Smaaash Entertainment to go global; invest Rs 285cr by 2016-17

Smaaash Entertainment Pvt Ltd, a sports-centric virtual entertainment company in which cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has a minority stake, today said it will invest about Rs 285 crore by 2016-17 as it plans to go international and also open facilities in seven more cities.
"We have already invested close to about Rs 150 crore. Another Rs 85 crore will be invested by the end of this calendar year. As we grow international, another Rs 200 crore is likely to be invested. So, from now on, till 2016-17, we will be investing close to Rs 285 crore," Shripal Morakhia, Chief Imagination Officer of Smaaash, told PTI here.

He was speaking after Tendulkar launched the company's new sports-centric interactive entertainment gaming centre here. The first such centre was established in Mumbai in 2012, followed by Delhi and now in Hyderabad.
The company plans to open the 'Smaaash' centres in seven other cities by this year-end. Dubai, Saudi Arabia and London are the international locations where it plans to set up units, he added.
Tendulkar holds a "significant" minority stake in the company, Morakhia said, refusing to divulge any details. "We do not quantify investment of any partner," he said.
The legendary cricketer picked up the stake in 2011, but he is not a promoter, he said.

"It is a significant minority (stake). It is not about the money, financial involvement of the person. It is about the involvement of his heart and soul.
"What is important is only his heart and soul, he is fully committed to the cause of Smaaash. I think for me that is all important than anything else. I cannot and will not envisage Smaaash without Sachin Tendulkar," he added.
Smaaash offers a wide range of games that offer a superlative virtual-reality experience, and combines the best of sports, music and dining into an interactive, innovative and involved entertainment experience.