Ease curbs on Indian Cinema-report.
Mo
industry: Study -indiaexpress.com
03rd Apr 2000
Predicting a massive boom in the Indian entertainment
industry, a new report has called for its corporatisation
coupled with government support to boost its potential,
while urging removal of many of the existing cinema
exhibition and related curbs to give a level playing field
to the industry in the new liberalized environment.
The report, authored by Arthur Anderson and released by the
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
(FICCI), said that corporatisation of the industry will give
it respectability, thus enabling it to raise finances from
various sources including public issues, banks and financial
institutions.
Pointing out the Indian entertainment industry, particularly
the film industry, has so far been characterized by sole
proprietorships and partnership concerns handed down over
generations, the report has underlined to need to
corporatise the sector.
But, said the report, this industry needs government support
and encouragement, particularly in comparison with certain
newer industries.
Underlining the need for an exhaustive review of the
prevailing cinema exhibition rules and related restrictions
on theatres, it said most of the curbs have outlived their
purpose and in the liberalized environment and need to be
revised to give a level playing field for single theatre
owners and for multiplexes to compete with other
entertainment providers.
An exemption on the lines of the exemption given to
stockbrokers a few years ago could do away with the
dependence on underworld financiers, the difficulty in
obtaining funding from banks, and will facilitate greater
transparency in operations, it added.
Titled `The Indian Entertainment Industry: Strategies and
Vision,’ it says that despite the nebulousness of this
industry and the inability of the government to fully
appreciate its size and the latent potential, the
entertainment industry is in for a big boom, as a result of
the inevitable convergence of entertainment and
telecommunication.
According to the study, besides minimizing interruptions in
the process of filmmaking, brining film production into the
ambit of insurance would provide film financiers a certain
level of comfort.
Noting that the exponential increase in revenue from the
export of Indian films is indicative of the fact that Indian
films are now attaining worldwide quality standards and are
being appreciated internationally, it has called for
rationalization of entertainment and theatre tax rates which
will maximize the flow back of revenues to not only the
theatre owners but also to the producers and distributors,
thereby generating better quality programming.
Further, it has called for setting up a separate cell to
enforce anti-piracy laws as the industry suffers annual
revenue losses to the tune of Rs 3.5 billion.
The Central Cottage Industries Emporium (CCIE) at Connaught
Place is not everybody’s cup of tea. Distinct from the
monotonous and mediocre shopping joints that are found
galore in Karol Bagh or Lajpat Nagar, CCIE is a hot favorite
with foreigners.
This place showcases a good variety of art objects,
sculpture, paintings, handlooms and handicrafts, jewelry,
furniture etc. to keep you occupied for hours at end.
Approximately a 5-ft. tall sculpture of Lord Ganesha,
chiseled out of a single piece of wood, is simply one of the
masterpieces of craftsmanship. Priced at mind-boggling Rs 14
lakhs ( $40,000), this sculpture beautifully depicts the
childlike innocence of Lord Ganesha. Take a closer look at
the paunch, you will be astonished at the craftsmanship.
It is available in other sizes also. Approximately an 8-ft
tall sculpture of Lord Ganesha will cost you Rs 35 lakhs.
Sculpture of Lord Krishna of the same size in the same price
range is also available.
If your wallet does not permit you to such an extravagant
shopping, drop into art objects segment. Sculpture on metal,
mostly brass (oxidized) are priced at a range anything
between Rs 1500 and 10,000 will surely add to your
collection.
A good selection of Panchawari and Pachitra paintings
besides the Tanjore paintings and Palm Leaf Art is
definitely engrossing. If you find it monotonous, look at
miniature paintings from Rajasthan.
Furniture displayed are aesthetically designed, and made of
teakwood and sandalwood. Do check the price tag. The
showroom also displays a decent variety of handloom sarees,
thread work and block printing seems to be the specialty.
Want to present a piece of jewelry to your beloved. You can
choose it from pearls, diamonds and stones displayed here.
Jewelry boxes with mughal art engraved on the top or all the
four sides could be a unique gift.
The emporium also showcases cane and bamboo craft, painting
on brass and bowls etc.
The ambience in the showroom promises you a very different
shopping experience. So, shop till you drop.