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Profiles of Key Bollywood Companies>> 193

dabbled in the Indian distribution of foreign films. To date, Studio 18 has
been more active in distribution, syndication, and movie marketing than in
production, although this aspect of the company is currently being actively
cultivated.

3. Rajshri Productions Pvt. Ltd./Rajshri Group

Established initially as a film distribution company in 1947 by Tarachand
Barjatya, the Rajshri Group is one of India’s oldest and most successful fam-
ily-owned media businesses with a carefully cultivated reputation for “fam-
ily entertainment.” Since 1962 the company’s production house has produced
over fifty Hindi films, including Dosti (1964), Uphaar (1971), Ankhiyon Ke
Jharokhon Se (1978), Sooraj Barjatya’s directorial debut Maine Pyar Kiya
(1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999), and
Vivah (2006).
The company remains a major distributor and has a strong presence in
the distribution of regional films with offices in Kolkata, New Delhi, Banga-
lore, and other major cities throughout the country. Rajshri has handled dis-
tribution for both celebrated producers (Gemini, Prasad Productions, Sippy
Films) and entered into distribution arrangements with large corporate
film producers as well (Percept, PVR, Reliance, and UTV). However, unlike
film distribution ventures launched by corporates like Studio 18, which are
focused on the urban multiplex audience, Rajshri does not distribute Hol-
lywood films in India and is not actively courting the international theatrical
distribution market.
Tarachand Barjatya’s three sons—Kamal Kumar, Raj Kumar, and Ajit
Kumar—are the current directors of the Rajshri Group, Tarachand having
passed away in 1992. Under the direction of Kamal Kumar’s daughter Kavita
Barjatya, Rajshri produces family-oriented television serials and dramas,
including Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki (now in its sixth season on Sahara
One), and Yahaaan Main Ghar-Ghar Kheli (airing on Zee TV). This recent
growth in television production is in keeping with the company’s legacy
as one of the earliest Indian producers of television programming with its
1985 series Paying Guest for Doordarshan. In 1997 the company also formed
Rajshri Music, a niche label that specializes in non-film music recordings
(overseen by Rajjat Barjatya, son of Ajit Kumar).
Rajshri Media is the company’s latest effort to blend “modern technology
with traditional Indian values.” In 2006, under the leadership of Rajat Bar-
jatya, a third-generation member of the Barjatya film family (he is the son
of producer Ajit Kumar Barjatya), the company made its foray into web and