentation ability and confidence. The final round did not only include the performance of the participant but also a question-answer session by the judges.

Udupi Channel is looking forward to come up with more such events that can benefit the public. Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Sudha Furniture, Naina Fancy, Asma Cassette Corner, Galaxy Sports, Prabhakar Sounds and Print Palace were the support sponsors for the event.

Jayaram Suvarna, CEO, Jaydev Motors handed over the key of the vehicle to Gavin Rodrigues in the presence of his parents Averyl and Melvyn Rodrigues, in Manipal.

Gavin was the finalist in the junior and senior category of Boogie Woogie International in Dubai, and has won Saroj Khan's dance competitiion in Mangaluru in his age category. He was also the winner of Mandd Sobhann's open dance competition 'Yaya Indya Mayaya' both in the duet and group categories, the winner in the 'Nach Kunvor' contest by Famad Pernal, Dubai, winner of 'Dance Off' competition organised by School of Communication, Manipal and many dance competitions organised by MIT, Manipal.