Funny place

Ahmedabad: E-City Entertainment (India) Pvt Ltd (E-City) was incorporated in 1999 with a view to redefine the entertainment and leisure landscape in India. The vision is to be the best out-of-home entertainment provider. E-City is now planning to set up a nationwide chain of 14 integrated family entertainment centres (FECs) called Fun Republic across 12 cities in India by the end of 2004.

Prakash Mirpuri heads marketing and corporate communications at E-City and has been in the leisure industry since 1994. Mirpuris domain also includes what is now emerging as a serious, alternative revenue stream, namely corporate partnerships.

In his earlier assignments in the Essel group he has handled the launch of Water Kingdom, Asias largest and Indias first theme water park, and has handled marketing and communications for EsselWorld, Water Kingdom and Fun Kingdom, Jaipur.

He spoke to Anjali Bajpai recently. Excerpts:

What is E-City all about?
E-City was started in 1999 to change the rules of entertainment and to offer the best out-of-home entertainment. With this view in mind, E-City has decided to set up FECs called Fun Republic across the country. The first Fun Republic has been in operation in Ahmedabad since 27 July 2001.