Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group Chairman Anil Ambani group today (June 25) announced a star-studded joint venture with Amitabh Bachchan and his other family members to work together in the areas of movies, live shows, TV, internet and mobile entertainment. While Anil Ambani group, one of the country's top business houses, described Amitabh as "the living legend of Indian movie industry," his other family members -- wife Jaya, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya also figure among the big stars. The deal comes barely about a month after the group announced a star-studded foray in Hollywood when it announced at Cannes Film Festival deals with the likes of Jim Carrey, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Nicholas Cage. Besides, Anil Ambani group's entertainment venture is currently reported to be in talks with star Hollywood filmmaker Stephen Spielberg, who has made movies like Jurassic Park, for a movie making venture. Announcing JV with Bachchans, Reliance Big Entertainment said it would focus on creating original products in the field of movies, TV, internet, mobile and live shows. "This JV will bring together the creative synergies of all members of the Bachchan family -- Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Abhishek and Aishwarya," it said. "Reliance Big Entertainment will provide managerial resources, market strength and distribution muscle to this JV," it noted. The JV has lined up an initial line of more than half a dozen movies with leading directors like R Balki, Sujoy Ghosh, Rohan Sippy and Chandraprakash Diwedi. "I look upon this association as a progressive step towards the future and a healthy marriage between creative output and professional corporate management," Amitabh said announcing the deal. Directors shortlisted"Four directors have been short listed for projects which will go on floors beginning from the end of this year. Few other projects are at consideration stage and will be announced shortly," Wing commander P Ramesh, CEO of A B Corp said. Ramesh said that Reliance Big Entertainment and A B Corp are equal partners in the film production in terms of creative input and finance. When asked whether the Bachchans would be acting in the film, Ramesh said, "Bachchan senior will feature in Dwivedi and Ghosh's films while Abhishek will act in Sippy's film. Both, Abhishek and Amitabh will be seen together in Balki's film." Besides this, Ghosh is considering Abhishek for his next project, he added. Reliance Big Entertainment said that the JV is in line with its strategy to tie up with leading Indian and international creative talent for transforming itself into a global media and entertainment company. Among the directors that have been signed on for the JV, Balki made his debut with Amitabh Bachchan in Cheeni Kum, Besides, Rohan Sippy has recently directed two films with Abhishek, 'Bluffmaster' and 'Kuch Na Kaho'. (PTI) ... read more »