Hindi
Thailand taps Indian filmmakers with beautiful locales
MUMBAI: In its bid to pep up the number of Indian filmmakers shooting their films in Thailand, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is making fresh initiatives. As films are the most effective medium to attract tourism, the TAT is looking at tapping the Indian film industry in a big way.
Said Tourism Authority of Thailand governor Suraphon Svetasreni, “Over the years, the number of Indian films shot in our country have been increasing. Indians prefer shooting at locations like Bangkok and Pattaya. Now these are the times that we introduce them and educate the filmmakers on new avenues that would be best captured in films.” He was hinting at places like Rayong, Phuket, Koh Chang and Krabi.
In this connection, people at TAT plan to showcase new destinations to filmmakers. Incidentally, TAT has been inviting filmmakers of big-budget films like Race 2 and Housefull 2 on one hand while on the other, it has been tapping small budget and regional filmmakers. Out of 100 films shot in Thailand last year, over 44 were Telugu films.
According to TAT marketing and public relations officer Sonalee Vaz, Thailand is a value for money destination and, hence, doesn’t look at giving investment perks.
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
