SANDEEP MARWAH STORY CHAPTER THREE

Chapter 3 Desolate stretches adorned the lanes of Noida Film City in the nineties. With no mode of transport or dedicated auto or taxi stand without a single soul in sight, very few ventured into that no man’s land. Markets were far-fetched and tucked in the outskirts. Amidst all this milieu of inconveniences and insecurities, Sandeep Marwah exuded immense optimism to make his studio ubiquitous. He sat in the precincts of his studio day and night, till he got enraptured with a series of regular shoots. “In those days, one did not have the requisite manpower. 

At times, the shoot would prolong till the wee hours of the morning, in the height of winter. The entire staff would have left for the day while my manager and I would hang on, till the shoot gets over. After consistent work through the night, the big film crew would fancy a cup of tea at 5 a.m. to refresh themselves. Without any inhibitions, I would prepare tea even though it is the work of the production manager to provide tea and transport. This goodwill gesture created a special bond between the film unit and us, which showed us the power of a personal touch.” Media coverage enamours most of them in the film arena. “Amid a shoot, some would request the media to highlight their shoot or the main star in the movie. I would immediately call up my contacts in the media who would oblige. The next day, the film unit would be bewildered to see the huge publicity rendered to their new movie in all the major national dailies. 

This small gesture would captivate their attention to such an extent that they would develop an instant like and comfort level with the studio. They would share their experience with others and this word of mouth would enhance the image of the studio. This is a service industry where no one cares for their relative but here we are to make a difference.” An array of different language films that are on the lookout for prerequisite infrastructure in north India besides indoor and outdoor shoots began to line up to his studio. “We had film units from J&K, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Nepal, Uttarakhand, etc book the studio. The Punjabi film 'Anakh Vangar Di’ was completely shot in the studio for 40 consecutive days. 

We erected a beautiful outdoor locale inside the studio premises and kept different support systems such as lighting, unit, generator, equipment, and staff, on standby for the shoot. We even set up a Junior Artists Association with 100 to 1000 artists, at our disposal. With the provision of lunch and dinner, we used to pay them Rs 200 per day those days which has now been increased to Rs 1500. These artists are more than happy to feature in a film.” The amenities requested by the director and cinematographer were given top priority and arranged or bought immediately.

 “Requests for a particular size stool and wooden stairs were immediately acceded. There was a cameraman who wanted to drape the entire backdrop of the studio in black. We bought half the shop with the requisite specification of black curtain cloth with 300 feet length and 200 feet width. We stitched it overnight with the help of ten tailors and they were pleasantly surprised to see the final set-up the next day. That was the length to which we helped." The Marwah studio hosted the famous director Shekhar Kapoor for four months to shoot his highly appreciated movie `Bandit Queen’. “Shekhar Kapoor was fantastic. He shot the entire movie in the studio. The cameraman Ashok did wonders while we organized the indoor and outdoor shoot. We erected nine studios in our domain and arranged the outdoor shoots at Suraj Kund. I supervised and sent tons of light to illuminate the Tuqhlakabad Fort to shoot a night sequence. In due course of the shoot indoors, Shekhar Kapoor had to face an unexpected situation. 

The heroine Seema Biswas refused to do the main scene where she had to shed off her clothes. He called her to my office and tried to convince her that it is the turning point of the film and character. After four hours, she finally agreed to do the scene and shot in the presence of just the director and cameraman.” This consistent exposure to the studios and shoots helped Sandeep Marwah acquire an indepth knowledge of film making and improve his calibre and expression. “I got the required know-how of the profession and experienced the grandeur of feature films. Within two years, I had gathered a lot of information and developed solid contacts in north India. This made me inclined to open my film school and train students in visual media. So, I made a paradigm shift from shoots to film school. 

I had nurtured this ambition for too long and so I decided to make some progress in that direction.” “I approached a few veterans in the field of education for some valid inputs. I fixed time with the well-known educationist and former Dean Sadan Malik of FTII, Pune at the music shop in Khan market. I shared the outline of the prospectus and he agreed to meet me the next day in his house in Munirka and we finalized it. He had an immaculate style and attitude, even at that age of 68. I offered him the post of Dean and after prolonged thought, he agreed to take up the offer and volunteered to come twice a week to Noida. 

