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Ekant Babani joins Shekhar Suman Film Academy as partner and COO
Industry veteran to shape training, operations at Shekhar Suman Film Academy
MUMBAI: Shekhar Suman Film Academy has appointed Ekant Babani as partner and chief operating officer, bringing over 25 years of experience across film, television and digital media into its leadership team.
The move comes as the academy, founded by Shekhar Suman, positions itself as a new-age training ground for actors and storytellers. Babani will play a key role in shaping the academy’s structure, from designing industry-relevant programmes to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
Working closely with Suman, Babani is expected to translate the academy’s creative vision into a practical and immersive learning experience. His mandate includes building a system that balances artistic ambition with professional rigour.
Babani’s career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Starting on the creative side with ad films and feature projects, he went on to create award-winning short films such as Mudra and Anonymous. He later moved into non-fiction, directing lifestyle and adventure shows for global platforms.
He also founded Alligator Media Productions, delivering content for platforms including ZEE5 and brands like Kellogg’s India. His portfolio includes series like Damaged and Skyfire, along with a feature film that travelled to multiple international festivals.
In addition to his creative work, Babani has held leadership roles at organisations such as EndemolShine India, Tangerine Digital Entertainment and Travelxp, contributing to content strategy and platform growth.
Speaking on the role, Ekant Babani said, “The idea is not just to build an academy, but to create a space that genuinely prepares people for what the industry demands today.”
As SSFA opens registrations for its inaugural batch, the appointment signals a clear push towards building a training ecosystem that is grounded in real-world industry experience while staying future-ready.
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UltraTech profit hits Rs 8,188 crore, declares 2400 per cent dividend
Revenue crosses Rs 88,511 crore as strong performance drives large payout
MUMBAI: UltraTech Cement Limited, part of the Aditya Birla Group, reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, posting record earnings and announcing a 2400 per cent dividend for shareholders.
Following its board meeting on 27 April 2026, the company recommended a dividend of Rs 240 per equity share, underlining confidence in its financial position and cash flows.
The company delivered robust growth across key metrics during the year. Consolidated revenue from operations rose to Rs 88,511.53 crore, compared to Rs 75,955.13 crore in the previous year. Profit before tax increased to Rs 10,927.19 crore from Rs 7,528.13 crore, while net profit stood at Rs 8,188.35 crore, up from Rs 6,039.64 crore a year earlier. Earnings per share improved to Rs 277.62 from Rs 205.30. The group’s total asset base expanded to Rs 1,41,376.05 crore.
UltraTech continued to strengthen its business through strategic portfolio moves. The company completed the acquisition of Birla White WallCare Private Limited in May 2025, integrating it as a wholly owned subsidiary. It also exited non-core investments by divesting its stake in Bhumi Resources (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. in February 2026. Additionally, the company reduced its holding in The India Cements Limited through an offer for sale during August 2025.
During the year, the company recorded an exceptional expense of Rs 80.76 crore to account for the impact of new labour codes introduced by the Government of India, which required adjustments related to employee benefits such as gratuity and leave.
On the regulatory front, a case involving the Competition Commission of India remains ongoing, with penalties exceeding Rs 1,872 crore. The company has deposited Rs 180.43 crore as part of the requirement for a stay order and, based on legal advice, has not made further provisions.
With strong cash flows from operations of Rs 17,454.49 crore, UltraTech remains well positioned for future growth. The company continues to focus on expanding capacity, improving operational efficiency and strengthening its position as a leading player in the cement and building solutions sector.
