Shyam PS has been named head of film production and acquisitionsat Buena Vista International (India) as The Walt Disney Company moves toexplore synergies with Bollywood.

Based in Mumbai, Shyam will take the lead on creating original andacquiring original Indian-language films that combine Disney storytelling withIndian sensibilities.

He will report directly to Rajat Jain, Walt Disney Company (India)managing director, Jeff Forman, senior vice president at BVI Asia, and Jo Yan,vice president of sales, BVI Asia.

"We are investing in the future of global entertainment inIndia through a continued thrust on building the depth and breadth of ourpresence in the country," Jain said.

"Shyam's outstanding knowledge of the Indian movie business willbe an asset in the launch and future of our studio operations.

"With this launch, I am happy to inform that three of ourfour lines of businesses have their presence in India now, which creates ameaningful presence for Disney here."

"India has a great wealth of stories and a wonderful historyof filmmaking", Forman added. "We are very excited by the prospectsof making Indian-language films for the Indian audience with Indiansensitivities and a touch of the Disney magic."

Shyam most recently worked with Flicks - The Motion PictureCompany serving as executive producer of the recent release Rang De Basanti. Prior to that he worked with thePercept Picture Company on music videos, docudramas and commercials.