Hindi
Ayushmann Khurrana turns AD for Madras Café
MUMBAI: Ayushmann Khurrana recently turned assistant director for Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, JA Entertainment and Rising Sun Films’ Madras Cafe. The actor travelled to Kochi for ten days to assist director Shoojit Sircar on a crucial dramatic scene between John Abraham and Siddharth Basu and a few others.
Though Ayushmann was keen on assisting the director through the entire schedule, his professional commitments didn’t permit him to. However, as soon as his calendar opened up, he caught the next flight to Kochi to assist Shoojit on the political thriller.
Says Shoojit Sircar, “Ayushmann had told me during Vicky Donor that if the film tanked and he didn’t get any work thereafter, he would assist me. But the film worked and he became a star. However, to get a better hang of direction, he did join us for a few days on the sets of Madras Cafe and proved to be a talented assistant.”
Says Ayushmann Khurana, “I wish I could be there for all 40 days of the Madras Cafe shoot. Shoojit has a fabulous set up. It was fascinating to see actors from a different point of view. I hope this experience results in making me a better actor.”
Presented by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and JA Entertainment and produced by Rising Sun Films and JA Entertainment, Madras Cafe, directed by Shoojit Sircar is scheduled to release 23 August 2013.
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
