MUMBAI: Reality works! And Channel [V] knows that better than most. After all, Star's 24-hour music channel came back into the ratings reckoning through its reality talent hunt Popstars.

During the Mumbai launch of the model hunt [V] Get Gorgeous, channel head honcho Amar K Deb offered, "It was channel [V] that started off the reality trend in the true sense in India. With the launch of Get Gorgeous, we are just building on that brand."

Touted as a Cinderella hunt, this eight episode-long reality show will show the transformation of the four chosen faces into models. The 'power' partner Elite will be grooming these ladies and managing their careers. The hunt is sponsored by self-proclaimed leaders in CDMA phones, LG CDMA.

Says Deb, "Reality has been something that [V] has believed strongly in. This is our third hugely promoted reality show after Popstars and [V] on The Run and we have a couple more aces up our sleeves." When quizzed if [V] had abandoned plans for the third installment of Popstars, Deb hinted that something bigger was coming up and an announcement would be made within two-three weeks.

For now, the Get Gorgeous hunt has reached its last stage. The last round will be held at JW Marriott's Enigma on Wednesday, 5 May at 9:30 pm. The music channel claims that it has received over 1,000 entries thus far and the last date for accepting entries has been extended for another three weeks.

Speaking about the reality genre and Channel [V] equation, Deb couldn't resist taking a jibe at rival MTV. "With their latest Roadies, they have tries to ape both Popstars and our former travelogue Reality Express, but look at the results!"

"We have got some excellent footage and good reviews from even the critiques for our road show [V] on The Run. Now with the launch of Get Gorgeous, I think that they will have to run off to the jungle," he asserted.

Even for the travelogue [V] on The Run, the channel had announced a hunt. From the huge response that the channel garnered they hand picked the ebullient Sarah Jane. Now added to the list of the [V] VJs, Deb took the opportunity to introduce her to the press. Sarah Jane, along with Popstar turned guest VJ Anushka and VJ Amit will be hosting the model hunt.

Deb offered that the channel is likely to retain both the [V] on The Run and Get Gorgeous formats as an annual event.

As for the partner Elite, the international modeling agency will not only screen the contestants and groom them but will also sign up the four winners for an exclusive contract. "We will be managing their careers throughout. We have already signed up 92 fresh faces and this opportunity means that we have a great opportunity to unearth some of the best talents," said Elite director and CEO Sushma Puri.

LG CDMA vice president KK Kushwaha commented, "Our mobiles phones are all about being trendy, young and keeping with the times. I am sure that association with Get Gorgeous will further establish our identity." Kushwaha refused to divulge any information on the chances of these chosen four endorsing LG products.

But the hunt is not just about glamour, proclaimed Deb. "The hunt is also about de-glamourising the glamour. We will take the girls to an undisclosed location in Mumbai and get some good TV!"

And will there be a Get Handsome contest? It is something that [V] was strongly considering, says Deb. But till then, it is camera, action, get gorgeous...