Hindi
Entries invited by FFI for Oscar award consideration
NEW DELHI: The Film Federation of India today invited entries of Indian films commercially released in India between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017 for the Oscar awards which will be presented in February next year.
As in previous years, the FFI is authorized to select one film for the consideration of Oscar Award in the category “Best Foreign Language Film Award”.
The selection committee set up for this purpose will view the films entered for selection from 16 September 2017 as the film has to be submit to the Academy not later than 1 October 2017, Secretary General Supran Sen told indiantelevision.com.
The Producers may send their entries directly to our office in Mumbai. The conditions set are:
1. The films must be commercially released in India between 1 October 2016 and 30 September 2017. The film must run at least for seven consecutive days.
2. As the films released between 1 October and 30 September are eligible, the films which are slated for release on the last Friday of the month -29 September – may also be considered.
3. One English Subtitled print/DCP and synopsis of the film must reach the venue between 10th and 14th September’ 2017. Prints received after the stipulated date will not be considered. We are finalising the venue for screening and the same will be intimated shortly.
Clarification can be sought from FFI Secretary General Supran Sen on Mobile No. 09821095649 or Deputy Secretary Anindya Dasgupta on Mobile No.09819820020 / 022 – 2351 5513. The Fax No. is 022 – 2352 2062 and email I D is filmfed52@gmail.com
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
