Famous Alumni of FTII: List of Famous People Who Graduated from FTII

India is the world’s largest movie-producing nation with several releases yearly and to cater to these demands, FTII Pune along with SRFTII Kolkata produces some of the most creative minds who are behind award-winning blockbuster movies. Here is a list of people who have graduated from the prestigious FTII Pune. This will help you motivate and inspire you to take on filmmaking as a career option.

Famous Alumni of FTII

Famous Alumni of FTII: India is the world’s largest movie-producing nation with several releases yearly. The movie market generates a lot of revenue and requires skilled manpower to cater to the art and technicalities the filmmaking process involves. To cater to these demands, FTII Pune and SRFTII Kolkata are two such film-making institutes that stand shoulder to shoulder to produce skilled people. The FTII Pune in particular has produced some of the most creative minds who were behind award-winning blockbuster movies. In this article on Famous Alumni of FTII, we will share the list of people who have graduated from the prestigious FTII Pune, which helps you motivate and inspired to take on filmmaking as a career option and be an integral part of the Famous Alumni of FTII in future.

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What is the Film and Television Institute of India?

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune is India’s premier Film and TV institute which offers industry-specific programs in Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound Design, etc. These programs are designed to meet the latest demands and challenges of the film and TV industry. FTII possesses an expert faculty who have created an effective FTII JET syllabus and designed a specific learning journey for the students so that they can make the most of their time during their academic journey.

Established in 1960, FTII has consistently produced graduates who have made significant contributions to the film and television industry like Film Directors Sudhir Mishra, David Dhawan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, as well as Actor Rajkumar Rao, Danny Denzogpa etc. It has been a cradle of creativity, nurturing some of the most talented actors, directors, and technicians in Indian cinema. Here’s a look at some of the famous alumni of FTII.

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Shabana Azmi

Shabana Azmi is a powerhouse performer who is celebrated for her roles in both mainstream and parallel cinema. It was she who along with fellow FTIIan Smita Patil spearheaded the parallel cinema revolution. With strong performances in movies like Ankur, Arth, Masoom, Fire, and Godmother she stood rock solid which led her to win multiple National Film Awards to her name, she has made an indelible mark on Indian cinema and continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.

Smita Patil

Gone too soon, Smita Patil was a remarkable actress who made significant contributions to Indian cinema in her short but impactful career with movies like Bhumika, Manthan, Chakra, and Mirch Masala. She was known for her strong performances in parallel cinema and remains an icon in the industry.

Santosh Sivan

When it comes to some of the most capable minds behind the camera, Santosh Sivan’s name is taken with utmost respect. His work in Dil Se.. is still considered a benchmark in cinematography. Siwan is a renowned cinematographer and director and is known for his visually stunning work. He has worked on numerous critically acclaimed films and has been recognized internationally for his contributions to Indian cinema.

Naseeruddin Shah

Along with the names of Smita Patil and Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah has also kept the flag of strong acting held high. He is one of India's finest actors and time and again has proved his mettle thanks to movies like Aakrosh, Sparsh, Masoom, and Iqbal. Shah is known for his versatility and dedication to his craft be it the protagonist or the antagonist, his contributions to both Indian and international cinema have been widely recognized, making him a respected figure in the acting community.

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Om Puri

Since his debut in Bhumika Om Puri stuck the perfect chord with the art-loving audience. However, it was his performance in Ardh Satya that brought him to the limelight. Om Puri is known as a powerful actor with super performances, intense roles, and his ability to bring depth to any character he portrays. Puri has left an enduring legacy in Indian and international cinema.

Jaya Bachchan

Before marrying Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bharduri (as she was earlier known) was already an established actor with a host of art movies to her kitties. She starred in some of the most notable films of those times like Guddi, Abhimaan, Koshish, and Sholay, and proved her metal. Jaya is known for her grace and natural acting style, she has been a significant presence in Indian cinema. Her performances in various films have earned her critical acclaim and several awards.

Rajkumar Hirani

The most successfull filmmaker in India Raju Hirani has directed some of the most path-breaking movies in India such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, PK, and Sanju. These movies stand tall in Hindi cinema’s highest-grossing movies. An all-rounded, Hirani wears the Director’s hat along with being a Screenwriter and Editor in all his movies. Interestingly, Raju Hirani was rejected for the filmmaking course and had to enroll for the editing course at FTII. Today he is known for his unique storytelling and ability to blend humor with social messages. His films have garnered critical and commercial success, earning him numerous awards.

Mithun Chakraborty

Mithun Chakraborty holds the unique role of being the only actor who won a national film award for his debut movie. His debut movie Mrigya is known as a pinnacle art movie which established him as an actor right away. However, later in his career this FTII alumnus, became a sensation with his role in Disco Dancer and went on to have a prolific career in Bollywood. He also starred in action movies and became quite a sensation in USSR where people used to line up to buy his movie tickets.

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Some more notable names are - Actors Rajkummar Rao, Danny Denzongpa, Shatrughan Sinha, Mukesh Khanna, Resul Pookutty, Santosh Sivan, Anil Mehta, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Jha, Shakti Kapoor, Zarina Wahab, Satish Kaushik, Pritam Chakraborty, Renu Saluja, Saeed Akhtar Mirza, Kundan Shah, Vijay Varma, Subhash Ghai, Sunny Hinduja, Sriram Raghavan, Rasika Dugal, Asrani and Rajat Kapoor, Vidya Balan to name a few.

How to take admission into FTII Pune?

To take admission into FTII Pune candidates will have to qualify in its entrance exam - FTII JET. The exam is held annually and candidates who qualify in the exam are called for the counseling process post which candidates will be allotted the courses based on the merit list and empty seats in each course.

Bottomline

FTII has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many of India's finest talents in the film and television industry. The famous alumni of FTII named in this article are just a few examples of the institute's legacy of excellence. Their contributions have not only enriched Indian cinema but have also brought international recognition to the talent nurtured at FTII.

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