Andy Bird, chairman of Walt Disney International, said the company is not abandoning local content production in India, despite its decision last year to close Bollywood film production.
Bird said India is often overshadowed by the growth of China, but prospects for the country are very bright, reported Variety.
"I've never been more excited about India. That comes after a decade of frustration," said Bird, speaking at the Asia Pacific Video Operators Summit (APOS) convention in Indonesia on Wednesday.
He said the decision to close down Disney's Indian film production operations last year has been misunderstood by the industry.
"It was misinterpreted that we were giving up on local production," said Bird, adding, the company has a slate of 12 products in development.
He explained that the changing possibilities offered by expanding bandwidth and mobile access mean that Disney is more able to experiment with new business models.
"In India we've had content which debuted on Facebook, then went to YouTube and then to traditional TV in third place. The economics of the Indian cinema industry are just not catching up," said Bird.
Another factor behind the decision was the growing popularity of Hollywood movies in India.
Bird said that Disney has up to 24 businesses able to use the corporation's intellectual property.
Bird said Asia continues to represent some of the fastest growth rates in the world for Disney, while also being at the cutting edge of the analog to digital transformation.
"(In two to three years) we expect to be a digitally focused, mobile first, multi-faceted company," said Bird.
R Madhavan shares his experience portraying a father’s role for the first time alongside Ajay Devgn.
Actor addresses rumours about de-ageing technology, confirming he relied on diet and fitness instead.
Madhavan reflects on sequels and preparation for previous physically demanding roles like Saala Khadoos.
Nervous about a father’s role
At the trailer launch of De De Pyaar De 2, R Madhavan admitted he was initially nervous about playing Ajay Devgn’s on-screen father-in-law.
“I have never done a father’s role before, and competing with Ajay, I was very nervous,” Madhavan said. “I have seen other actors who are so busy when they come to the set, but Ajay sir is always present and dedicated. We have always felt connected.”
The actor also commented on the appeal of sequels. Devgn, who stars alongside Madhavan, stated, “I don’t mind sequels as long as there is a good script. I hope the film is liked by audiences. We all believe we have made a good film.”
Madhavan addressed recent rumours about de-ageing technology in his films, stating, “They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened.”
Instead, the actor relies on traditional methods of preparation, including fitness and diet adjustments, to meet the physical demands of roles.
Reflections on past roles
Madhavan reflected on the preparation for his earlier role in Saala Khadoos, a physically demanding sports drama. “When I went to train for Saala Khadoos, I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit, what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on, but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he said.
The actor’s candid reflections reveal a focus on dedication and personal preparation rather than technological shortcuts, highlighting his commitment to authentic performances.
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