The game of Antakshari lies in the heart of most Indian celebrations and gatherings. Closeup has been associated with the show right from the start and it is still fresh in the minds of consumers in Uttar Pradesh. A brand that is young at heart, Closeup has owned the platform on the TV medium and driven engagement not just with the youth but with the entire family.



Closeup and content partner 92.7 Big FM have decided to recreate the magic on radio by calling out to today's youth to participate. Given the encouraging response received in Uttar Pradesh in 2013, Closeup Antakshari will take over radio once again, not just in UP but in Bihar and Jharkand as well.



Renowned actor Manoj Tiwari returns as the host for the 2nd Season. Twelve teams from 12 cities will be selected through a process of city finales, followed by elimination rounds on radio where listeners vote for their favourite teams. The grand finale will be held in Lucknow, where three teams will compete for the winning title and a grand prize.

Toll-free registrations numbers are now live and participants and fans can call the numbers to join as well as vote for their favourite contestants. For UP, call 1800 3000 1045; For Bihar, call 1800 3000 1064; for Jharkhand, call 1800 3000 1065.



Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head, Big FM, said, "Closeup Antakshari has been a much loved property on television and we are proud to have recreated such an iconic show on radio for our listeners. We have had an extremely successful season last year and we thank our partners again for this association. We stay committed to launching properties that will not only provide for entertaining content but will also enable innovative engagement opportunities for advertisers."



Looking forward to his Closeup Antakshari experience for the 2nd time, Tiwari said, "Closeup is a brand that has the greatest recall when you say Antakshari. It created an instant connect with all age groups, especially the youth, and went on to become the most watched show. I remember diligently watching and enjoying each and every episode. It is my pleasure to host this activity on radio for the second time in a row. I love talking to my people here and engaging with them through Closeup Antakshari is the best way."



The show has been a huge success on television and it was a bold move by Closeup to recreate the magic of the property on radio. The debut season of 'Closeup Antakshari' in UP was a grand success and recently won an RMAI Flame 2013 award for 'Best Radio Campaign of the Year'.

The 'Closeup Antakshari Mix' will mark the beginning of the property, with an all-day roadblock across radio stations in UP, Bihar and Jharkhand wherein songs will be played all day in Antakshari format on February 7.



Through the 15-week campaign, listeners will be engaged through promos, special capsules and RJ mentions. Going by the response for the first season, registrations are expected to pour in by the hundreds of which the best teams from the cities will compete in the respective city finales. The city winners will then be pitted against each other through a six-week show on radio.