Food, fashion, music experts to turn coaches

New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS) Chef Nikhil Chib, fashion designer Nikhil Thampi and musical group MIDIval Punditz have been roped in to share their expertise with individuals and guide them under a digital mentorship program "The Step Up".

The initiative has been started by whiskey brand Johnnie Walker to boost talent in the fields of food, fashion and music and infuse a fresh zeal in those fields.

Entries in the fields have been called from Friday and the last date to register is Feb 25. Five participants will be shortlisted from each field, out of which the best three from each field will be selected as final mentees.

It is then the role of Chib, Thampi and MIDIval Punditz will start as they will test and hone the raw talent of the participants through a series of interesting tasks for four weeks. The journey of the contestants and mentors will also be captured in a five - part webisode.

After four-weeks, the program will culminate with a grand finale, where the aspirants will showcase their talent and win the best performer title in the presence of their mentors and live audience.

“The Step Up is a reflection of the Johnnie Walker ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy that encourages individuals to take the next big step and move forward in life. We are excited to be the enablers of this unique program for young talent,” Bhavesh Somaya, marketing and innovation director of Diageo India, said in a statement.

As a prize, the winner will get a chance to spend more time with their mentor and sharpen skills in respective fields.

The best performer from fashion and food each will stand a chance to win a six month apprenticeship with Thampi and Chib respectively. And the best performer in music will get an opportunity to embark on a four-city tour with MiDival Punditz.