Hindi
Cinépolis eyes expansion in India
NEW DELHI: Cinépolis, which is said to be in talks for acquiring Cinemax, has served six million patrons in India within less than three years of operations.
The world‘s fourth largest cinema chain and India‘s first international exhibitor is driven by progressive international technology such as 3D screens with Real-D technology, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and 100 per cent digital 2k screens across its outlets in India.
Cinépolis India MD and country head Milan Saini said, “Our phenomenal growth has inspired us to bring further entertainment options to the country like launching India‘s first Cinépolis VIP, our pioneering luxury cinema brand at Ludhiana. This underscores the acceptance and appreciation of International cinema experience and Cinépolis as a brand.”
Cinépolis has over one million member strong loyalty programme called ‘Club Cinépolis‘.
Cinépolis India exhibition head Ashish Shukla said, “Our constant endeavour is to reach the next level and offer our cinegoers the best end to end cinema experience. We have connected with our patrons through their preferred communications channel, facebook even before we launch in the city and include their feedback and expectations in our plan. This has worked magnificently for our cinemas.”
At present, Cinépolis operates in eight Indian cities namely Amritsar, Patna, Thane, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhopal, Ludhiana and Bangalore. The company plans to open 500 screens in the country by 2016.
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
