Patna: A one-day masterclass on film acting was organised at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Aryabhatta Knowledge University, in collaboration with the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Limited, as part of Bihar Diwas celebrations. The initiative aimed to introduce young aspirants to the nuances of acting and encourage them to explore careers in the film industry.
Pranav Kumar, Managing Director-cum-Secretary of the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Limited, highlighted Bihar’s cultural heritage and growing presence in Indian cinema. “The rich artistic traditions of Bihar are a source of pride. Through such initiatives, we aim to provide emerging artists with essential skills, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to cinema. Acting is not just about delivering dialogues—it is the art of embodying a character, understanding emotions, and conveying them effectively to the audience. Passion, patience, and practice define a great actor,” he said.
The masterclass was conducted by renowned acting coach Hemant Mahor, who has worked in several national and international award-winning films. He has also served as a coach at major theatre and film institutes in India. Mahor provided students with insights into character immersion, acting techniques, and practical training. He also acknowledged Bihar’s growing role in film workshops and training programmes, calling the development commendable.
Dr Manisha Prakash, in charge of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, spoke about Bihar’s long-standing contributions to literature, storytelling, and cinema. “Our state has always been a hub of knowledge, art, and expression. From its great literary traditions to its vibrant folk dramas and cinema, Bihar continues to leave a mark on India’s artistic landscape,” she said.
Arvind Ranjan Das, Film Consultant at the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation, reiterated the corporation’s commitment to building a strong film industry in Bihar and nurturing local talent. Finance Consultant Vidya Dhar Mishra announced a provision under Clause 9.13 of the Bihar Film Promotion Policy 2024, which allows for annual scholarships for students from Bihar pursuing regular degree or diploma courses at prestigious institutions such as the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune; Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata; and the National School of Drama campuses in New Delhi, Gangtok, Bangalore, Agartala, and Varanasi. Applications from eligible students will be considered for these scholarships.
University Registrar Ramji Singh underscored the significance of acting beyond the stage and screen. “Acting is an essential skill in various walks of life. A good leader, too, is a good actor,” he remarked.
The event featured practical acting exercises, where participants engaged in improvisational performances based on given scenarios. The workshop also focused on refining pronunciation and using life experiences to enhance authenticity in acting.
The programme was conducted by Dr Sandeep Kumar Dubey, a faculty member at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. PMU Lead Meenakshi Chaudhary of the Bihar State Film Development and Finance Corporation Limited, along with other officials, was also present at the event.
