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Interview: Kishore Lulla, CEO, Eros Indian media and Entertainment Company
30 Jan, 2008
Interview: KISHORE LULLA, Chairman & CEO, Eros International
‘What Hollywood did in 50 years, we will do in 10 years’
It’s been a busy 2007 for Eros International—the London AIM (Alternative Investment Market) has listed the Indian media and Entertainment Company. It released 30 films, of which ten were global launches and has included such hits as Om Shanti Om, Namastey London and Heyy Babyy.
However, in 2008, Kishore Lulla, chairman & CEO, Eros International, plans more global launches, focusing on content-creation and consolidation, upgrading its distribution channels across formats, and has releases lined up until 2010. He speaks with Sudipta Datta from London on Eros’ long-term plans for India and why the ‘Americanisation’ of the Indian entertainment space spells good news for Bollywood. Excerpts:
What are your areas of focus in 2008?
The focus is on content and consolidation. We are updating our distribution channels by integrating content across all formats, cinema, television, home entertainment, pay TV and new media. In the home entertainment segment, for example, we are building up a library. We have 1,900 titles now, we are going to aggressively buy content. In the regional and Bollywood space, we have identified eight-10 targets—content Companies having libraries and future productions—for acquisitions: the acquisitions will be completed by the end of 2008.
What is the film making model that you follow, is it leaning towards Hollywood or Bollywood?
Well, the Eros model is exactly like a studio model except that we do not physically own a studio. In fact, most of the foreign studios are getting rid of their physical studios. Then, you can shoot anywhere in any location across the world.
You are paying a lot of attention to your special effects studio. Comment.
Oh yes. That’s our second area of focus this year. We feel that as the Bollywood market expands and the 400 million middle class have more spending power, they will demand good quality entertainment. We want EyeQube Studios to do big visual effects out of India. The first one Alladin has already gone on the floors. We will also release Drona, for which EyeQube is handling the special effects. It’s a Harry Potter meets Indiana Jones movie, if you will, but it’s an original story.
What’s the Eros calendar of films looking like this year?
We are going to release 20 films this year—all will be launched globally too. Last year, we released 30 films, but only 10 out of those were global releases. We have 55 projects across genres locked in for the next two-and-a-half years, which means there are releases lined up until 2010.
Is action also picking up on the Eros Music front?
We will step up activity and sign on new artists and promote their albums.
How easy is it now to do business in a corporatised Bollywood framework? Has the mindset changed?
It’s a totally relationship-driven industry where money plays a part. No, the mindset has not changed. If we have been successful, it’s because we have a 30-year experience in the business. We are a corporate house but we have a relationship with everyone in India. We are also going to set up distribution offices across India to bring transparency into the business.
You have tied up with a host of directors, haven’t you?
Yes, we have tied up with various directors. We are now going to create a bank of screenplays.
Where’s the growth, and revenues—going to come from for Eros?
The Indian market is growing in a big way. But the international dubbed Markets are growing too. In five years, we want 50% of our revenues to come from India and 50% from international Markets. At the moment, this ratio is more or less 65-35 (international/India).
Give us a perspective on Bollywood. Where is it headed in the next 5-10 years?
The Indian film industry now resembles what the Hollywood movie industry was between the 1940s and 1970s. But what Hollywood did in 50 years, we will do in 10 years. In the next five years, a lot of multiplexes will be built, people will spend more on entertainment, producers will spend more on quality of films, we are going to get Americanised and that’s a good thing for the business of entertainment. Labels: Eros, Interviews
Interview: Singer Anwar Hussain
5 Nov, 2007
Album "Tohfa" has all romantic songs in it- Anwar Hussain
"Humse Ka Bhool Hui", Teri Ankhon Ki Chahat Mein", "Mohabat Ab Tijarat Ban Gayi Hai" "Haton Ki Chand Lakeeron Ka" these are the songs which are old but, they are still very sweet to listen even today same as wine. One can not forget these songs, and also the melodious voice in which these songs were recorded, yes, that is Anwar Hussain. He was in capital to promote his new album "Tohfa". We had an interesting conversation with him regarding his long exile from Industry and much more………….