By then, I had decided the name of the school as `National or Indian Film Institute’ though someone suggested `Noida Film School’. I wanted an exclusive name and make it pan India.” Ever since his college days at the Institute of Marketing Management in 1979, meticulous plans were part and parcel of his life and career. “I was quite popular then and wanted to start a club named `Executive Club’ and our owner and director of IMM, Jagjit Singh agreed immediately. We were 15 members who formed part of the management committee with a monthly meet. The members met at Claridge's while the management committee used to meet at the member's residence. After one year, my residence hosted a party for the management committee.” Director Jagjit Singh graced the party and arrived ten minutes before the scheduled time which is his usual norm. "We engaged in a brief conversation and I enlightened him about my ambition to start a Film School and make an entry into the world of education. I even informed the name of the school as either `Indian or National Film School.’ And he immediately retorted, `Why not Asian Academy of Films?’ It instantly clicked with me, as I realized that it would have a far better reach and the vision would be multi-fold. 

He managed it for two years with students from all walks of life from around the world. We had students from Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Japan, etc, and we catered to foreign units from Asian countries. (Do we require it to be mentioned here?) Armed with confidence, Sandeep Marwah took a firm decision not to entertain any more suggestions on whether to start the film school or not. “I discussed my innovative idea of the film school only with those whom I planned to bring on-board. I have had enough discussions about the film city and studio from 1986. Now, I wanted to make it into a reality and began to recruit staff for the school. At that time, Sadan Malik suggested engineering as part of the curriculum and I agreed even though it did not appeal to me as I felt it would be a misfit in a creative school. I obliged him even though I knew that it would be a mistake to do so." 

In due course, he prepared a draft of the prospectus for the film institute which lay dormant on his mind, for decades. He showed it to Sadan Malik who opined that `television’ should figure in the name of the institute, as it occupied centre-stage. He informed me how FII, Pune had introduced T and made it FTII, 20 years ago. We finalized the name over a cup of tea and implemented it officially the next day. Thus, I created the first private film institute in India and the fourth film school in India and became the first Professor of the film school in north India. “ In June of 1993, four ads appeared in all the major dailies in Delhi, so that students could enroll themselves, for the new courses, in the film school. “We tagged along with some bigwigs from the television and film industry and began the preparations. We restricted the number of seats to 40 and dedicated eight seats to each course beginning from acting, editing, direction, cinematography, and film engineering. 

We got a huge response for all the courses except for engineering. Some students were not even aware of what cinematography course meant and we had to explain that it as the study of cameras. We charged a reasonable amount of Rs 9999 for three months course which now has been raised to Rs 90,000.” The concept of a film school became the topic of discussion in all sections of the media, be it print or electronic media, events, think pot, music, cinema, new media, and media management. Students got enrolled from all the nearby states, Haryana, Punjab, UP, HP, Bihar, and mentioned their choice of course. 

“We allocated courses to students based on their aptitude and attitude. We had four courses and 33 student applicants wherein most had opted for the acting course. We segregated them into batches which made some infuriated and protested as to why they were shifted to the second batch. Sheer euphoria reigned the institute and we had to increase the number of seats from 8 to 16. As of today, 15, 000 students have enrolled in the film, tv, art, and culture courses.” 

The film academy unfurled its doors officially with its inauguration by Anil Kapoor."Anil Kapoor and I had gone for a luncheon session at the Jade in Claridges. I had informed him about my idea to start a film school then in Noida and he laughed. He told me that I would be crazy as it was not my cup of tea. He said that I would have a tough time as it was a crazy line of business with dissatisfied people. But I was adamant to go ahead with my plans and he struck a deal that he would inaugurate my film school, in case I opened one in the future. That was how he inaugurated the film school. But after the formalities, he looked around and appreciated the organizational skills and clarity of vision of Sandeep Marwah.” The end

SANDEEP MARWAH STORY CHAPTER TWO

Chapter 2 The idea to start a Film Institute was dormant on his mind since 1978, after his aspiration to join an acting course did not materialize. “Theatre, music, and dramas were part and parcel of my life, and Mandi House was part of my routine. I desired to get formally trained in acting, but the Film & Television Institute of India, Pune did not have any such course. It was the worst situation, wherein the Faculty, management, and students differed in their opinions. I got upset, as I could not continue my education, and my ambition had to take a back seat. I was left in the lurch along with many like-minded film buffs. 

