Sameer Rao takes a break from STAR Gold

Rao will join the production house of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. He plans to come back to STAR Gold later

Sameer Rao, executive vice-president and general manager, STAR Gold has put in his papers at the organisation. Rao will join Vidhu Vinod Chopra's production company as chief executive officer with effect from November 15.

Speaking to afaqs!, Rao says, "I am going there because it will be a good opportunity for me to learn something new and innovative. It will be related to something I was doing earlier but with a slight difference. Basically, it will be a move from a movie channel to a movie production house."

Rao will look after the business side of production in the company. The movement is part of a two year break from STAR Gold as he plans to return to the channel after two years.

A chartered accountant with a post graduate qualification in business management, Rao began his career in accounting in Arthur Andersen & Co. He then moved to Singapore, working for UBS AG for three years.

Rao's stint in media began in 2003 when he joined KPMG as associate director. Later, in 2005, he joined STAR India as assistant vice-president. In June 2005, he was promoted as vice-president, strategic planning. At STAR India, Rao has held several positions, the last being that of executive vice-president and general manager of STAR Gold.