Balaji Telefilms is one of the largest and the most successful software production house in India and provides 34 hours of television software per week on major channels like Doordarshan, Zee TV, Sony TV, Star TV, Sun TV, Gemini TV and Udaya TV. It was incorporated as a private limited company in November 1994 by Mr.Ravi Kapoor alias Mr.Jeetendra, Mrs.Shobha Kapoor and Ms.Ekta Kapoor and since then it has strengthened its creative and production skills and relationship, while constantly identifying new avenues and markets. It went public in 2000 by raising Rs. 57 crore from the market to meet its expansion plans.

Balaji began its operations with 'Mano Ya Na Mano' which was aired on Zee TV in the year 1995 followed by 'Hum Paanch', a popular sitcom which has been running for five years. The company recently merged with Channel Nine Broadcasting placing Balaji on the global scale by opening the export market for the company.

What is the strategy behind Balaji Telefilms' entry into Television Software business?

What has deterred your company from starting your own channel, considering the fact that you have been successful in this business in a very short span of six years?

How would you explain the current trend of television software companies like SABNL, Nimbus etc. launching their own channel?

What are the key success factors in running any television software company?

As a company Balaji has this tremendous capacity to scale up its operations. You now provide more than 30 hours of original programming across various channels and various languages. Could you explain the key factors required for scaling up the operations to this level, maintaining the quality of programming?

How would you differentiate programming for a private satellite television versus programming for DD? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the same?

What is Balaji Telefilms' strategy in terms of programming? What sort of mix are you looking at between DD programming and private satellite channel programming?

What is the current ratio of Hindi and other regional programming done by your company? How are the two different - in terms of costs, concepts, ideas, audience, etc?

What is the strategy behind Balaji Telefilms specialising in dramas and daily soaps software production as against other genres?

What is the logic or fundamental behind naming serials from "K" like Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kavita, Kyunki Saans Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kalash, Etc?

How important is a library for a software house? We believe that your library has been valued at Rs 12 crore. Could you please elaborate more on this?

How important it is for a television software company to own its own equipment and studio facilities? How is Balaji Telefilms equipped for the same?

What according to you is the minimum investment required (fixed + working capital) to commence a software production house?

What are your views on the existing IPR issues in the industry? Considering the fact that your company has produced a number of blockbuster serials, would it be a better strategy to retain the IPR's of your programmes? What steps have you taken in this direction?

With the current merger with Channel Nine, one understands that there would be lot of scope for foraying into programming for international markets? What is the potential for Hindi and regional programming in international markets? How has this merger helped you in exploiting this field?

What sort of arrangement has Balaji Telefilms entered with Channel Nine Broadcasting?

Can you explain the current trend of television software companies accessing the markets? What is the reason for this phenomenon success for television software companies?

What were the main reasons for your company foraying into the capital market? And what factors were responsible for it high issue price?

Where do you see the Television Software industry moving in the next five years - in terms of size and growth? What are your plans in the next five years?