MTV Roadies to export content to Pakistani channel

Chandigarh, Sep 26 (IANS) For a change, original Indian television content is going to be exported to another country. A programme similar to the immensely popular MTV Roadies will start on a Pakistani channel, an official of MTV said here Friday.

"Till date, Indian channels have only copied concepts like that of talent hunts from other countries. But for the first time, we are exporting our programme content of Roadies to a Pakistan based ARY channel," Ashish Patil, general manager, MTV India told mediapersons in Chandigarh.

"MTV Roadies is also the first television show to enter into the market of branded products in the country. We already have cargos in the market and this year we are planning to launch Roadies specific merchandise in over 15 categories. These include helmets, bags, caps, clocks and clothing," Patil said.

Patil was in Chandigarh with the team of MTV Roadies for the auditions of the sixth edition of Roadies that are slated Sep 27.

"This time we will shortlist 20 roadies in place of 13 from all over the country. We have also increased the prize money to Rs.1 million. Therefore, there is an increased chance of getting short listed and increased prize money but at the same time equally increased hazards are ahead for the selected roadies," Patil said.

He added: "Our punch line is, 'Hell Down Under'. We will take the selected roadies to Australia where we have deadly sharks, lonely deserts, venomous spiders, snakes and crocodiles to welcome them."

MTV Roadies has gained immense popularity since its launch in 2003.

• Television