Planet Hollywood lands in Mumbai

With a long list of shining celebrities and a two-day unique Hollywood-style bash to grab attention, London entrepreneur Robert Earl re-launched Las Vegas Strip mega resort Planet Hollywood and announced going international by starting five such hotels in India on a planned investment of $15 million.

Earl, 56, the man who invented the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain in which the famous Hollywood actors like Sylvestor Stallone, Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and others have a stake, said, "We are expanding our restaurants and India, due to its strategic postion, was an obvious choice".

"We expect to open our first restaurant in Bollywood and the other four will be in New Delhi, Bangalore and other major metros," he said.

Planet Hollywood is about popular culture and the celebration of all forms of entertainment and Mumbai, which is home to Bollywood, is the huge capital of entertainment. That is what makes this a perfect marriage, Earl told PTI during the relaunch ceremony.

"PH hotels in India will be a unique idea like our other hotels. The moment a traveller will enter the lobby, it will create a mood that is both hip and frenetic. The rooms will not only be elegant, but we will feature memorabilia in each room and the rooms will be a tribute to a specific celebrity or film.

"No two guest rooms will have the same pieces in them, so with each return visit, you will have a different look in your room," he said.

Planet Hollywood plans to invest about $15 million by 2010 for the Indian segment of its restaurant/hotel business. Planet Hollywood International announced that it has signed a master franchise agreement with Arch Millennium Corp. to develop five Planet Hollywood restaurants in India.

"I am thrilled that we have found the right partners to open in India, a country that has huge potential for the Planet Hollywood brand," commented Earl, founder and chairman of Planet Hollywood.

"This franchise agreement will bring the excitement of Hollywood and combine it with the power of Bollywood in a very special way. It is a recipe for a huge success.

In line with the restaurant's name, Earl said they would bring Hollywood stars such as Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Pamela Anderson, David Hasseloff, Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake and many others and promised that the move "in itself will open up many avenues for both Bollywood and Hollywood stars and integrate them."

"With our family-friendly concept, we will respect both the culture and the sensitivities of the people with focus on fun, food, freshness and lifestyle. India is ready to absorb more brands and I want to be a part of its growth."

Planet Hollywood offers a very unique dining experience inspired by the movie world. "We intend to bring to India great food, customer service and interactive entertainment," Earl said, adding, "we already have some great movie props picked out for India from Hollywood's biggest blockbusters!"