Hindi
16th International Children’s Film Festival begins in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: The 16th International Children‘s Film Festival kicked off with eminent personanilites from films and politics gracing the event. The festival was jointly inaugurated by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and Andhra Pradesh CM K Rosaiah.
The Andhra CM said that the state government had made a commitment to build a children’s film complex in the state. The Children’s Film Society, India, which organizes the Festival every alternate year, should be moved to Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Soni pointed out that the Telegu film ‘Amulyam’ had occupied a prominent place in the Festival in 2007. She said the cultural programme and cinema had been responsible for removing barriers and creating synergies with love and affection, and living up to the mandate of Pandit Nehru’s objective in setting up the CFSI, of children becoming global citizens.
Rosaiah reminisced about the cinema of early days which had value-based messages. He hailed Nehru’s vision in setting up the CFSI, describing the first Prime Minister as the architect of modern India.
Andhra Information and PR Minister Dr J Geeta Reddy stated that the Festival, which had been organized by the CFSI in cooperation with the Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation and the city of Hyderabad, would be bringing the best entertainment to children beaming films across eleven screens in eight cinema houses.
Eminent lyricist and filmmaker Gulzar, who has now taken to writing books for children, called upon everyone concerned to ensure that the creative films made by CFSI over the years should be released.
CFSI chairperson and actress Nandita Das wished all the children a very happy children’s day and also introduced the international and children juries who would judge the films in the International Competition and the Asian Panorama – the first time when Asian films are being adjudged separately.
The joyous momoment was somewhat spoilt by former Union Minister and eminent filmmaker Dasari Narayana Rao who accused the Central Government of being unfair to filmmakers from Andhra Pradesh.
Others present included Vishal Bhardwaj, film stars Venkatesh and Illeana, child actor Darsheel Safary, filmmaker Jahnu Barua, I & B Joint secretary (Films) V B Pyarelal, CFSI Chief Executive Officer Sushovan Banerjee, and jury members Nagesh Kukunoor, Ashish Vidyarthi and Revathy.
The entire programme concluded with the screening of the Austrian film ‘Mozart in China’ by director Bernd Neuburger which has been shot in China.
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
