Hindi
Shemaroo releases film on R. D. Burman
MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment has released Pancham Unmixed, a film that attempts to explore legendary composer the late R. D. Burman‘s music.
Directed by Brahmanand S Siingh, the film is expected to evoke awe, admiration and nostalgia among audiences the way most of R.D.‘s music does even today.
Says the director, “I relate to R.D. wholly, hence I took up the huge task of making a lyrical and definitive film on him. The process was a long winding one, took me practically 3 years of active work to get all of them together and over 1500 hours of edit time, to make the structure and narrative as gripping and seamless as possible. The journey has no doubt, been a fascinating one and the entire experience, a very defining one.‘
This film has attempted to explore legendary composer R. D. Burman‘s music. It takes an incisive look into the composer‘s reflective artistry and buoyant, but also lonely inner being. Featuring a host of Pancham Da‘s close friends, colleagues and admirers like – Asha Bhosle, Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Manna Dey, Shammi Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor among others – Pancham Unmixed is the most comprehensive film made on the composer till date,.
Avers Shemaroo Entertainment Director Hiren Gada, “Pancham Unmixed is undoubtedly a passion product. The passion behind the launch of this collectors edition DVD is obvious from its packaging, marketing strategy, the coffee table book and the promotions. It is our homage to a great music composer who has given so much to the world. Pancham Unmixed is yet another jewel in our catalogue.”
The collectors pack that comprises of 2 DVDs: Disc 1 has the film ‘Pancham Unmixed‘ and Disc 2, titled ‘Pancham Magic‘ has 30 timeless Original Video Songs composed by R. D. Burman is priced at Rs. 999.
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
