Anil Ambani launches website 'Bigadda.com'

Mumbai, Aug 13: Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (ADA) headed Reliance group today announced the launch of an Indian networking website 'Bigadda.com', with all forms of expression for Indian users under a single window.

'Bigadda.com' enables networking and self expression by creating, uploading and sharing of videos, photos, blogs and scribbles to help users express, comment and connect 'Addas' (communities) for self expression.

Reliance Entertainment President Rajesh Sawhney said, ''Our website, 'Bigadda.com' cannot be compared to 'Orkut.com' and 'Facebook.com' as the ADA promoted networking site has been specifically designed for the Indian youth identifying the Indian culture and its need.'' Refusing to share the investment details, Mr Sawhney said, ''The 'Bigadda' attempt by ADA is an innovation driven agenda and does not have a profit perspective.'' Citing a 2007 NASSCOM report, which estimated 20 million Broadband subscribers by 2010, up from one million and 100 million Internet users, as compared to 40 million today, Mr Sawhney emphasized that the number of Internet users have witnessed an upswing, and so has their need to socialize.

He said that 'Bigadda.com' is ready to work with other innovative entrepreneurs to increase its reach and for better revenue results.

''We are not against new ideas'', Mr Sawhney responded to a query regarding competition.

On the occasion, celebrity icons such as golfer Irina Brar, actress Dia Mirza, photographer Atul Kasbekar, film maker Madhur Bhandarkar and musician Shankar Mahdevan came together and endorsed 'Bigadda.com' as the next big step for the Indian youth to socialize, communicate and research on their favourite issues.

Chief Operating Officer Siddartha Roy said, ''The website has a totally different feel and treatment, which cannot be compared to other websites or foreign portals. We are in a moment of transition as our social relationships are no longer restricted to face-to-face interactions in our immediate surroundings.'' ''Unlike other social networking websites, 'Bigadda.com' provides users with video, photo and music sharing arrangements. It also has scribbles to help communicate among users and will introduce wireless SMS, MMS, WAP and several other features,'' Mr Roy added.

UNI