Multiplex for kids: learning through fun

After the success of multiplexes and shopping malls, the origin of Talent City, India’s first multiplex for kids has proved to be a blessing. In an interview, Pankaj Pasari, Director, Talent City expresses his hopes and aspirations for his project.

Abha Garyali (AG): Tell us something about the inception and success of ‘Talent City’. What exactly does a ‘multiplex for kids’ stand for?

Pankaj Pasari (PP): The formulation and development of ‘Talent City’ is the brain child of Don Bosco, President of the youth wing Don Bosco (India) Rev. Fr M.A Joseph. ‘Talent City’ was shaped and materialised in 2004 with four E’s in mind - Entertainment, Education, Electronic Media and Eatables. We provide both educational and entertainment facilities like DJ’s, shooting, table tennis, roller skating, computers, personality development, swimming, music, mental math, true IQ, self defense, dance, modeling and acting. At Talent City we truly support the philosophy that “Child is the father of man”.

AG: What is the USP of Talent City?

PP: Our concept, being unique and original, is the most important USP of our project and proves to be a crowd puller for our target segment.

AG: When did you start franchising? From where did you get the inspiration to opt for franchising as a mode of expansion?

PP: The steady and solid success of our first unit with a strength of 1300 students lubricated our wheels of thought to franchise. Franchising always entertains and accepts innovative business ideas with calculated minimum risk and maximum rewards. We made a disciplined survey across India to identify the facts for ‘India’s First Multiplex for Kids’ and it gives us a lot of pleasure to learn that we are the genuine ones. Thus, with a successful and original concept we were confident to franchise Talent City and thus opened the first franchise unit in the year 2008.

AG: What are your views about the future of such multiplexes for kids in India?

PP: We have found a new segment ‘Edutainment’ and hence the scope for growth and future prospects is superb and definite. We being the first in this field are sure of getting that advantage in our hands.

AG: What qualities do you look in prospective franchisees for your company?

PP: The qualities that we look forward are pretty universal. The foremost is that the franchisees should have thirst and urge to diversify in the field of Edutainment.

AG: How many franchised outlets do you have and in which cities?

PP: Currently we serve 3800 students and have three outlets of which two are franchised. At present our operations are in Howrah and Kolkata.

AG: What training and support do you provide to the franchisees?

PP: We interview, appoint and train all the personnel required to run ‘Talent City’. It is mandatory for every employee appointed in this format to receive a NOC, a set parameter for skill and competence. All the support related to marketing, administration, course development and outsourcing is provided with utmost care.

AG: How much investment is required by an aspiring franchisee?

PP: Investment varies from Rs 14 lakh to Rs 25 lakh depending upon the size of project.

AG: What are the company’s future plans in terms of expansion through franchising?

PP: We are on an expansion spree and our policy to grow is devised on the principles of franchising. The first franchisee appointed in any particular city becomes the Master Franchisee automatically and thus creates immediate platform for franchisees to multiply.

To be precise we are expecting two to three units every year and in the period of five years we should have 20 units across India.