 "Xiaomi watch out: Salman Khan heating up smartphone battle with BeingSmart")
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is gearing up to launch a smartphone brand dubbed as ‘BeingSmart’ in India.
According to a report in The Economic Times, Salman’s new smartphone venture would focus on smartphones aimed at entry and mid-range levels. He has reportedly been building an operational management team for the venture, which would be headed by professionals with working experience in companies like Samsung and Micromax.
A manufacturing plant in China has also been selected to build handpicked models that will carry the ‘BeingSmart’ tag.
The smartphones will be sold through online channels and 'Being Human' retail stores initially. 'Being Human' is another business venture endorsed by Salman Khan. The smartphones would also be made available in major electronic retail chains as part of a strategic partnership.
Salman Khan had tried entering the smartphone arena through a partnership with existing smartphone OEMs. However, the brands who initially expressed interest backed off because of high royalty charges that the most bankable superstar of Bollywood – Salman Khan – demands. ET reports that he is looking for investors in this venture where he will be the majority shareholder.
A share of profits from the 'Being Smart' venture would also be ploughed back into charity and social work that Salman Khan does with the Being Human Foundation.
The smartphones with Salman’s BeingSmart branding is expected to be launched before the festive season later this year.
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