After cricket, now it's real estate for Mandira Bedi

Mandira Bedi with VGN Enterprises Managing Director V.N. Devadoss (right) and VGN Director D. Pratish at a press meet in Chennai on Wednesday.After selling cricket to thousands of television viewers, Mandira Bedi is now looking to sell property. Chennai-based real estate firm VGN Enterprises has roped in the actor to promote its residential apartments.Signing up celebrities as brand ambassadors for real estate products is the new publicity technique of property developers. Recently, real estate firm Arun Excello brought in actor Madhavan to promote its township `Estancia' near Guduvanchery. Earlier this year, Bollywood star Bipasha Basu became brand ambassador of property developer EMGEE.

Ms. Bedi, who was in Chennai on Wednesday, told reporters that she was delighted "to be blessed with so many opportunities". Her first assignment is to endorse La Parisienne, a 176-apartment residential colony, developed by VGN Enterprises in West Mogappair.The apartment blocks will be named after French landmarks — Louvre, L' Opera, Montmartre, Eiffel, Notre Dame and St. Germain.

When Ms. Bedi was asked if she would have a new apartment in La Parisienne, she said, "I would be happy to live in the Eiffel Block. Maybe I will." She declined to reveal how much she would earn from endorsing the properties.V.N. Devadoss, Managing Director of VGN Enterprises, said the company decided to have an ambassador to improve brand value among customers.VGN Director D. Pratish said Mandira's style would appeal to customers looking for modern, trendy homes.

A square foot of apartment space in the new complex costs Rs.3,100. The property is to be developed on three acres and will offer relaxation facilities such a pool, theatre, a jogging track and a courtyard.The target set for project completion is June 2008.The company is also planning residential apartments projects in Avadi, Tambaram, Ambattur and GST Road.