Bollywood Star Priyanka Chopra Signs with Universal Music Group

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world's leading music company, and Desi Hits! (www.desihits.com) The world's premier east/west fusion entertainment platform have signed award-winning Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra to a worldwide recording agreement.

As part of this global deal, Priyanka will release her highly anticipated debut album in North America with Desi Hits through Interscope Records and internationally on Island Records UK. She is being managed by TRoy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory, who also manages Lady Gaga.

Priyanka is the first major international signing for the Desi Hits label, which was founded by Anjula Acharia-Bath in partnership with UMG in 2010 as the preeminent home for highly creative artists with Indian/South Asian roots. Ms. Acharia-Bath is the chief executive of fusion multi platform media company Desi Hits, and flew to India last summer with UMG UK chief executive David Joseph to scout Chopra.

"Priyanka is an international superstar who has captivated millions around the world. Her foray into the American music industry meets the vision of our company, which strives to fuse the best of the eastern and western culture to create magic. It's truly a dream come true, and we are very excited to bring this multi-talented artist to the rest of the world," said Anjula Acharia-Bath, CEO of Desi Hits.

"Pop music has always had a love affair with Indian culture and with Priyanka's unique talent and experience we have the opportunities to push the boundaries of popular culture," said Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records. "I feel this is an amazing opportunity for all of us."

"Bollywood has had Priyanka to itself for too long," commented David Joseph, Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Music UK. "She has exceptional talent and we look forward to launching her recording career around the world."

Chopra is currently in the studio writing and recording her debut pop album, which will be sung in English.

"It has been a long cherished dream which is finally coming true," said Priyanka Chopra about her music debut. "I am truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform. I am privileged to be a part of the Universal Music - Desi Hits family and to be working with some of the most illustrious names in the music industry. This is a fascinating new experience for me and I am thoroughly enjoying the journey."

"We believe wholeheartedly in Priyanka's talent, drive, and creative vision," stated Anthony Saleh, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Atom Factory. "We are confident in Priyanka's ability to redefine pop music on her own terms."

Her music debut will add another dimension to this actor, humanitarian, green crusader and brand ambassador. Priyanka Chopra, one of the most recognized talents in Indian cinema, is a recipient of the prestigious Indian National Film Awards amongst many others. She is acknowledged as one of the most versatile actors with many path-breaking performances. Priyanka is also actively involved in her role as the National Ambassador for UNICEF in India and the Green Ambassador of a nationwide environment awareness campaign in India.

Universal Music Group is the world's leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 territories. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry's leading global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group's record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog-Universal Music, Universal Motown, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalog of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world's most popular artists and their recordings. UMG's catalog is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.

Universal Music Group is a unit of Vivendi, a global media and communications company.

Founded in 2007, with headquarters in New York, London and Mumbai, Desi Hits! (www.desihits.com) is currently the largest 'east/west fusion' multi platform media and entertainment company in the world. With web property www.desihits.com, Desi Hits produces east/west fusion content for numerous media outlets spanning mobile, television and the internet-focusing on fusion music, videos, general news and related content from Bollywood to Hollywood. With original streaming music/video shows to editorial, artist profiles and exclusive celebrity interviews, Desi Hits caters to a growing cosmopolitan community that craves fresh east-west fusion.

Combining the legacies of three of the most influential record labels in modern music history, Interscope Geffen A&M Records embarked on a new tradition of musical achievement with its unification on January 1, 1999. Headed by Chairman Jimmy Iovine, Interscope Geffen A&M is a major force in global music, developing chart-topping artists across a wide range of musical genres including rock, rap, pop and alternative. Interscope Geffen A&M Records is part of Universal Music Group, the world's largest music company.

Founded in 2007 by TRoy Carter, Atom Factory has caused a paradigm shift in the music industry through its commitment to innovation. With an executive staff with far-reaching and diverse professional experience, Atom Factory provides unparalleled servIce To a diverse roster of artists, which includes emerging talent such as Greyson Chance and Mindless Behavior, and pop culture icon Lady Gaga. Atom Factory is a privately held company and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

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