Hindi
Vashu Bhagnani presents ‘Youngistan’ with son Jackky in the lead
MUMBAI: With movies like Ajab Gazab Prem, FALTU etc, actor Jackky Bhagnani has almost become a youth icon. Now, the actor will be seen in MSM Motion Pictures and Vashu Bhagnani, Youngistan, a love story set in the backdrop of Indian politics. The film, besides Jackky stars Neha Sharma, Farooq Shaikh and Boman Irani.
While the first schedule of the film has been shot overseas and Lucknow, the second schedule of the film will go on floors soon at the picturesque Taj Mahal in Agra making it the ideal locale to launch the film and its unique campaign titled “Yo Youngistan Go Youngistan”. Uttar Pradesh lends itself very nicely to this film that has a political backdrop. To add to it, Agra, a symbol of power and love supplements the entire setting. Yo Youngistan Go Youngistan is a ground rally that will travel across the country and collect youth pledges and will also see several youth icons from various walks of life join Jackky Bhagnani in getting the young Indians to pledge to vote. The campaign will also generate findings on the change Young India wishes to see in their policies and their politicians.
Jackky Bhagnani said in a press release, “For me as the name suggests Youngistan stands for the youth by the youth and of the youth of India. The film is a common live story in a very uncommon premise “.
The film is scheduled to release on 1 May 2014.
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
