MUMBAI: Motion Picture Distributors Association (India) (MPDA) has appointed former PVR Pictures CEO Uday Singh as its new managing director.

Singh replaces Rajiv Dalal, who setup MPDA in 2008 from Motion Picture Association of America headquarters in Los Angeles. Dalal will now return to the United States to pursue a political career.

Prior to MPDA, Singh has headed both Sony Pictures India and PVR Pictures. He will now represent the collective interests of the six major Hollywood studios in India, as well as work closely with the Indian film community. 

MPDA said in a statement that it has worked closely with the Indian film community on advocacy and content protection matters - successfully removing market access restrictions, promoting economic cooperation between the American and Indian motion picture industries, and establishing a content protection alliance.

Singh said, "Each of our studios have significantly invested in India through local productions and other joint ventures. As they continue to do so, new market access and content theft challenges will arise, and I look forward to working with the Indian film and entertainment industry to address such issues."

Motion Picture Association Asia Pacific president and MD Mike Ellis added, "Singh brings an unparalleled experience to the role. He is properly situated to enhance cooperation between Hollywood and Bollywood and drive further industry growth. There are few with his knowledge and expertise of the film industry. We could not have asked for a better person to lead MPDA (India)."