New Delhi, Jan 30 (IANS) Are you passionate about music? Do you have a band that plays Hindi songs? If yes, then here's your chance to prove your mettle through a new talent hunt on radio.

Radio City 91.1 FM Tuesday launched 'RC Live', a nationwide hunt for India's best Hindi band.

Asked about the rationale behind 'RC Live', Apurva Purohit, CEO of Radio City 91.1 FM, told IANS: 'Our country is full of musical talent. Through 'RC Live', we are trying to give a platform to talents and which will also benefit the music industry as a whole.'

The idea to start a nationwide hunt for a Hindi band came from the radio network's previous endeavour on similar lines for the Bangalore station two years ago.

'We had organised something similar two years ago and received an overwhelming response. Over these two years, we have witnessed resurgence in the Indian music industry with Hindi rock bands becoming increasingly popular. So, we thought of launching 'RC Live' as a national event,' said Rana Barua, Radio City 91.1 FM's national head for marketing.

'RC Live' is a month long talent hunt supported by a national promotional campaign and is divided into North, South and West regions with three regional centres - Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

'The hunt will conclude with a mega concert in Delhi Feb 29,' added Barua.

Palash Sen of Euphoria, Vibhav Rao of EMI and Subir Malik of Parikrama are going to judge the competition.

Asked to define the prime selection criteria, Sen said: 'I am looking for originality, passion and the X factor.'

Malik will look for just originality.

'An ideal band will not be the one that only plays and sings well, but one that can create good original music,' said Malik.

To participate, all you need is a Hindi music band with a maximum of eight members.