First of all we would like to know about your new album?
Well, "Tohfa"is a compilation of 8 songs in which "Hum Se Ka Bhool Hui" , "Teri Akhon Ki Chahat"from the film 'Janta Adalat'and "Mohabat Ab Tijarat Ban Gai Hai"from the film 'Arpan' are remixed by Sidharth, other songs in this album " Tohfa" are original and written by Katil Shifai and music composition is done by music director Musafir.
"Humse Ka Bhool Hui" and, "Mohabat Ab Tijarat Ban Gayi Hai" songs are already very much popular among listeners, is there any particular reason to remixing them?
As every one knows the remixed songs are really becoming popular among the youngsters, and I believe that we should update our self according to the trend and that's the reason.
What is the reason behind your sudden exile from the industry, that too when you were at the peak of your career?
I was busy with my stage shows, there are huge audiences internationally who really appreciate Bollywood music. I was giving stage performance in America and Holand, and received tremendous response.
What made you to think about an album?
When you sing for a movie, you have to sing according to the music director and some times according to the producer. When it comes to private album you will have a liberty to sing as you feel. Even I wanted to do the same, couple of days back I happened to read Katil Shifai's poetry and I liked it and in this way album "Tohfa".is in front of you.
Tell us about your album vedio's?
We made videos of all the 8 tracks. These days' audiences and listeners are very keen to watch the songs rather than listening. Nowadays, making videos has become mandatory.
Which song of "Tohfa" you like more?
As we worked very hard for every song, I like all the songs in this album, and I am sure that we will get good response from listeners also.
When can we hear you again in movies?
Currently I am free after the album "Tohfa", yet to think about singing for movies. Labels: Interviews, Music
Mahesh Bhutt on film 'Dhoka'
22 Oct, 2007
Some thoughts of Mahesh Bhatt on "Dhokha"
All my life, I've been haunted by fascinating questions of creativity. Why does an idea suddenly pop up from the unconscious at a given movement and eclipse all the other ideas that you are working on? What is the relationship between the creative act and the reality that you live in? How did an Arth or a Saransh, which, sourced from one's own anguished heart, become enduring classics which inspires even the current generation?
I ask these questions out of my own excitement. As a child, in my drawing classes, I loved watching two colors merge on a paper, and form an unpredictable third color. It is this unpredictable third, the result of merging two givens that is really at the heart of all creativity. Like a sperm that and an egg merge to become a complete new entity, so in the arena of creation on film, when truth and reality is merged with fiction, it creates what James Joyce called the 'uncreated conscience of the human race'. And these words stand out like lighted beacons in the dark night for generations to come.
There is an old Jewish story which goes like this: "Truth, naked and cold, had been turned away from every door in the village. Her nakedness frightened people. When Parable found her, she was huddled in the corner, shivering and hungry. Taking pity on her, Parable gathered her up and took her home. There she dressed Truth in story, warmed her and took her out again. Clothed in story, truth knocked again at the villager's doors and was readily welcomed into the people's house. They invited her to eat at their tables warm herself by their fires…"
This tale which has been retold since the eleventh century teaches us something very useful. Clothing truths in stories is a powerful way to get people to open the doors of their minds to you and the truth you want to tell. One such story is Dhokha. As the newspaper headlines screen about Indian involvement in the UK terror plot, the nation is once again reminded that the demon of terrorism is very much alive and kicking. Where is this demon born? How do you rein it? These are some of the questions that Dhokha explores, albeit in a very exciting, mail biting plot.
Dhokha has the audacity to say what it says without mincing its words because it is born out of the love of one's country, and the compassion for the suffering of the Indian Muslim, who is presently being annihilated by the winds of Islamphobia which are raging through the world, and who, in our country, in its sixtieth year of independence, is still waiting to be included in the mainstream.
Dhokha is an appeal to the millions of Muslims to rescue its proud and historic religion from murderer who seeks to soil the name of Islam. Labels: Interviews, Mahesh-Bhutt
Muzzamil Ibraheem
'Dhokha' is a tale of a Honest, Dynamic Inspector – Muzzamil.