This sudden shocker made me take a firm resolve that I would open a Film School in north India.” Dejected but rejuvenated, Sandeep Marwah returned to his father’s business and hobbies. He began the `Asian News Agency’ in Khan market. “Khan market was the center of all news. We were a team of four members who were busy with news surveys. We worked for Doordarshan which would intimate to us about the events in Vigyan Bhawan or exhibitions in Mandi House, or Indira Gandhi’s visit to Chattarpur. We would cover the event and send the tapes to them. Within three years, I got trained in the nuances of editing, proofreading, marketing, and shooting videos. 

I always walked with a huge handheld camera and recorder and covered all news events. I worked with my bare hands on those former editing machines. The big ones came in handy for news, current affairs, and entertainment, and these covered both sides of film making. Over some time, I built a wonderful rapport with the staff of DD, Film Division, Child Film Society of India, FTI Pune, DAVP, AIR. They worked for different channels and gave good business from 1988 to 91. These were government agencies staff with good contacts. After retirement, they sought employment in my office.” 

As a break from routine, he traveled extensively and even visited the Universal Studio in the US, which is the largest producer of films in the world. “I decided to have a similar studio in India and by 1986, I was adamant that I wanted a Film City in Noida. One of the first challenges that I had to overcome, was the financial crunch. I decided to garner support from the government and private organizations, for this maiden venture. 

Then came the issue of land, and so I made consistent visits to different offices beginning from the DDA, MCD, NDMC, L&DO but no one entertained me. At times, the clerk stopped me and he would listen to me and become the decision-maker, and express his lack of want, for such projects. No one paid heed to my pleas but looked at me with disdain. I wanted to change their impression, that I was just a middle-class boy with a vision, and a proposition, that would soon fade away. I decided to achieve my mission, though no one vouched for me from 1978 to 86.” Libraries offered him consolation as well as inspiration to reach his goal, and gain knowledge about film institutes. 

“I did a lot of research and became a voracious reader on film institutes, and their syllabus be it their courses, studies, segments, as I desired to become part of that industry. This knowledge made me brim with confidence. At the same time, I made up my mind that I would not put my reputation at stake and hurt anyone or their sentiments if they refused to meet me. I had the clarity of vision accompanied by confidence and determination to reach milestones in my career which is when the universe supports you.” It was perchance, that the Chairman of Noida walked into his brother's music shop in Khan market, to pick up some CDs, and cassettes. His brother introduced him and he expressed his idea to kickstart a Film City in Noida. “Being a connoisseur of films, he liked my idea and told me to come up with a proposal and meet him in his office. 

This was the same office that had thrown me out earlier. Loaded with confidence, I walked into the office with a two-page proposal. He looked at it and told me to bring a detailed proposal. I made a lengthy proposal and presented it to him in December 1986. He approved the project and sent it to the UP government and then to the Vidhan Sabha.” The then Chief Minister Vir Bahadur Singh was an avid cinephile, who took an instant like for the project and worked out its cost, and other paraphernalia for that year. The assembly cleared the project in December 1987, and the Bill came into force. Vidhan Sabha announced a Film City in UP.

 “The entire media highlighted that I was the founder of the Film City, and all of them hailed and approved this initiative of the UP government. It was nine years of tapas (1978-87) that came into being, and I realized that persistence and persuasion could get the desired outcome. Noida Authority congratulated us for this unique venture.” Over time, the new Chairman wanted 100 acres, which got approved. It was a well thought out plan of 75 acres outdoors, and 25 acres indoors, inclusive of the garden. It was left to the Noida Authority, to allot the land, and then invite applications, from the entire country, for the enterprise. 

“Initially, not many seemed interested, as they had never heard the name Noida. It was a ruthless state in 1987. UP meant `Ulta Pulta’ or `You Pay’ and Noida as `No Idea’ and nobody wanted any association with it. So many could not digest the fact, that the rotten and underdeveloped UP state, could host a Film City. There was a consortium of like-minded people, with the government’s approval. Gulshan Kumar and I were the first ones to respond. He already had factories in Noida which manufactured cassettes. I then roped in F C Mehra, Boney Kapoor, Tutu Sharma, Padmini Kolhapure while Gulshan Kumar persuaded Purnachandra Rao, L V Prasad from the south. About 2.5 to 3 acres of land got dedicated to the road alone. The plot had common facilities and a garden, while some land was not allotted.” 

