Banijay Asia links up with Indian filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala to adapt int’l scripted IP
Sajid Nadiadwala (left) and Deepak Dhar
Banijay Asia has partnered with filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala’s Mumbai-based Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment (NGE) to create original content together as well as adapt international IP.
Nadiadwala, known for directing Kick, one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies of the 2010s, set up NGE in the 1990s and the company has been behind hits such as Tamasha, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Judwaa 2 and 2 States.
Born into a family of accomplished filmmakers, Nadiadwala is the grandson of the late AK Nadiadwala, one of India’s most prominent movie producers. He also wrote the acclaimed Marathi film Lai Bhaari, produced by and starring Riteish Deshmukh.
The strategic collaboration will see the two join forces to produce a line-up of originals and adaptations of global hits for audiences in India and beyond.
It comes as Banijay Asia gears up to make Indian versions of hit scripted shows such as Monk, House and Suits.
Launched in early 2018, as a joint venture between Banijay Entertainment and Deepak Dhar, Banijay Asia has adapted series including The Night Manager, The Trial (The Good Wife), Call My Agent, Hostages and Fall in India. It has also been behind originals such as Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Undekhi and Tribhanga.
Mrinalini Jain, group chief development officer at Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, said partnering with NGE will blend Banijay’s strengths in content development with Nadiadwala’s cinematic vision.
Nadiadwala said: “At NGE, we have always strived to deliver top-notch entertainment to the Indian audiences and partnering with Banijay Asia to create cutting-edge content across genres and formats is a thrilling venture for us.”
Dhar, founder and group CEO of Banijay Asia and EndemolShine India, said: “We are excited to partner with Sajid Nadiadwala, a visionary whose contributions to Indian cinema are unparalleled.
“His dedication to filmmaking and his ability to connect with the Indian and global audiences makes this partnership an interesting one. This collaboration further reinforces our commitment to produce high-quality content that resonates with audiences across the globe.”
