Bollywood seems to be the buzzword among the city- based businessmen. With high returns in films, TV serials and video album making, these high earners are investing liberally in these spheres. We speak with businessmen–turned–producers on their new found interest in the glamourdom.
Ask Anand Gupta, a well known city builder, what made him invest in film production and he says, "It's a field where you can earn quick bucks and gain instant popularity.
Though I am into construction business yet I always wanted to be associated with Bollywood. As a result my partner, Vaibhav Garg and I decided to open a production house to make some tele serials and movies.
In fact, we have invited Apoorva Agnihotri and wife Shilpa Saklani for further discussions in this regard.
Advertiser Padam Gupta has also decided upon becoming a producer cum director. "My experience with camera has been really good.
I have given super-hit remix albums like Mere piya gaye Rangoon and Mai kya karu Ram mujhe buddha mil gaya featuring Rakhi Sawant.
With the huge success of these music albums, I am now planning to take up movie production and by the end of this year myself and Padam Gupta will actualise or plan."
Toeing Anand Gupta's line is carpet manufacturer Manish Dhawan who is also planning to go into movie production. "Today your earnings are directly proportional to your creativity, which is why I decided to take up film production. At present there are many film proposals in pipeline.
But truly speaking film production is just like betting, if the producer's idea clicks with the audience then he gets good returns but if the idea backfires it means bearing big losses."
But while many, city-based businessmen are investing their money in films, serials and music video albums, investment consultant Devesh Mehra says, "Investing in production is the latest trend amongst the city-based businessmen. Reason? The returns are quick and the rate of profit is quite high.
Many businessmen from the city seek my advise regarding investing in showbiz. Also many well known city based businessmen are planning to open their own production houses.
With the growing trend of multiplex cinema culture the businessmen from the city are planning to invest in small budget movies which give huge returns."
So it's time for lights, camera and action for Kanpur's entrepreneurs.