All applicants were given a time frame of three years to build their infrastructure and begin construction. “Initially, there were only 12 allottees and 12 pieces of land. So, press conferences were held to rope in more investors, but to no effect. And by the time filmmakers like Subhash Ghai and Rishi Kapoor realized its value, it was too late and their applications rejected. By then, 100 other applications reached the Noida Authority for an allotment, but they had to decline all of them. As soon as I got hold of the land, I began construction at the most auspicious time. It was vacant land and I devoted four days a week to build the necessary infrastructure. 

After this scheme came into force after a long wait of seven years, my mind was pre-occupied with the idea of a Film School. I racked my brain for two long years as to how to start the institution. And after three years of consistent work and commitment, Marwah Studios came into force in Noida and opened its floor with a lot of glitz and glamour on March 10, 1991.” The flamboyant August gathering saw the arrival of 50 VVIP’s from the film fraternity. Raj Krishna Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, Surendra Kapoor, Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Poonam Dhillon, Shilpa Shirodkar, Prem Chopra, Yash Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, Narender Nath to name a few made a beeline to the studio. Besides,1500 distinguished guests graced the one-acre studio. 

“People were enamored to see the glamourized studios. A mega party in the grass lawns had Hindi film music in the backdrop, thanks to the 12-piece band. The open-air theatre hosted guests who got engaged in conversations. Sumptuous and delicious delicacies served by `Kwality catering’ enthralled the guests but there was a shortage, due to the influx of unexpected guests. Extra food arrived from Delhi to cater to the needs of the crowd. The novel idea of a Film City enticed many who tagged their friend or relative which added up to the huge numbers. My Dad was the least perturbed by the food shortage due to the huge turnout and exclaimed `the more the merrier’ and said it brought good luck.” The time slated for the colorful event was 11.30 a.m. on the invitation card. Sandeep Marwah dropped in earlier to supervise the work from the first floor of his office. “I was busy with the preparation when I heard a commotion downstairs and peeped to find a huge crowd gathered around Anil Kapoor. He had to come later. I was tense as the music troupe had not yet arrived and the refreshments were not laid out. I found the entire tentmakers, caterers, and interior designers vied over one another, to get an autograph from him, with some even touch his feet. With an enigmatic smile, he appeased everyone with his autograph. 

Soon, I realized that it was the lookalike of Anil Kapoor, who hailed from Ghaziabad. Around 50 people were thoroughly fooled by him, as he sported the same beard and hairstyle of the popular actor. He confessed to me that he was an uninvited guest, but requested that he be allowed to stay for the inauguration. I saw an immense passion for cinema in his eyes and allowed him to stay. The original Anil Kapoor arrived at 12. 45 a.m. but no one paid attention and I did not dare tell him about the previous goof up. The best or worst part of it was when the lookalike’s picture appeared on Page 3 of Times of India, the next day. I realized that film stars are so glamorous, that even their lookalikes are so powerful in the public domain.” The grand extravaganza was full to its capacity, with 1500 fans gathered outside and another 1500 guests inside. With the security beefed up, gates were closed to handle the frenzied crowd, which grew ecstatic as they watched the arrival and departure of different actors, from the studio. "Within a day, Marwah studios became the talk of the town. The entire media was in full attendance, thanks to the efforts of Om Prakash Katyal, Director Information and Corporation, PR of north Delhi. He had brought 35 journalists along with him from Delhi. He remarked that in his entire career spanning 40 years, he had never seen such a huge congregation of film stars at one venue. 

The media gave huge publicity to the event, venue, and wrote features on the actors and producers, for a whole week. The local media from Noida too was also present at the gala event. “It was a historical moment for me, as I was the founder of the Film City and my studio was the fourth film studio in India. I had two studios-one hired by Bijon Das Gupta, the art director for whom we had to erect the sets for the first ad of BPL TV. The other studio got booked for a TV serial commissioned by Doordarshan, entitled `Kaali Haath’ and directed by Khalid Sultan. As of now, we have nine studios." The same day saw the art gallery in the basement unfurl the doors to the public. In the near vicinity was Boney Kapoor’s one-and-a-half acre studio, which was also inaugurated. “We created a lane between the rear gate of my studio and his studio through the service lane. We erected and entwined both the studios together with temporary false walls so that guests could just walk through rather than take the roundabout route. The shooting of the film `Prem’ which featured Sanjay Kapoor and Beena had a jail scene erected in that studio.” Most of the dignitaries were optimistic about the studio concept though a few felt insecure about it. 

