MUMBAI: Whistling Woods International, one of Asia’s largest Film, Media & Fashion Institutes known for its unconventional teaching methods, hosted Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra who interacted with students about his recent film ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’

The objective was for aspiring film makers to learn & understand the challenges, joys and risks of making a bio-pic based on the life of a public figure like Milkha Singh.  He also discussed with the students the challenges Farhan Akhtar’s character faced, during the duration of the shoot, and the training process.

He highlighted the challenges of making a film that is set in a different era – from creating music & costumes that are referential and authentic, to the difficulties in getting rare footage of iconic scenes of the movie like the Rome Olympics & travelling to Australia, to get the right spikes from that era.

The movie is also currently being edited to be released on a larger, global audience, and this version will debut later this year.

Talking about his interaction with aspiring film making students, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra said “I love coming to Whistling Woods, and talking to the students here. I always hope that the class never ends, but it does! It’s always very interactive, and I end up learning a lot, thanks to their questions”

The president Meghna Puri says, “Whistling Woods International provides the best environment to every aspirant to discover his/her talent in the field of film making, communication, animation ,broadcasting and the business of media industry with world class facilities. The faculty at the Institute is an impressive group of leading professionals from different segments of the industry. WWI has succeeded in bridging the gap between students and the professional world through its unique teaching methodology that combines theoretical education with practical training. Additionally through the Master Class, the students enrich from the practical exposure extended by industry stalwarts. We have a vision to build a cadre of creative technicians, skilful artistes and passionate businessmen with a deep understanding of both national and international demands of today and tomorrow.”

The president Meghna Puri says, “Rakeysh and I have been planning this masterclass for months now. Before the release of Milkha. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. We are honoured to have a film like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag here and the Director who spent 2 hours with the students taking them through the journey of filmmaking. The students and all of us learnt a lot today.”