Movies
PVR gets shareholders approval for Inox merger
Mumbai: Multiplex operator PVR has received shareholders’ approval for its proposed merger with Inox Leisure. 99.9986 per cent voted in favour of the merger. It was defeated by a margin of 0.0014 per cent.
Inox, in a filing, said that a meeting with equity shareholders took place. The company sought approval for the proposed merger. The results of the vote are expected to be announced in the coming days.
The Inox said, “A meeting of the equity shareholders of the company was held on 12 October 2022 at 12 p.m. through video conferencing (VC)/other audio visual means (OA VM) as per the directions issued by the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench, vide its order dated 22 August, 2022 and in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made thereunder, circular(s) issued by the ministry of corporate affairs and the Securities and Exchange Board of India, for transacting the business mentioned in the notice dated 10 September 2022 convening the said meeting (NCLT Convened Meeting). “
In March, the two companies announced plans for a merger. Inox had said the merger would bring together two of India’s best cinema brands to deliver an unparalleled consumer experience with a network of more than 1,500 screens.
Following the merger, Inox promoters will join the existing PVR promoters as co-promoters of the merged entity. According to the regulatory filing on 27, once the scheme is implemented, the board of directors of the merged company will be reconstituted with a total board strength of 10 members and equal representation on the board for both promoter families with two board seats each.
The company will be called PVR Inox, with the branding of existing screens to continue as PVR and Inox, respectively. Ajay Bijli will be the managing director and Sanjeev Kumar Bijli will be the executive director. Pavan Kumar Jain will be the non-executive chairman of the board.
Shareholders of Inox will get PVR shares in a pre-approved “swap” ratio of 3:10. Three equity shares of PVR can be swapped for 10 of Inox. Inox will have a 16.66 per cent stake and PVR will have a 10.62 per cent stake in PVR Inox.
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
