Hindi
DQE gets Chaplin to walk the animation path
MUMBAI: Hyderabad-based animation, gaming and entertainment company DQ Entertainment (DQE) has partnered with two French firms – Method Animation and MK2 to produce a series of animated short films inspired by Charlie Chaplin.
Under the partnership, DQE, Method Animation and MK2 will produce, distribute and exploit an animated version of 104 six-minute episodes inspired by the legendary film icon Charlie Chaplin‘s Hollywood films.
With a global production budget of approximately $11.4 million, the first series will be developed in colour creating a timeless atmosphere and a unique look, blending early 20th century with present time, allowing younger generations to identify with the Charlie Chaplin character.
In keeping with the spirit of Chaplin, the short episodes will be presented without dialogue, giving enough space for the full scope of the famous character‘s talents in pantomime. Completing the picture, particular emphasis will be put on the choice of music and the sound design to add to the laughter and emotion of the adventures of the legendary tramp.
Said DQ Entertainment (International) chairman and CEO Tapaas Chakravarti, “The three companies will keep the legend of Charlie Chaplin alive and these large number of short films in hi-end 3D animation will delight the 21st century kids and families again as they will witness the legendary entertainer in his new Avatar.”
Added MK2 president of the board of directors Nathanaël Karmitz, “We are confident that this step in the promotion of Chaplin‘s legacy will reach a greater audience and introduce the greatest international star of modern cinema to younger generations. The series represent an introduction to Chaplin‘s world as well as a rediscovery of his body of work.”
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
