The group would launch three channels under its new entertainment venture - NDTV Imagine, which will be headed by Star's ex-CEO Sameer Nair, credited with turning Star networks' fortunes with programmes like Kaun Banega Crorepati and plethora of hugely popular 'Saas-Bahu' serials.
"We will launch the first general entertainment channel in Hindi by the end of this year or early next year. We are in conversation with all major producers including Ekta Kapoor for producing serials on our channel," NDTV Imagine CEO Sameer Nair said.
The second channel would be a movie channel, which would be launched around March, 2008. Nair, however, did not disclose the details of the planned third channel.
NDTV had recently got approval from FIPB for foreign investment to the tune of Rs 585 crore (Rs 5.85 billion) for its foray into entertainment and lifestyle space.
"Most of this investment (from Rs 585 crore) will be into NDTV Imagine," he said without divulging the exact figures.
Earlier this year, NDTV had announced a tie-up with Karan Johar's Dharma Productions for the venture. Karan Johar will be the creative consultant and the ambassador of the NDTV brand.
The company is also in discussions with leading production houses such as Hats Off and Synergy to come with new and different shows on its channel, which will target audience in the age group of 6-60 with a variety of programmes.
