Mumbai, January 2025: Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia’s premier Film, Communication, and Creative Arts institute, recently hosted its Annual Convocation for the Class of 2024, celebrating both legacy and new beginnings. The event recognised over 300 graduating students, the next wave of talent amidst applause and pride, ready to lead and innovate in the media and entertainment industry.
The convocation, held in two sessions, brought together esteemed industry stalwarts, visionary leaders, and graduates, celebrating the confluence of inspiration, education, and legacy.
In the morning session, the institute honoured two luminaries of Indian cinema: Javed Akhtar, the celebrated poet, lyricist, and screenwriter, and Pankaj Kapur, the versatile actor and filmmaker. Both were presented with the Maestro Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to storytelling, cinema, and culture.
Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Javed Akhtar further added, “Let there be power in your waves. Let there be determination. You lose the day you stop flowing, the day you give up.” Pankaj Kapur, reflecting on the significance of channelising energy and potential, remarked, “A wild river, when channelised, has the power to generate electricity. Similarly, through your training at Whistling Woods International, you have been equipped to harness your potential and transform it into an incredible force of creativity and energy.”
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Delivering the keynote address, Ajit Andhare, COO of Viacom18 Studios, spoke about the convergence of creativity and business in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape. He emphasised the importance of resilience and determination, stating, “That spark, that revolution you must keep it alive when facing rejection. It is a difficult path; you have to keep the fire alive.”
The afternoon session honoured Manmohan Shetty, a visionary entrepreneur and producer who redefined the Indian entertainment industry. He was presented with the Maestro Award, acknowledging his trailblazing contributions as a producer and pioneer in cinema and experiential entertainment.
Grateful for the recognition, Manmohan Shetty shared his thoughts: “It is institutions like Whistling Woods International that provide the space and mentorship that turn ideas into reality. Thanks for bringing out new talent every day. Your dedication has made the institute the finest in the country.”
The keynote address by Roshan Abbas, Founder of Encompass and Kommune, encouraged the graduates to embrace storytelling as a powerful medium of change and innovation. Sharing a personal insight, he added, “It is an incredible time to be in this industry but strive to be the absolute best at what you do. Only then will you truly earn the pride of seeing your name roll in the credits, knowing the value of your contribution. When you step out into this world, have the best time in this industry, it needs your creativity, passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering ethics.”
As the convocation drew to a close, Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of Whistling Woods International, addressed the graduating class with words of wisdom and encouragement. Reflecting on the institute’s journey and legacy, he urged graduates to embrace change and innovation, he said, “Embrace the evolving world by becoming seekers, inventors, and creators. Adapt to change and harness new technologies to tell your heartfelt stories.”
The convocation marked yet another step in WWI’s mission to nurture, guide, and inspire the next generation of leaders in media, arts, and communication. With over 300 graduates stepping into the world as confident and skilled professionals, the day was not just a celebration of achievements but also a promise of a brighter and more creative future for the industry.
Captions:
Image 1: Pankaj Kapur receives the Maestro Award from Subhash Ghai at Whistling Woods Convocation of the Class of 2024
Image 2: Javed Akhtar receives the Maestro Award from Subhash Ghai at Whistling Woods Convocation of the Class of 2024
Image 3: The dignitaries with the graduating class of 2024
Image 4: The dignitaries applaud while Meghna Ghai Puri presents the Maestro Award to Manmohan Shetty 
About Whistling Woods International:
Whistling Woods International (WWI) is Asia’s premier Film, Communication and Creative Arts Institute. Founded by one of India’s leading filmmakers – Subhash Ghai, WWI is one of the largest and best media institutes in the country. ‘The Hollywood Reporter’ has rated Whistling Woods International as one of the Ten Best Film Schools in the world. The institute was also awarded Excellence in Creative & Performing Arts at the 6th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards 2019. WWI offer programmes that vary in duration from 1 year to 4 years catering to all major verticals of the Media & Entertainment industry, namely Acting, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Production Design, Screenwriting, Sound Recording & Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Game Design, Media Management, Fashion Design, Music Production & Composition, Visual Communication Design, Event Management and Sports & Esports Management. All the programmes are offered under an agreement with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), an institute of national importance.
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