Hindi
I&B secretary Raghu Menon inaugurates Indian Panorama at IFFI -2009
GOA: The Indian Panorama at the IFFI – 2009 was inaugurated by the Secretary – Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, (Government of India), Raghu Menon today.
The chairman and members of feature and non-feature film jury were felicitated on the occasion. Muzaffar Ali, chairperson of the feature film jury introduced the co-members of the jury Leslie Carvalho, Raja Mitra and Bobby Bedi.
Members of the non-feature film jury who were also present at the inaugural included Paromita Vohra, Sameer Hanchate and Kapilas Bhuyan.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali said, “Viewing 104 films to arrive at a decision to select the 26 films for the Indian Panorama Feature Film Section on the basis of the theme, structure, treatment and design of the film made for quite an enlightening experience.”
He said that he was happy that the films presented a pan-Indian representation and hoped that the language of moving images would bring about a brotherhood world over and help get over armed conflicts.
Ali later urged the Secretary (I&B) to facilitate screening of such critically acclaimed films on Doordarshan, to not only help ensure a wider audience to these directors, but also to make good quality cinema available to larger number of people.
While the Konkani film Paltadcho Manis (The man Beyond the Bridge)‘ directed by Laxmikant Shetgaonkar was a unanimous decision of the jury to be the opening film for the Feature Film section, Dot In for Motion opened the Indian Panorama Non-Feature Film section.
During the 10-day film festival, of the 44 films that would be screened in the Indian Panorama, 26 will be feature and 18 non-feature films.
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