Sandeep Marwah had to face harsh criticisms wherein one dared to ask if he had built a warehouse for the food grain storage for the Food Corporation of India. But he did not get dejected as he was very optimistic about his concept of a Film City in Noida. Even though he did not find many who ventured all the way from Mumbai, he did not lose heart. And when it became difficult to generate business, he contacted his sources from the world of TV, Films, Art, and Culture. Life became very hectic with regular shootings, which went on till early dawn, sometimes till 3 a.m. “I was very confident about my studio and knew the language of cinema, which made me very independent. I worked hard from dawn to dusk, with no constraints of time, for about two years at a stretch. I had about 70 projects in hand, which included feature films, shootings, regional feature films, tv serials, telefilm ads, interviews, news programs, corporate films, game shows, and talk shows. 

I learned all the formats of film making, during this time. I stayed at the studio and began to learn from the basics on the floor, be it a light man, cameraman, production controller, set designer, actor, and director and became adept with all of them. The studio became my institution and obsession, which gave me requisite practical exposure and experience, through all the projects. Alongside I continued my Masters in Business.” The cost factor is quite affordable in Marwah studios. "In those days, a nine-hour shift was available for Rs 6000, which was half the cost. Now it is available for Rs 50, 000, after 29 years of operations.

 Besides our low costs, all the equipment necessary for a director and cameraman be it, artists, to lighting are given. We offer many complimentary things like lampshades though others charge for it. We do not give a reason for anyone to complain. Those who have worked with us in the past are more than happy due to the cost-effective measures besides the professional set-up we offer. It is a sheer word of mouth which has done wonders for us that we get consistent bookings and rake in good business. With the best facilities available, our only concern is our reputation." Work progresses through the night to set up the studio for the next day morning shoot. With in-house carpenters and designers, all requirements are sorted out on time. An in-house canteen caters to the hunger pangs of anyone and everyone. "We make sure that all of them carry forward good memories from our studio. 

We work as a team and ensure that we have a good friendly relation with everyone be it the spot boy or the director." It was a working pattern from school days. `My Dad was a wonderful subject for observation. There was no need for a mentor. He was self-made having gone through the hardships in life. He was more of a teacher to me. (Can we include this in the previous chapter?)

SANDEEP MARWAH STORY CGAPTER ONE

His tryst with destiny began as a teenager. He dared to envision a dream venture where he would stand distinct and be counted among the very few entrepreneurs in India. To acquire the requisite exposure, he dived into his father's business arena and sat relentlessly as a keen observer, without a complaint. Space constraints in the office did not deter him from his pursuit of knowledge. He sat bewitched and observed his father's infectious smile and kind-hearted behavior as each visitor bid adieu with a signature token gift. He imbibed his father's meticulous plans and realized that patience was a virtue. He wore many hats and even became a chauffeur and drove his father around whenever he had a rendezvous with people outside the purview of the precincts of his office. He would wait in anticipation for his return in the heat outside. 

The return journey would be a tete-a-tete about the details of the conversation and its subsequent outcome. Nothing could stop this yuppie, Sandeep Marwah who was hell-bent that he learned the tricks of the trade. Armed with some real-life experience, he decided to take the plunge. " I realized that the need of the hour was to create my own space. So, I joined the sales team at the very first opportunity that I got, as it forms the base for administration and business. I bifurcated my time between the sale of food products and the music shop. I learned my Dad's business module and adapted his good traits such as patience, punctuality, and perseverance." 

His hard work and determination were duly noticed by his Dad, uncle, and senior staff who appreciated his strong support system and swift learning capacity.'' Alongside this, he wanted to get the first-hand experience in sales and began to sell electronic items and records at their music shop. It was an eye-opener that business was a tough job and that it was not easy to sell products. "Face to face interaction with the customer taught me that my behavior and attitude were very important besides contacts. I had to clear their doubts, anxieties, hassles, objections, and criticisms but accept that it was a thankless job. It was a humiliation that led to a sort of jubilation. At the age of 20, I had to listen to criticism that the records were old and why there were no discounts. This exposure taught me to be calm and resilient, and not charge extra money for the extra facilities provided.'' 

A true journey that created an indelible impact on his thought process was the story of his Dad's life. His tough stance was discernible in his attitude towards adversities when he picked up his bags and walked away, without any regrets. He was the perfect fit for the proverb `When the going gets tough, the tough get going'. "My Dad came to India as a refugee from Pakistan with just Rs 200 in his pocket. He had to leave his wealth and properties behind but did not lose hope. His sheer grit and determination made him fight against all odds valiantly and start life afresh. 