With Pooja Bhatt's film 'Jishm' John Abraham turned a super star from a model. It seems audiences are waiting for another John in the film Industry and they can find him soon as Pooja Bhatt's Dhokha is releasing on 31st of this month. Don't be confused, thing is that in this movie also Pooja introducing a dynamic model Muzzamil as Hero. He is the winner of Gladrags Mega Model Manhunt contest nd worked in add films and popular music videos. We had an interesting chat with him regarding his upcoming release "Dhokha"- here is the synopsis………
How you got the opportunity in film 'Dhokha'?
Director Pooja Ji has seen me in music videos. One lucky day phone call came from her office that she wants to meet me. I met her and after a formal chat she told me that she choose me has hero for ' Dhokha'.
Can you tell us who is deceives whom in this film story as its named Dhokha?
Dhokha is a tale of an Honest, Dynamic Inspector, his life partner literally deceives him to throw his life into chaos.
According to a buzz in industry, this film is having some of the tang of Mahesh Bhatt's films like Arth, Saraansh, Zakhm etc. what do you say about this?
Yes, because the script is by Mahesh Ji, will be appreciated by audiences. One can remember some of Mahesh Bhatt's movies.
How was your work experience with director Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt?
It was nice experience; Mahesh Bhatt Ji is renowned in industry for his skill which brings out the acting even out of a hard core rock. I respect him a lot and have very cordial relations with him. As far as Pooja Ji is concern she is excellent as a director.
There is a buzz among audiences and experts that, after this release your career will be brighter than John Abraham. What's reaction to this compliment?
Oh really, if it is true then it will be my luck if I become like John, because he is a star now. Of course we have come from the same profession modeling.
Tell us some thing about your career as model for Add Films, Music videos?
I worked for Bolero, Onida, Bombay Dying, Active Juice, Feast Chocolate etc. Apart from these add films I worked with Rakhi Sawant for "Pardesiya Ye Sach hai Piya" music video, and for Lucky Ali's album one song "Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai" and these were appreciated a lot by the audiences.
Before Dhoha have you learnt any course to enhance your acting skills?
No, Mahesh Ji suggested me not to go for any course because he believes that, a person who is not aware of acting is like plan paper and one can write what ever they want. It is very easy to get acting done from a fresher.
If you get success as actor, would you like to continue with modeling?
Absolutely not, because modeling is my first love and passion I can not leave it.
Which kind of movies you would like to choose?
Now I can't be choosy about my characters as this is my first film and releasing by end of this month, let me see the response of audience first.
Labels: Interviews
Muzzamil
21 Oct, 2007
With Pooja Bhatt's film 'Jishm' John Abraham turned a super star from a model. It seems audiences are waiting for another John in the film Industry and they can find him soon as Pooja Bhatt's Dhokha is releasing on 31st of this month. Don't be confused, thing is that in this movie also Pooja introducing a dynamic model Muzzamil as Hero. He is the winner of Gladrags Mega Model Manhunt contest nd worked in add films and popular music videos. We had an interesting chat with him regarding his upcoming release "Dhokha"- here is the synopsis………
* How you got the opportunity in film 'Dhokha'?
Director Pooja Ji has seen me in music videos. One lucky day phone call came from her office that she wants to meet me. I met her and after a formal chat she told me that she choose me has hero for ' Dhokha'.
* Can you tell us who is deceives whom in this film story as its named Dhokha?
Dhokha is a tale of an Honest, Dynamic Inspector, his life partner literally deceives him to throw his life into chaos.
* According to a buzz in industry, this film is having some of the tang of Mahesh Bhatt's films like Arth, Saraansh, Zakhm etc. what do you say about this?
Yes, because the script is by Mahesh Ji, will be appreciated by audiences. One can remember some of Mahesh Bhatt's movies.
* How was your work experience with director Pooja Bhatt and Mahesh Bhatt?
It was nice experience; Mahesh Bhatt Ji is renowned in industry for his skill which brings out the acting even out of a hard core rock. I respect him a lot and have very cordial relations with him. As far as Pooja Ji is concern she is excellent as a director.
