Hindi
Guru Dutt’s family to grace first screening of Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster
MUMBAI: Producer Sunil Bohra, who has produced his upcoming film Sahib Biwi aur Gangster under his banner Bohra Bros Productions along with Brainstorm Motion Pictures, has planned a special screening of his film for the late Guru Dutt’s family on Monday.
Not that he wants to clear the conception that his film was a new-age take on Dutt’s black and white classic. According to the producer, nothing in his film is similar to the 1962 film except the words ‘sahib’ and ‘biwi’ (wife) that have become iconic because of Dutt’s masterpiece.
Among those from Dutt’s family who are likely to attend the screening are his son Arun Dutt, sister Lalita Lajmi, her filmmaker daughter Kalpana Lajmi and his first cousin Shyam Benegal among others.
Based in a small town in the Northern part of India, the film is a story packed with intrigue betrayal and ambition between a beautiful Begum, her Nawab husband and an ambitious young boy.
The film, that has Jimmy Sheirgill, Mahei Gill and Randeep Hooda playing leading roles, is set to release on 30 September.
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