He began his enterprise with electronics and foodstuffs. It was quite difficult to sell those days, but he worked hard for days and weeks on end, with no holidays. My respect for him grows manifold when I think of how much he had sacrificed to give us the best of comforts and education. He functioned within the liabilities and constraints of time, labor, resources, and communication.'' Sooner than later he decided to continue his education alongside his business interest. "I began to do my post-graduation in Commerce. I learned the intricacies of business for five years and found that it is a 24-hour job which occupies your thoughts be it at work or home, as it is your sole responsibility. Theories of business imparted through textbooks are completely different from practical realities which get tougher day by day. 

A businessman is akin to a social worker with limited constraints and takes a huge risk with money. Life is a huge botheration which leads to immense tension. One is mentally and physically exhausted, as people's perception of a businessman is that of a `chor' .'' At the threshold of his career, he remembers fondly that he had three career options, either to join the government service or become a professional or an entrepreneur. "I was smitten by the last career option as only 3% of our population were entrepreneurs. Work motivated me and I wanted to become part of that minuscule group. 

I realized that I would be a non-entity in service or as a professional whereas I would be unique, as an entrepreneur and opted for it.'' After consistent exposure for five years in the business circle, he decided that he wanted the much-needed break from the monotony and pursue his passion, theatre, and cinema. His father told him that it was ok if it was a hobby but not as a full-time profession as the future was bleak in theatre. "I was smitten by the theatre so much but paid heed to his advice to take it as a hobby, to hone my skills. I improved my diction, articulation, pronunciation, and presentation, which enhanced my personality, and make me brimmed with confidence. I featured in many plays which provided sheer entertainment on Doordarshan and were counted as a popular actor on Delhi stage to be paid the highest remuneration." 

During those days, his contemporaries and friends included the likes of Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Pankaj Kapoor, Neena Gupta, Satish Kaushik who were directed by their senior, Nadira Babbar. All of them were the National School of Drama products, except for him. "I used to work till 6 p.m. and get involved in theatrics. Then, I moved to Mumbai to try a hand at the cinema, as I was crazy about it. Luckily, I was offered three films with the lead heroines of that time, by a producer and we had even begun shooting too. But he died all of a sudden and left a vacuum. The movies were shelved and the projects were canceled. My future was bleak and I returned to Delhi. " 

Being adventurous he wanted a change in the stance and desired to try his luck in real estate. "Property was booming at that time and was selling like hotcakes. With the requisite aptitude, I got into the sale and purchase of properties and made good money. But soon, I perceived that I could not become a hardcore real estate agent and be smart, shrewd, and cunning. I felt that I would be a misfit there as my interest always lay in art and culture, since my school-days. Arts, culture, and craft hone your skills to become self-reliant. 

I was enchanted with carpets and its manufacture which made me research at the main manufacturing units in Kashmir, Agra, Latur, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Amritsar. I learned new opportunities without boundaries with the available resources. I observed people lead a systematic life which made me specialize in carpets within three months and opened a new outlet in Khan market. His impeccable talent in art and culture made him explore new avenues in the creation and he recreated carpet designs on desi dhurries. With the help of one of his friends in Mirzapur, he got Marwah dhurries made from his manufacturing units. "A rich exporter copied my designs and launched his own line `Shyam Ahuja Dhurries' which was splashed in popular magazines in Indian and abroad and got exported. This was the time when I realized how a brand name could make all the difference in the market. I was no competitor to him and restrained my sales to my closer circle of buyers. But my association with real estate and dhurries gave me great opportunities to fly overseas.

The export business gave me a chance to go to Europe and other countries once or twice a year which pinched my pocket and left me with no savings." Gratitude was part of his personality and he always thanked and attributed his success in business to his education, training, and good deeds. He retained his honesty and seriousness from those days in the academic circle to the work station. "My commitment helped me finish my work within the constraints of time. I have no qualms to admit that I could not continue with my passion be it theatre or cinema, but I have learned to adapt myself with the best alternatives available. 

