Hindi
Bombay HC asks for verification of Whistling Woods land
MUMBAI: On a public interest litigation filed by one Rajendra Sontakke and four other agriculturists from Latur and Osmanabad, the Bombay High Court has issued a notice to the suburban collector for verification of land records pertaining to Whistling Woods, the film training academy based in Film City.
A division bench of chief justice Mohit Shah and justice Girish Godbole has asked the collector to keep records of the allotment ready by 2 August.
The PIL has alleged ‘gross abuse of power‘ by former chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in allotting land. It alleges that it was Deshmukh who was primarily interested in the joint venture because of his son Riteish Deshmukh and, hence, 20 acres of land was allotted to the Subhash Ghai-promoted Whistling Woods International.
While going through the maps of Whistling Woods, chief justice Shah raised various questions about the development of the plot at Aarey Milk Colony and the Floor Space Index (FSI) used.
Whistling Woods counsel Prasad Dhakepalkar said that that they were allotted 20 acres of land. However, development was allowed on only 4 acres of the plot. “We can’t shoot films in classrooms. The open space is used for shooting purposes,” he argued.
Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited (MFSCDCL) had entered into a joint venture with Mukta Arts to start Whistling Woods at an authorised share capital of Rs 200 million.
Mukta Arts was to put in Rs 170 million and MFSCDCL was to get the land allotted. MFSCDCL and Mukta Arts were to share equity of 15 and 85 per cent respectively.
Around 500 acres of land was managed and administered by the MFSCDC. Of this, 20 acres were allotted to set up a film training institute.
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
