Hindi
Nagesh Kukunoor makes a mark with ‘Lakshmi’
MUMBAI: His unprecedented subjects have always enticed the serious movie buffs. However, filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor’s last few attempts at movie making went awry as he received flak from almost everybody. But his recent attempt with Lakshmi seems to be a comeback of sorts for the director.
Kukunoor’s recent film that is set to hit the theatres on Friday is already getting rave reviews from people who have watched it. The director, who is remembered for films like Hyderabad Blues, 3 Deewarein, Iqbal and Dor, has tried his hand at a topic that is a pressing issue of the time.
Lakshmi starring Monali Thakur, Shefali Shah, Satish Kaushik, Ram Kapoor and Nagesh Kukunoor himself, deals with the harsh realities of human trafficking and child prostitution. He has brought to the fore the issue that continues behind closed curtains in rural areas of India. Interestingly, the film has already won the Best Film – Mercedes Benz Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January this year.
“A gut wrenching story of a 14yr old thrown into human trafficking. The experience is difficult to put into words,” writes a Twitter user.
A well-known film critic posts, “#Lakshmi Outstanding. Better than Teen Deewarein, Iqbal and Dor. Welcome back, Nagesh Kukunoor.”
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
