Saregama HMV forays into Bengali film production; Aparna Sen to be chief creative officer

Saregama HMV's focus will be on tapping Bengali and Hindi cinema and South Indian television content. Sen moves in from Kolkata TV

Music company Saregama HMV has decided to foray into film and television production in Bengali. To spearhead this foray, the company has roped in Aparna Sen as chief creative officer. Sen moves here from Kolkata TV, where she headed the non-news programmes division. Earlier, Sen has been editor of 'Sananda', the Bengali women's magazine from the ABP stable, ever since its launch in 1986.

Subroto Chattopadhyay, president and CEO, entertainment sector, RPG Enterprises, and MD, Saregama HMV, says, "We are building an entertainment company which will create and market music, cinema, television and radio content. Best in class minds will help strategise the film content and set up production processes."

Saregama HMV forays into Bengali film production; Aparna Sen to be chief creative officer

Sen's appointment at Saregama HMV closely follows that of BR Sharan, who joined recently to head the Hindi film business, and BR Vijaylakshmi, who moved in to head the Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam television content businesses. The company already produces 14 hours of programming per week for the Sun network channels. Saregama has begun its foray into film production with a music video by Rituparno Ghosh, which is based on Rabindranath Tagore's poetry, Aparna Sen's 'Kite' and Ken Ghosh's untitled venture.

Commenting on her move to Saregama HMV, Sen says, "Saregama is that rare corporate entity that does not just create and market music and movies, but is also the repository of the country's musical heritage. Furthermore, Bengali cinema has tremendous potential both in India and in the international markets, and with multiplexes making their presence felt, there does exist a discerning audience for quality products."

As part of its plans, Saregama will provide a platform for talented people in the acting, directing and technical aspects of filmmaking. "This will create an ecosystem of writers, poets, filmmakers, musicians and technical experts who we hope will add to Kolkata's reputation as a source of great cinema and music," adds Sen.

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