Hindi
Censors finally pass Bittoo Boss promo
MUMBAI: After days of nail biting moments, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak is relieved that the promo of his film Bittoo Boss has been eventually cleared by the Censors.
The promo in question, which had to suffer the humiliation of being ‘banned‘ with no reasons being stated whatsoever, came out unscathed once the revision committee saw it and felt that there was nothing objectionable in it that would have warranted a ‘ban‘ per se. Resultantly, the promo has been granted a ‘U/A‘ certificate.
Once the promo of this film went viral on social network, there was nothing stopping it. In fact, the word ‘ban‘ only helped the film‘s popularity soar further.
However, Pathak and director Supavitra Babul always wanted the blessing of Censor authorities in order to take the promotion forward the right way. They submitted the promo all over again to the Censor Board and had their hearts in their mouths before the verdict was announced.
The film‘s promo had earlier shocked the Censor authorities due to elements including ‘meri bhi le le‘ and also the lyrics of Bittoo Sab Ki Lega were feared to be a little bad for the family audience.
But once the lyrics were tweaked and a couple of shots were tailored, things went off smoothly.
Hindi
Shekhar Suman opens acting academy in Mumbai
The veteran actor-presenter launches SSFA, promising immersive, mentorship-led training for aspiring actors and storytellers
Mumbai: Forty years in front of the camera, and Shekhar Suman still isn’t done. The actor, host, writer and director, one of Indian entertainment’s most restless polymaths, is now training his sights on the next generation, launching the Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA) in Mumbai on 22nd April 2026. Registrations for the inaugural batch are already open.
SSFA pitches itself squarely against formula-driven acting schools, leading with an intensive three-month programme that Suman says he personally designed and will largely conduct himself. The curriculum blends voice and speech work, emotional access, body awareness and camera technique with the Linklater Voice Method, film language and on-set discipline, and rounds off with a student film, giving trainees their first taste of a real set.
Masterclasses with actors, casting directors and filmmakers sit alongside the core course. The academy is conceived as a platform that will eventually sprawl into screenwriting, direction, cinematography, music production and post-production: a full creative ecosystem rather than a single acting school.
“For me, this academy is not just an institution. It is a very personal way of giving back to the craft that has given me everything,” said Suman. “Over the years, acting has taught me discipline, imagination, resilience, and the importance of truth in performance. Through this academy, I hope to create something that goes beyond training and becomes a true creative journey for every student who walks in.”
Behind the scenes, the academy is backed by GBM Studios. Dharmesh Sangani, founder and visionary, is the driving force, bringing what the academy describes as “a focused approach to creating meaningful opportunities within the industry.” Adhyayan Suman, founder and director and Shekhar’s son, adds a performer’s perspective honed across acting, music and direction. Ekant Babani, partner and chief operating officer, handles strategy and operations.
Entry is deliberately low-barrier. No prior training is needed: applicants sit a basic self-audition test, shifting the focus firmly to potential rather than polish. The academy says it aims to stay accessible while delivering a premium, hands-on experience.
In a country where acting schools multiply almost as fast as OTT platforms, Suman’s personal stamp and his willingness to stand in the room and teach may be the sharpest edge SSFA has. For those ready to test that promise, the curtain is already up. Apply at shekharsumanfilmacademy.com
