GECs
Ramesh Sippy steps in to train TV’s GenNext
MUMBAI: Indian television has, for long, suffered from a shortage of writers who could pen down the 1,000 or so episodes that Hindi GEC dramas demand. Of course, efforts are being made by the Film Writers Association, institutions such as Whistling Woods and companies such as Star India (which has an in-house writing programming).
Another player is entering the fray: film veteran Ramesh Sippy, who has given the industry the classic TV series Buniyaad in the eighties. Now, he has set up the Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema & Entertainment (RSACE) which has partnered with the Mumbai University’s-affiliated Garware Institute of Career Education & Development.
On offer to students are courses in script-writing, film art, film production, VFX and animation. Those who complete the three-year course will be awarded a degree in their respective courses.
Entrance tests to be eligible for admission to RSACE are to be held on 28 April 2107 and 8 May 2017. Candidates who get through for the bachelors course will need to cough up Rs 5 lakh a year for each of the courses, excepting scriptwriting, the fees of which has been pegged at Rs 3 lakh a year.
RSACE institute is bridging the gap between theory and hands-on knowledge.
Former DD Mumbai Kendra head honcho Mukesh Sharma who retired recently says, “My moto is working for the students, working with the students and working on the students. Associating with Mumbai University and Garware Institute of Career Education and Development will help students to get the recognised degree.”
Adds RSACE MD Kiran Juneja: “Ramesh Sippy has a lot of experience in the industry. So, he wants to share it with the world, and every aspirant in the film industry seeks to hit the road running from day one of their careers. Twenty students at a time is our prime focus, so that we can invest an equal quantum of time on everyone, which will help us deliver the best in the business,” she added.
The RSACE board includes: Ramesh and his wife Kiran, Hema Malini, Rohan Sippy and Manmohan Shetty. The advisory council members include big names from the industry such as Kamal Hasan, Sonu Nigam, Vidya Balan, Kabir Khan and many more.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
