| |
 |
Showman Cometh
Film maker and distributor Prashant Shah has come a long way since he left
Africa and landed on US shores. With a successful production company under his
belt, Shah now wants his own entertainment empire |
|
By Arnelle
Hartenstein in New Jersey
|
 |
|
“Never stop dreaming and your journey will never
end.” These words describe Prashant Shah, a man who dedicates his life to
family, film and the entertainment business. He is the president of
BollywoodHollywood Production, a company based in New Jersey. He has offices
located in India, the UK, Canada and New Zealand. His mission is to bring
enjoyment and entertainment to the Indian diaspora, as well as enlightening the
world, and bringing about awareness regarding Indian heritage and culture to
others. |
Shah has just had the red carpet premier opening night of Morning Raga, a film
about people from a village in southern India. They had taken a bus trip into
the city. An accident occurs and numerous lives are affected as a result.
Morning Raga is the story of three such lives inextricably linked by this
tragedy and how they come to terms with their loss by a strong uniting force -
music. The movie premiered at the Imagine Asia Theater in New York City this
past March 16. Shah also has opening dates scheduled for Los Angeles, Miami, San
Francisco and Canada. The New York Times reviewed the movie premier. “The
performances of Carnatic music, southern India’s classical form, are heaven.” In
speaking with Shah he simply stated: “It was amazing. It was very well done and
very well received.”
Shah lived in Nairobi Africa for a while. However, 15 years ago he left Africa
and came to the US. First settling in Queens, New York because of the close
proximity to New York City. He moved to Edison, New Jersey with his entire
family. His parents live with him and his wife and children.
Elizabeth, his American wife, supports him and upholds all his family’s
religious and cultural traditions and beliefs. She is his most important
assistant at the BollywoodHollywood Production Company, and is very elated with
all her husband has accomplished. She stands by his side with all his endeavors.
His company began in New Jersey in 1999.
Shah focuses on a variety of genres, from humour to tragedy, from action films
to thrillers, and let us not forget the important festival films that are dear
to his heart. His main objective is to bring these featured films into the
theatres. Not only does he accomplish all this, but he is also involved in the
film’s advertising, and most importantly, premier screenings. He handles the US
licensing requirements as well as amassing of funds for backing and endorsing
the films.
Shah has been involved with numerous projects. Each one is as diverse as the
next. He assisted in the production of “It Was Raining That Night”. He is also
involved with “Out of Control”, “Sei Brishtir Rater”, the circulation of “Udaan”
in both New Jersey and New York, “Destiny”, and “The Pyramid Scheme” which is
being released in New Jersey and Israel. This is just a small listing of several
undertakings that Shah is involved with.
He continues to add he began his career as a dishwasher in a kitchen and became
somewhat of a celebrity by being humorous. He is thankful to the ‘little guy’.
“Never forget, we are made of flesh and bones, not sticks and stones. Be firm,
but be fair. Each person is an individual and must be treated accordingly, given
the respect due him, and the gratitude for a job well done, no matter what the
job entails.”
One of his achievements is producing the entire 2005 Miss Asia America pageant.
This event will be held the beginning of June 2005 at the renowned New Jersey
Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey. This is definitely a feat of
significant ability to achieve this goal. This will be another feather in his
cap, another milestone in his road of achievements and successes.
More kudos for Shah: he is beginning the first South Asian TV station in the US
that will have continuous 24/7 programming. It will be on the DISH satellite
network. His involvement will be in the area of programming, content
acquisitions in regard to programs to be aired.
This journalist asked what he believes the future holds for Shah. He looked
upwards and said in a humble voice, “I leave that for the guy above me to make
that decision. I just like doing my work. I don’t work for expectations. If I
were to get an award, both that guy above and I got it for me.” A very
deferential comment indeed.
Shah’s goal now is to build an entertainment empire. “Just believe in yourself
regardless of age, and success will follow,” he says.
|
|
|
|
