From networking to talent promoting ibibo.com's looking good in tricity

Active! That's one word that the guys at Ibibo proudly use to describe themselves. And it's not because they are a networking site but "because we are India's first entertainment and talent-based social network. It gives the youth of India a unique platform to showcase their talent, express themselves, create their own social network, audience and fan club and hence get recognition," says Ashish, CEO, Ibibo.

And since its launch in August 2006, Ibibo has given many creative artists and performers a platform to show the world what they do best. "Be it modelling, photography, dancing or anything you are good at, Ibibo has launched several contests to give youngsters a chance," tells Ashish enlisting iFresh face for girls who want to step into modeling. Ibibo has tied up with photographer Daboo Ratnani and Elite modeling agency. Through I Videostar, every season, five Ibibo stars are also chosen by the community and Bollywood choreographers, Bosco and Ceasar to cut an exclusive video. I Hunk launches male models while Ibibo Rocks lets rock bands create their fan clubs, showcase their videos and music.

Since online is the way to go Ashish stresses that, "web enables others to easily discover you. One cannot just do without it now." And the member count on Ibibo from the tricity is quite encouraging, tells Ashish - more than 75,000 men in the age group of 15 to 24 and 12,000 girls in the same age group. "The youngsters from the region are extremely talented and we have had some amazing participation in our contests."