MUMBAI: Events are going to become bigger and grander on Subhash Chandra's network. Zee Telefilms Ltd (ZTL) CEO Pradeep Guha has identified events as a huge revenue opportunity for the group and is in the process of setting up a separate division to solely manage that side of the business.

Zee will soon be appointing a top level executive who will handle events including the prime property Zee Cine Awards. The search is actively on. "We are in talks with a couple of people to get on board who will manage our events. This is for all our channels across the world," Guha tells indiantelevision.com.
 
Guha says events would no more be a part of the marketing function. "Now we are de-linking it. It is a separate activity altogether because when the marketing executives are involved in events, their day-to-day responsibilities get affected," he says.

With Guha at the helm, ZTL is expected to tap the event market much more vigorously. "What we are definitely looking at this year is events. About three properties are in the pipeline," he confirms.

When queried if Zee would acquire any formats that would be event-led, Guha answered in the negative. "The events will be tied in to our current properties," he says.
 
 

After a successful Zee Cine Awards held in London in March 2005, Zee has launched another property Zee Astitva Awards. Zee Astitiva awards honour women achievers in various fields.