Hindi
Salim & Javed bless Zanjeer maker, greenlight remake
MUMBAI: The remake of the Amitabh Bachchan starrer Zanjeer has recently been in the news regarding the issues of copyright and royalty. Both the writers of the 1973 original film Salim and Javed had expressed displeasure over the remake; they had also demanded a loyalty for the remake.
But not anymore. It is said that producer Amit Mehra has secured the blessings from the film‘s writers and has their permission to re-make the film now. Said Mehra, “We have bought the rights of Zanjeer from my father‘s production company, Prakash Mehra Films. I have met both (Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar) of them to take their blessings. “
Meanwhile, the maker has gone ahead and formalised the cast of the new Zanjeer. Telugu actor Ram Charan, son of Chiranjeevi, has been finalised to essay the role of inspector Vijay Khanna, while Priyanka Chopra is being considered to reprise the role of Jaya Bachchan. The film also stars Arjun Rampal, Prakash Raj and Mahie Gill in pivotal roles.
It is said that Amitabh Bachchan may do a cameo in the remake. The remake version of the film, to be directed by Apoorva Lakhia, would go on floors this month.
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
