'We plan content for internet, mobile platforms' - Puneet Kinra, CEO, Balaji Telefilms
Thursday, 04 February 2010 16:45
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It’s a little over a year since the dramatic STAR Group and Balaji Telefilms saga came to an end. With this, the Ekta Kapoor-promoted soap factory’s fortunes changed. After posting losses for almost eight months, Balaji finally came out of the red in the latest quarter. In an interview with Aminah Sheikh,Balaji Telefilms' Group CEO Puneet Kinra talks about the company’s plans. Edited excerpts:
The last one year has been tough for Balaji, from being the leading TV production house to a struggling outfit... Our old shows under our contract with STAR began going off air from the last quarter of 2008, and it has taken us some time to get new shows on air. Also, new shows by other broadcasters have been commissioned at a far lower value, largely driven by the recession that also hit the entertainment industry. Thus, our realisations per show came down drastically, from Rs 27 lakh per hour in 2008 to Rs 15-16 lakh per hour in 2009. In the last quarter of 2008, we were hit by the TV strike, which affected our bottom line for that quarter.
By what per cent have the realisations per show come down? Over 40 per cent. But after eight months of operating losses for the quarter ended December 31, 2009, we have posted a net profit of Rs 1.81 crore (from Rs 0.56 crore during the corresponding quarter of 2008). However, the company's total revenue came down 23 per cent to Rs 38.97 crore for quarter from Rs 50.56 crore in the corresponding quarter. The number of shows have increased, but the realisations have come down. So, the revenue is not high. But we forecast steady growth in the months to come.
How many hours of programming do you air now? As of now, we produce 216 hours of programming across Hindi general entertainment channels (GECs) and 158 hours (sponsored programming) in the south every quarter. We have seven shows on air across Hindi GECs and four shows on the Sun network. In the next two quarters, we may not launch new shows as our focus now is to strengthen our position and consolidate before increasing the number of shows.
What are Balaji’s plans in the new media domain? Under the new media vertical, we have launched a portal 'Hoonur.Com' — an online talent platform that helps independent professionals showcase their talent and get projects/businesses from the film and television fraternity. We plan to launch exclusive entertainment content for the internet and mobile platforms. We are in the process of launching three shows on the new media platform this year and we will own the intellectual property rights of the shows.
How is the new brand Alt Entertainment different from the existing Balaji brand? Balaji will continue to produce content for the masses across platforms, while Alt Entertainment will create content for television, motion pictures and new media, with the urban youth as the target audience. To begin with, Alt Entertainment will release a film directed by Dibakar Bannerjee, 'Love, Sex aur Dhoka'. Under the Balaji banner, we will release a film starring Ajay Devgan and directed by Milind Lutheria. In addition, there are six-seven movies in the pipeline, including 'Special Chabbis' by Neeraj Pandey and 'Shor' by DK & Raj.
Tusshar & Ekta organised a bash for Sendhil
Saturday, 23 January 2010 07:12
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Not surprising that conversations ranged from Hollywood to crossover films to song and dance in Bollywood movies. There were B-town folks, a sprinkling of telefolks and then some more — Neelam, Abhishek Kapoor, Ramesh Taurani, Arti and Kailash Surendranath, Sameer Arya and Shrishti Behl, Ken Ghosh, Shveta Salve, Anita, Rohit Roy, Chetan Hansraj, Chunky and Bhavna Pandey, Meghna Naidu, Rodney Barnes, Pooja Bedi... Nandita Mahtani dropped in for a while too (no, Dino wasn’t there!).
Upping the style quotient here were Kangna Ranaut and Celina Jaitly, the latter wearing black stockings to beat the nip in the air. A clean-shaven, suited-booted Kaizad Gustad was a complete contrast to the heavily bearded Abhay Deol. The party, as expected, rocked on late into the night!
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Ekta Kapoor plans Indian 'Robin Hood' for ZEE TV
Saturday, 23 January 2010 07:02
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Ekta Kapoor is working on a drama based on the infamous character of 'Robin Hood', which will be aired in a weekend slot on ZEE TV.
According to India-Forums, the success of 'Pavitra Rishta' has paved way for Ekta Kapoor to pen another novel idea for the popular channel.
The title of the show will be 'Keshav Pandit', who is the main character in the best selling novel written by the famous Hindi writer Ved Prakash Sharma. He received lot of accolades for creating the very convincing character of Keshav Pandit, who got very popular.
According to a source, "The search is on to find the actor to play the prized role of Indian Robinhood. Shabbir Ahluwalia who was last seen in Kayamath is one of the options that the production house has. But auditions are on, and the creative team plans to choose a fresh and a younger face. In case they are not able to zero in on a fresh face apt to play the role, Shabbir might be considered".
Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: India-Forums
Abhay and former lover Preeti Desai bonded at Ekta's bash
Saturday, 23 January 2010 06:59
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The girl makes her debut in Balaji flick with the Heroes actor Sendhil Ramamurthy
Abhay Deol and his ex-girlfriend Preeti Desai drove down together for Ekta Kapoor's bash for her new film Shor. Interestingly, Preeti who was Miss Great Britain 2006 is also the leading lady of Ekta's film opposite American TV actor Sendhil Ramamurthy.

Sources reveal that Abhay and Preeti were dating a year back and split because the long distance relationship wasn't working out. However, the breakup was amicable and the two managed to keep in touch and remain good friends.
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pic/ VIRAL BHAYANI
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A source present at Ekta's party reveals, "Abhay and Preeti were very close throughout the night and appeared to have a great time. In fact, they were stuck to each other, sharing some jokes. Everyone present at the venue knew that they were lovers at one time. They weren't even coy or trying to hide their affection."
Talking about her Bollywood debut, a friend close to Preeti says, "She's ecstatic about doing B-Town films. In fact, Abhay would always tell her that she has the personality and body to become an actress. After her screen test, she was selected to play the leading lady opposite Sendhil in Balaji's new film Shor. It was Ekta Kapoor who felt that Preeti has the raw sexuality, persona and oomph that's required to be a B-Town actress."
Even though Abhay and Preeti aren't lovers anymore, he's been taking care of her in Mumbai. "He's very fond of Preeti and they both have been spotted doing lunches and dinners since she came back from UK. But they aren't dating at all."
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