Hindi
Today, entertainment is finally about business: Manmohan Shetty
MUMBAI: Even as the Indian Merchants Chamber (IMC) gears up for the third edition of its ‘IMC FUSION’ under the auspices of its Entertainment Committee, for the first time, the committee will be chaired by film producer-entrepreneur Manmohan Shetty.
Apparently, Shetty was egged on by good friend and construction magnate Niranjan Hiranandani to accept the position. In a candid chat with indiantelevision.com, he spoke of what the conference would be all about this time…
Congratulations on your appointment as chair of IMS FUSION 2014. What will be your prime focus as far as the entertainment industry is concerned?
This time, we are focusing on two aspects of the entertainment industry. One being the business aspect and the other one being the technology used in entertainment. We have invited Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter, Soundarya and Dr Murali, who will talk about the technology deployed in creating stunning visuals in their upcoming film Kochadaiiyaan.
Please elaborate on the business aspect the conference will be touching upon. Who will be talking about the business of entertainment at the conference?
Today, entertainment is finally about business. Big stars are turning producers because they are not only inclined creatively but also want to ensure their movie does good business. I would say the business aspect is more important than the creative aspect. Even students graduating out of film schools like Whistling Woods and others are ultimately looking to make money and do good business.
Answering the second part of your question, we have invited Mukesh Bhatt to expound on the business aspect of entertainment. He will deliberate on how it is possible to make a small-budget film and still reap profits from it. After the success of Vishesh Films’ Aashiqui 2, I think he is the best person to speak on this subject (smiles).
This time, IMS FUSION has tied up with IES Management College and Research Centre. What do you intend to achieve through this collaboration?
The intention is to have a greater interaction with students. We have also invited students of cinema and media. To interact with them, we have invited captains of industry who will share their experiences and insights with them. We believe this will be fruitful for those who want to make a career in the entertainment industry.
Last but not the least, what is the one thing you intend to achieve as chair this year?
I feel people are rather private and personal in this industry. For every production company churning out films through the year, there are many which are unable to produce the same number of movies. So, what kind of talent goes into making commercially viable or financially viable films or any other financially viable projects? I want this information to be disseminated which can happen either by reading or listening to people who’ve already been there, done that… I will be happy if such information is passed on by people who have the knowledge and experience to rank newcomers who will be soon entering the industry. If that happens through IMC FUSION, I will be happy.
Hindi
Rajesh Ramaswamy exits The Script Room to focus on filmmaking journey
Ad filmmaker steps away from own venture to pursue direction and storytelling
MUMBAI: In a move that has caught the attention of the advertising and creative community, Rajesh Ramaswamy has announced his exit from The Script Room, the company he co-founded, marking the end of a seven-year stint at the helm.
The decision, which came into effect earlier this month, signals a shift in focus for Ramaswamy, who is now looking to immerse himself fully in filmmaking and direction as an independent creative.
Known for blending sharp advertising insight with storytelling craft, Ramaswamy has been instrumental in shaping The Script Room into a creative hub that delivered campaigns, branded content, and original storytelling formats. Over the years, the company collaborated with agencies, directors, and a wide network of writers, while also experimenting with formats such as short films and web series.
Sharing his thoughts on the transition, Ramaswamy indicated that the move is driven by a desire to focus and explore stories he has been developing over time. While he acknowledged the unconventional nature of stepping away from one’s own venture, he also framed it as a necessary leap toward clarity and creative pursuit.
Importantly, The Script Room will continue its operations with its current team and leadership, with Ramaswamy expressing confidence in the group that helped build the company’s identity. The studio, he noted, remains well-positioned to evolve further with fresh talent and ideas.
His exit also reflects a wider industry trend, where experienced advertising professionals are increasingly transitioning into independent filmmaking, tapping into the growing opportunities across digital and long-form content platforms.
As Ramaswamy steps into this new phase, the move underscores a familiar creative instinct, sometimes, the boldest ideas begin with a clean break.