* There is a buzz among audiences and experts that, after this release your career will be brighter than John Abraham. What's reaction to this compliment?
Oh really, if it is true then it will be my luck if I become like John, because he is a star now. Of course we have come from the same profession modeling.
* Tell us some thing about your career as model for Add Films, Music videos?
I worked for Bolero, Onida, Bombay Dying, Active Juice, Feast Chocolate etc. Apart from these add films I worked with Rakhi Sawant for "Pardesiya Ye Sach hai Piya" music video, and for Lucky Ali's album one song "Kabhi Aisa Lagta Hai" and these were appreciated a lot by the audiences.
* Before Dhoha have you learnt any course to enhance your acting skills?
No, Mahesh Ji suggested me not to go for any course because he believes that, a person who is not aware of acting is like plan paper and one can write what ever they want. It is very easy to get acting done from a fresher.
* If you get success as actor, would you like to continue with modeling?
Absolutely not, because modeling is my first love and passion I can not leave it.
* Which kind of movies you would like to choose?
Now I can't be choosy about my characters as this is my first film and releasing by end of this month, let me see the response of audience first.
Labels: Interviews
Singer Akriti Kakar
'I won't feel shy to say that the faces of reality shows are more
popular than me'- Akriti Kakar.
'Naam Gum Jayega, Chehra Ye Badal Jayega, Meri Awaz Hi Pehchan Hai'
this line absolutely matches to her because, she is a person who would
prefer to be recognized by her work and she believes that this is a
compliment in itself for any artist. She lent her voice to songs in
movies like 'Kuch Meetha Hojai', 'Chup Chupke', and 'Namaste London',
'Shakalaka Boom Boom', Good Boy Bad Boy etc. and has movies like
Mummy, Welcome, Harry Puttar and other international projects in her
hand. One should have recalled her name from their subconscious mind
with these movie names. Yes, absolutely she is Akriti Kakar. She was
recently in capital; we took the opportunity to bring some thing
about her recent releases. Here is an abstract of our conversation
with her……….
Congrats Akriti, 4 films released at a stretch with your songs in it? Yes, with the grace of God every thing fell in place, and this is a
great pleasure for me.
Which song you like the most in these recent releases?
With a grin, here I need to answer politically. Well, the title song
of 'Jonny Gaddar' is been special for me, which I sung for Shankar,
Ehsaan & Loy. Thought I have been with them on stage since one and a
half year, It was a great feeling to be with them in studio
recording, I am very much thankful to them as they chose me for this
unusual and un conventional song. I never sung this type of song
before.
You have got attracted towards music at a tender age? Can you tell us
some thing about this?
It was my mother who inspired me & she is my first Guru. I started my
musical journey from my home only after that I went to Shri Vyomakesh
Banerjee for further training in music.
One can hardly see you in lime light, is there any strong reason
behind this? Don't you think visibility is very important for
popularity?
Well, visibility makes lot of difference, through visibility you will
be more recognition, more work, and popularity. I won't be shy to say
that the faces of reality shows are more popular than me. Earlier I
did couple of musical shows on ETC Punjabi channel, I used to spend
lot of time there hence hardly I used to get time for my Riyaaz, and
I can't compromise as far as my Riyaaz is concerned. That is the
reason why I stopped doing it. One can hardly see me in any Page3 or
any other Party, because I want to give my entire time to singing so
that I could give my 100% to those songs which comes to me.
Are you planning for acting in movies?
Replied with a smile… No, I am concentrating on my singing only and I
want to establish my self as good singer. I would like to perform
only in my album videos. But generally I get offers for acting.
What do you think about piracy and what steps should be taken to
eradicate piracy?
Piracy has become a very big predicament for music industry, Recently
Adlabs and Big Music has come up with a nice concept of releasing a
CD of single song, generally people would not like to spend Rs.200/-
or 175/- for a single song that is the reason why they will download
the song or they will go for pirated CDs. I think this a good step
towards the eradication of piracy.
What are your future planes? Singing, singing, singing and singing.
Labels: Interviews, Music
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