May try luck in Bollywood

NEW DELHI: Britain’s maverick tycoon Sir Richard Branson is all set to foray into a number of new businesses in India, including films and telecom. The chairman of the £5 billion (2006 revenue) Virgin Group is also planning to expand his aviation footprint in India.

Mr Branson indicated that his Virgin Comics venture (in collaboration with Deepak Chopra and Shekhar Kapur), could lead to a Bollywood debut. Virgin Comics — set up to tap into the Indian creative talent pool of designers and animators — would also be turned into films. “Since these characters would be made into animation movies, this could be Virgin’s entry into Bollywood,” Mr Branson said.

In core business aviation too he has plans lined up to add more Indian destinations for international flights. “I am trying to get permission to expand in the international flight space market,” he said. Currently, Virgin Atlantic operates flights to London from India. However, Mr Branson is keen to enter the domestic aviation segment as soon as the government opens up the sector for foreign direct investment. “We would love the right to fly domestic in India, but the market is currently protected. If the market is opened up, you will find Virgin competing alongside local carriers,” he added.

The group has recently ordered six new Airbus A380s which is considered the world’s largest planes. However, Indian passengers will have to wait their turn to fly in one of them as these planes need bigger runways to land, which our airports currently lack.

Another of Branson’s favourite subjects is clean fuel and he reiterated his commitment to reduce pollution from airplanes. Last year, the group dedicated all future proceeds from its transportation companies to renewable energy initiatives and is keen on flying one on clean fuel. “As per the group’s plans next year, we will be able to fly a 747 on significant percentage amount of clean fuel if not 100%,” he said.

Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard, the Virgin Group has a diversified business portfolio which includes sectors like mobile telephony, transportation, travel, financial services, leisure, music, holidays, publishing and retailing. When asked about his new forays in India, Mr Branson mentioned that he is looking at entering two new sectors but will keep everyone guessing for now.