Whistling Woods Alumni are now mainstream directors
Allowing the creativity to flow nation-wide, WWI alumni’s films Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and HridMajharey
are set to release on July 11, 2014. Earlier this year, Happy Family Pvt. Ltd. stole the hearts of Gujarati audiences.
When legendary filmmaker, Subhash Ghai set out to build Whistling Woods International (WWI), he envisaged that this institute will nurture talent and provide trained manpower to the Media and Entertainment Industry. Eight years and 1200 alumni later, today, this dream comes true with almost every WWI prodigy making a mark in the industry. Recent feathers in the cap are two mainstream films which are slated to release on July 11, 2014; one Hindi and the other, Bengali. ‘Humpty Sharma ki Dulhania’(HKSD in Hindi) – Written & Directed by Shashank Khaitan and ‘HridMajharey’ (Bengali) – Written & Directed by Ranjan Ghosh, are set to make a special place in every film lover’s heart.
Starring A-list stars like Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, HSKD is a romantic comedy, while Hrid Majharey is a tragic love story starring Raima Sen and Abiramongst others. Shashank Khaitan has been named amongst the top 10 debutant directors to look out for by Filmfare. Sahil Vaid, another student has acted as second lead to Varun Dhawan in HSKD.
Talking about this achievement, a happy Meghna Ghai Puri, President, WWI says, “It is a proud and humbling moment to see students from WWI excel and make a mark in the industry. Our vision is not limited to training students and equipping them to fit into the industry.We aim at nurturing their talent and introducing game-changers and path-breakers to the industry. Both Shashank and Ranjan are extremely talented and we wish them all the luck for their debut ventures. We are confident they will achieve great heights in their career and life.”
Other WWI alumni who have made a mark in the industry include Anil Mange who was cast in Dharma Production’s ‘HaseetohPhasee’ in a supporting role alongside Siddharth Malhotra. Anil is not alone. Manik Dawar, Tejashwar Singh Dhillon, Nayeem Tomar, and Sashmith are few other ex-students of WWI who worked behind the scenes on Hasee Toh Phasee. They were part of various film-making aspects like editing and cinematography of the movie.
Prashant Ramacharan, another alumnus of WWI was the Digital Image Technician for Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Highway’ starring Alia Bhatt and RandeepHooda. Two more students — AbhishrutiBezbaruah was Assistant – Sound and Murali was second assistant to the cameraman for ‘Highway’. KetanRana is another example of a WWI gem shining through his work. A creative genius, he changed the face of public service ad-films through his innovative approach. Post the Delhi gang rape case Whistling Woods commissioned him to direct a film on the male gaze. Unlike usual public messaging ads which are dull, preachy and lack connect with the viewer’s attention, ‘Dekh Le’ went viral and crossed 13 lakh views within 7 days of its release. The has been well-appreciated by critics and viewers both.
It may be recalled that earlier this year, Queen was co-written by WWI alumnus, Chaitally Parmar. In January 2014, another WWI alumnus, Raghuvir Joshi directed the award-winning Gujarati film, Happy Family Pvt. Ltd. Speaking about WWI, Chaitally said, “Whistling Woods is largely responsible for my success and I can’t thank them enough. The exposure and holistic training that I got from WWI has helped me grow as a person as well as a professional. For instance, apart from my designation and marketing of the movie. The initial six months of the WWI programme teach the basic of every aspect of filmmaking in the most efficient manner.” Kenneth Lawrence was the Cinematographer for the film &SamvednaSuwalka played lead in the film, both of them are WWI prodigies.
Ranked among the top 10 film-schools globally and Asia’s largest Film, Fashion and Media institute, WWI is also highly committed to ensuring that its students move into the industry in creative and rewarding areas of employment. WWI alumni are currently working at several leading media organisations like Aamir Khan Productions, Annapurna Studios, BIG Animation, Balaji Telefilms, Dharma Productions, Dreamworks, Excel Entertainment, Fox Star Studios India, Mukta Arts Ltd, Percept Picture Company, Prime Focus, Rajshri, Red Chillies Entertainment, Reliance Mediaworks, Rhythmn& Hues, Star TV, Technicolour, Walkwater Film, UTV Motion Pictures, Yashraj Films and many many more.
