Hindi
Sanjay Dutt to serve sentence in Yerwada prison, to file curative petition
NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt today surrendered before the designated TADA court in Mumbai to serve his sentence in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.
The court directed that he be sent to the Yerwada jail.
Earlier on his entering the court, formalities began for his surrender. The court commenced the process for the identification of Dutt, whose conviction was upheld by the supreme court recently.
He had come to the court with his wife Maanyata, brother-in-law Kumar Gaurav and senior filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt.
On arrival, he was mobbed by the media and both he and Bhatt appealed to the media persons to let him complete the formality of surrender.
Meanwhile, his lawyer later told media-persons that he would move the Supreme Court with a curative petition.
The supreme court on 10 May rejected a review petition by the actor against his conviction under the Arms Act.
The court had earlier on 21 March upheld his conviction under the Arms Act and sentenced him to five years of jail in relation to the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case. However, he was given time to complete his assignments in the film industry.
He had to surrender by 4.00 pm today.
The court which had upheld the death sentence of Yakub Abdul Razak Memon, a key conspirator with Dawood Ibrahim in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, had ordered that Dutt return to jail to serve three-and-a-half years’ sentence for possessing illegal arms. Dutt has already served a jail term of 18 months.
A total of 257 persons were killed and 713 others injured when a series 13 coordinated explosions shattered the metropolis on 12 March 1993.
The blasts occurred at 12 places, including Bombay Stock Exchange building, Air-India Building at Nariman Point, at Worli opposite Century Bazaar, Hotels Sea Rock and Juhu Centaur.
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
