Top Acting Institutes in India for Aspiring Actors
India is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant film industry. To nurture aspiring actors and refine their craft, several top-notch acting institutions have emerged across the country. This article explores these renowned institutes, offering insights into their unique characteristics and standout features.
1. Actor Prepares - The School of Actors
Established in 2005 by renowned actor Anupam Kher, Actor Prepares is celebrated as the world’s most unique school for acting, having been named as such by a Canadian television network. Located in Mumbai, this institute is a preferred choice for students aspiring to break into the film and television industry. With over 15 years of professional experience, the training faculty are industry professionals, and the alumni list boasts many prominent personalities such as Deepika Padukone, Varun Dhawan, Hrithik Roshan, and many more.
2. Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
Founded in 1960 by the Government of India, the FTII in Pune stands on the grounds of the erstwhile Prabhat Studios, a pioneering force in the filmmaking industry. These archaic studios, now converted into heritage structures, continue to play a vital role in the training and education of students. The institution offers an acting course, providing aspiring actors with a comprehensive and holistic education rooted in the history of Indian cinema.
3. Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)
Named after the legendary film maestro Satyajit Ray, SRFTI has become a national center of excellence, offering a post-graduate program in cinematic studies. The institute has successfully articulated and disseminated classical and contemporary theories of practice, enabling creative minds to venture into professional filmmaking. Whether in mainstream, parallel, art-house, experimental, or non-fiction narratives, SRFTI equips students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving Indian film industry.
4. Barry John Acting Studio (BJAS)
Opening as Imago Acting School in 1997 in Noida, U.P., this institution eventually moved to Mumbai in 2007 and was renamed Barry John Acting Studio. Renowned students of this institute include Freida Pinto, Jacqueline Fernandez, Richa Chadda, and many others. BJAS provides a robust acting course, helping students hone their skills and gain industry recognition.
5. National School of Drama (NSD)
Based in New Delhi, NSD is a theatre training institute that has been acclaimed for over half a century. Founded in 1959 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the institute became autonomous in 1975. NSD offers a comprehensive theatre training that focuses on practical skills, and its graduates are well-prepared to take on the rigors of acting in the Indian film and television industry.
6. Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT)
AAFT, founded over 25 years ago, has grown into Asia's largest media education hub. Accredited to the University of Mumbai, AAFT offers high-quality technical education in emerging areas of media and creative arts. With a vision to produce global leaders of the highest intellectual and ethical calibre, AAFT aims to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the lucrative entertainment industry.
7. Whistling Woods International (WWI)
Operated by the renowned film producer Subhash Ghai, WWI aims to train students in a way that makes them industry-ready. Imparting practical skills and real-world experience, WWI ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to work in the competitive film and television industry. The institute's focus on employability and industry-readiness makes it a popular choice for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
8. Ramesh Sippy Academy of Cinema and Entertainment (RSACE)
Established in 2017 by the acclaimed Indian film director and producer Ramesh Sippy, RSACE offers an acting course and is affiliated with the University of Mumbai. The institute is also accredited to the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development. RSACE provides a structured curriculum that helps students develop practical skills and gain industry exposure.
9. Zee Institute of Media and Arts (ZIMA)
A subsidiary of the leading entertainment and media conglomerate Zee Networks, ZIMA is a talent hot spot in the media and film industry. Known for its comprehensive courses in filmmaking and TV journalism, ZIMA Academy is a significant educational hub. It trains students and prepares them for a career in the fast-paced media landscape, making it a top choice for aspiring actors and filmmakers.
10. Centre for Research in Arts, Film and Television (CRAFT)
Established in March 2006, the CRAFT in Delhi acts as an academic organization that strengthens education, training, and research in the film and television industry. Offering autonomous short-term and long-term courses, CRAFT is focused on disseminating knowledge and fostering collaborations across disciplines. This institute is ideal for students who wish to gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the film and television industry.