I became very optimistic and decided to participate, which is pertinent to life. If one is smart and ready to take up new challenges, then one can make the right decisions at the crossroads and reach one's destination. This is how one grows in life. I can proclaim with humility that probably I have developed a good rapport with many Delhites that they count me in to extend pertinent invitations. I realize the magnitude of that one invitation when I am chosen to be one among the 300 guests to attend the marriage function when they are in the know-how of more than 10, 000 Delhites. When your name figures in that shortlist, it shows that they value your presence.

 Participation in such events is required to make that bond stronger. And my attendance at that event gets the much-deserved respect as I acceded to their expectations."

51 Working Women Were Awarded by Sandeep Marwah at Nari Shakti Ko Pranam

Sandeep Marwah Addressed at Award Function of Braj Bhumi Foundation

New Delhi: “A strong woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. A strong woman is both soft and powerful, she is both practical and spiritual. A strong woman loves, forgives, walks away, lets go, and tries again. Women’s empowerment can be defined to promoting women’s sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others,” said Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor AAFT University of Media An Arts in the event Nari Shakti Ko Pranam designed by Ashwin Choudhary of Braj Bhumi Foundation to present 51awards to working women.

“Countries should act to empower women and should take steps to eliminate inequalities between men and women as soon as possible by establishing mechanisms for women’s equal participation and equitable representation at all levels of the political process and public life in each community and society and enabling women to articulate their concerns and needs expressed Marwah.

 “It can also be promoted by fulfilling of women’s potential through education, skill development and employment, giving paramount importance to the elimination of poverty, illiteracy and ill health among women,” added Sandeep Marwah who is also Chairing International Women’s Film Forum.

World Heritage Day Celebrated at ICMEI

ICMEI Celebrated World Heritage Day

New Delhi: “World Heritage Day, which is also known as the International Monuments and Sites Day was celebrated by International Chamber of Media And Entertainment Industry in association with Rootskills a voluntary organisation, NFTC- National Federation of Tourism And Transport Cooperatives India Limited and AAFT School of Tourism and Hospitality.

“The day is all about increasing the awareness of the importance of the diversity of cultural heritage and preserving it for generations in the future. Ancient monuments and buildings are an asset to us all around the world. However, they need to be protected to ensure that they continue to be an asset for years and years to come. Therefore, the day is a collective effort of communities around the globe,” informed Sandeep Marwah President of ICMEI.

“We are ready to support NFTC, ICMEI and AAFT and its 543 tourism committees along with our volunteers to create awareness about heritage and preservation of our heritage of any kind,” said and assured Bhavisha Budhadeo President of Rootskills organization while keeping her point of view during session.

Dr Gaurav Goyal Director GIC International, Rani Shobhal Singh founder Suryauday Organization and Priiya Chhabra youth leader Rootskills also participated in the discussion.

                                      Convocation of 108th Batch of AAFT at Noida Film Cit

Noida: “Graduation has finally come! It’s not only a milestone for students, it’s also a milestone for the family and friends who have supported them. Before you act, listen. Before you react, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you criticize, wait. Before you quit, try. The important thing is not to stop questioning. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” said Dr. Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor AAFT University   while speaking on the convocation of 108^th Batch of AAFT at Noida Film City.

Asian Academy has been rated as the first ten best film schools of the World with seven World records to its credit. Twenty seven years in films, television and media education has given AAFT a wonderful status in media and entertainment industry all over the Globe.

 Students passing out in short term and one year courses were thrilled to receive their certificates under the guidance of school directors and faculty.

109th Batch of AAFT Inaugurated at Marwah Studios

Inauguration of 109th Batch of AAFT at Noida Film City

Noida: Only on 10^th Marwah Studios has celebrated its 30^th Year of operations in Noida Film City with great pomp and show. Dr. Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios inaugurated and declared open the 109^th batch of Asian Academy of Film And Television now on 20^th April after bidding good bye to trainees of 108^th batch of AAFT from Noida Film City

“We have completed the spiritual round of 108 batches of AAFT. Time has come when we are now starting the new innings of education and training in this tough times of Covid19. These are test times for all of us and we have to emerged as winners in every possible condition,” added Sandeep Marwah motivating the new batch of trainees.

“AAFT has already proved to the World that we are the best as far as  film, TV, Media and all other arts associated with it, now it is your turn to put your best and carved out a wonderful career for yourself under the best of the  infrastructure, equipment, experts and faculty in the given conditions available at AAFT,” expressed Marwah.

All the directors, head of the departments, faculty members were present on the occasion who all spoke on their specializations and different programs designed for the students in the coming months.