Hindi
Government cracks down on TV content violations
Private channels received 144 actions for breaching Programme and Advertising Codes in five years.
MUMBAI: When the remote control meets the rulebook, even popular shows can find themselves on the wrong side of the law and India’s television regulators have been keeping a sharp eye on the screen. Private television channels in India are facing stricter scrutiny, with the government taking action against 144 violations of the Programme Code and Advertising Code over the last five years.
According to data shared by the minister of state for Information and Broadcasting, Dr L. Murugan, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry issued advisories, warnings, apology scroll orders and off-air directions to erring channels.
The breakdown of actions from 2021 to 2025 is as follows:
Advisories to specific channels: 35
Warnings: 50
Orders for apology scrolls: 54
Off-air orders: 3
Cancellation of permission: 1
Order for disclaimer: 1
Total actions: 144
The highest number of actions were recorded in 2022 (52), followed by 2021 (43). The numbers dropped sharply in 2024 (4) and 2025 (8).
The Programme Code prohibits content that is obscene, attacks religions or communities, promotes communal attitudes, or criticises/maligns individuals or groups. The Advertising Code bars indecent, vulgar, suggestive or offensive themes in commercials.
Complaints are handled through a three-level grievance redressal mechanism: first by the broadcaster itself, then by Self-Regulating Bodies, and finally through an oversight mechanism by the Central Government.
The government also regulates print and digital media. Newspapers must follow the Press Council of India’s Norms of Journalistic Conduct, while digital news publishers and online curated content fall under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
From saas-bahu dramas to prime-time debates, Indian television remains a lively space, but these figures show that when lines are crossed, the Ministry is ready to switch off the show or at least make the channel say sorry on air.
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
