Amitabh Bachchan Launches The Ramesh Sippy Academy for Cinema and Entertainment

by  Gitikka Ganju Dhar Marketing | March 24, 2017 | News

Amitabh Bachchan Gitikka Ganju Dhar

The media and entertainment industry in India has registered an explosive growth in last two decades making it one of the fastest growing industries. Apart from Cricket, India’s other great loves are cinema and television, the most powerful media for mass communication in India, the world’s largest democracy. What stands out as a glaring vacuum and has sprung up as a core need is the presence of reputable cinema and entertainment educational institutions in India. The launch of RSACE is a big step in the direction of filling this lacuna. The establishment of The Ramesh Sippy Institute for Cinema and Entertainment and the first full-time Degree courses it will soon offer are important milestones in the journey of film and entertainment in India. The Garware Institute of Career Education and Development and The Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment with Mumbai University held the inaugural ceremony at the Kalina University campus’s sports auditorium in Mumbai on March 9.

On this occasion, were present distinguished dignitaries Prof. Sanjay Deshkmukh, Vice Chancellor, University of Mumbai; Indian Film Industry Legend Ramesh Sippy, Chairman, RSACE; Prof. Anil Karnik, Director of GICED; Kiran Joneja Sippy, Managing Director, RSACE; Mukesh Sharma, Director and Dean, RSACE; Ashish Kulkarni, Advisory Board Member RSACE; Dr. M.A. Khan, Registrar, University of Mumbai; and Anil Patil, Director Academics and Planning, University of Mumbai were present on the occasion. Forty-Two years after Sholay was released, Ramesh Sippy’s Jai, joined him on the occasion as the Chief Guest. No prizes for guessing that Amitabh Bachchan’s entry elicited rip-roaring, riotous applause from the audience. But that is business as usual for the cinematic colossus.

Proceedings began with the rendition of Vande Mātaram, "I bow to thee, Mother", a poem written in Bengali and Sanskrit, from Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1882 novel Anandamath. The Police Band played the harmony.

Amitabh Bachan then lit the ceremonial lamp. The dignitaries on the dais joined him in doing so. Anil Karnik, Director GICED rendered the Welcome Address. Prof. Sanjay Deshkmukh felicitated Amitabh Bachchan and presented him with books instead of the customary flower bouquet. Ashish Kulkarni, Advisory Board Member, RSACE then shared an overview of the entertainment landscape of India. He also shared his concerns about the need for an apt number of skilled, educated and trained personnel in the industry. Kiran Joneja Sippy, Managing Director, RSACE addressed the gathering. She outlined the vision of Team RSACE and also introduced the members of the Advisory Board of RSACE.

I then had the privilege of introducing the director of gems such as Andaz, Seeta Aur Geeta, Shaan, Shakti, Saagar, Buniyaad and Sholay. It is fitting that Ramesh Sippy is the Chairman of RSACE and that he will help mould the future generation of professionals of the Indian entertainment business.

Amitabh Bachan then launched the official Inaugural Brochure of RSACE. This was the photo-opportunity that members of the press and the electronic media were waiting for. I then made an attempt to introduce Bachchan. So much has been said about him, so much written, his tales of great cinematic achievement will travel down generations, spanning centuries. I will tell my grand-children, that I too, had the pleasure of introducing him at a few events. Why could we think of no one else to have as Chief Guest? Well, whose is the first name that comes to your mind when I say, cinema and entertainment? It is his. Awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour and the Padma Vibhushan, Amitabh Bachchan is truly a living legend. He then spoke and everyone, well, just listened.

Prof. Sanjay Deshkmukh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai then addressed the gathering. Also present for the ceremony were actors Jackie Shroff, Bhagyashree, Juhi Chawla, singers Sonali and Roop Kumar Rathod, Rohan Shetty, Sabbas Joseph, Aarti Surendranath, Bharat Dhabolkar and many other friends and well-wishers of the Sippy family.

It was a simple but important event. Director at ETC India, Priya Sharma was the force behind the event, weaving the different elements together, overseeing it all. Wizcraft handled on-ground technology requirements and show direction. I hosted the proceedings and was happy to see Mr. Bachchan again. Older and quieter and humble as ever, I thought to myself, the baritone Shahenshah has transformed over the last few years. From the angry young man of Indian cinema, I think he has finally taken over the mantle of the grand old man of Indian cinema. (These are strictly my views alone!) Grand, great and a goliath. Forever, an inspiration. Until next time Mr. Bachchan.

And more power to Mr.Sippy and his great passion of imparting world-class education to students of cinema and entertainment.

Gitikka Ganju Dhar is a Distinguished Indian Anchor and Curator, Talkthestage.

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