Ashish Shelar & R. Madhavan Back Game-Changing FTII-Maharashtra Govt Pact to Train Youth for Entertainment Careers

In a bold move to democratize access to the entertainment industry, the Government of Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, has launched a game-changing initiative. Under the guidance of Hon’ble CM Devendra Fadnavis and supported by leaders like Ashish Shelar and actor R. Madhavan, a strategic MoU has been signed to deliver skill-based training programs across the state—opening new doors for ambitious youth dreaming of careers in cinema, theatre, and media.

Bollywood, But Make It Accessible

The Indian entertainment industry has long been seen as an insider’s club. This initiative aims to break that stereotype, offering professional-grade training at affordable rates, especially targeting underprivileged yet talented young minds from across Maharashtra.

The goal? Build a robust talent pipeline for India’s ever-expanding film, television, and content economy. From directing and editing to acting and production, students will be equipped with the hands-on skills needed to thrive in the real-world industry.

Training Locations That Matter:

• Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari, Mumbai – The beating heart of Bollywood.

• ND Studio, Karjat – A favorite for grand sets and OTT productions.

• P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy – Where culture meets craft.

• Kolhapur Film City – The pride of Western Maharashtra.
  

Backed by Big Names & Visionaries

The MoU signing event saw an impressive roster of industry and government leaders, including:

• 🎬 Actor R. Madhavan, lending Bollywood’s face and faith to the mission

• 🏛️ Ashish Shelar, a key supporter of Maharashtra’s cultural and youth development roadmap

• 📢 Vikas Kharge, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Culture

• 🏢 Swati Mhase Patil, MD, Maharashtra Cultural Corporation

• 🏗️ Prashant Sajanikar, Deputy MD, Goregaon Film City

• 🎭 Meenal Joglekar, Director, P.L. Deshpande Kala Academy
  

Why This Matters

This isn't just another course—it's the start of a creative ecosystem. As India’s entertainment industry scales globally, there's rising demand for skilled, production-ready talent. This initiative bridges that gap, making Maharashtra a talent factory for:

• Bollywood

• Regional cinema

• OTT platforms

• New-age content startups

Whether you dream of directing indie films, writing for digital series, or managing large-scale productions—this program brings those dreams within reach.