Hindi
YRF inks JV for entertainment district in Dubai
MUMBAI: Yash Raj Films (YRF) has stitched a joint venture deal with Dubai Infinity Holdings (DIH), an investment enterprise to erect a “large scale” YRF Entertainment District in Dubai.
The district will comprise theme park attractions, a movie palace, unique hotel concepts and many other unique Indian genre entertainment concepts, themed around the Yashraj banner, stated an official press release.
“DIH is a dynamic investment company and what really counts is that we share a similar vision. Dubai has a booming tourism industry and aims to be the most visited destination in the world by 2015. We are happy to be partnering up with DIH in making our foothold stronger in the region,” said Yash Chopra.
The first phase of the YRF Entertainment District is scheduled to be completed by 2012.
“The UAE and India have always had a strong relationship in various business sectors and now this joint venture is a further step towards cementing business opportunities for both countries by bringing India‘s most prestigious entertainment brand here,” added DIH CEO Samira Abdulrazzak.
The joint venture aims to bring innovation and diversity to the UAE, complying with Dubai‘s 2015 strategic plan to boost the countries economy through key growth sectors.
Last year, YRF had tied up with US-based Walt Disney Studios for a series of computer-animated feature films for Indian audiences. The first animation under this alliance Roadside Romeo will be releasing this October.
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
