Hindi
YPD 2 fails to make a mark at the BO; even as YJHD reaches 104 crore
MUMBAI: Deol clan‘s family enterprise, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 (YDP 2), tried to cash in on the moderate success of the original Yamla Pagla Deewana; more than that, it tried to cash in on the people‘s sentiments for Dharmendra and his vulnerable ways and his family bond. However, the makers did not share the sentiments of the people and a badly worked on comedy was the outcome where content was lacking and buffoonery was the norm. The film which opened to below average collections on Friday and dropped further on Saturday, ended its opening weekend with collections of Rs 17.5 crore.
Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani (YJHD) is on its way to becoming a major blockbuster and start making profits for its investors as of today. It has been a long time since a pure romantic film hit it off with the audience in such a quick time. The film brings the Kapoor era back and establishes Ranbir Kapoor as the new generation star with a huge following (those few who have reservations about the film have none against Kapoor). The film also propels writer director Ayan Mukerji into the top rung. The film crossed the psychological Rs 100 crore barrier on day seven, ending its first week with Rs 104 crore. Still going strong in its second weekend, the film has added about Rs 27 crore for its second weekend collection.
The multi-starrer Aurangzeb collected Rs 20 lakh in its third week to take its three week total to Rs 24.05 crore, the film has Arjun Kapoor in the lead after his debut film Ishaqzaadeplaying a double role. The film also stars Rishi Kapoor, Jackie Sharoff, Prithviraj Sukumaran, Sasha Aagha and Tanvi Azmi.
The run-away hit of the year Aashiqui 2 starring Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor managed to strike the right chord with the youth of the nation and having added Rs 1.25 crore in its sixth week is nearing the end of its dream run at the box office, the film‘s six week total stands at Rs 77.90 crore.
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
