DEHRADUN, 8 Nov: Tula’s Institute hosted the Day 2 of the 10th Edition of the DIFF, bringing together celebrated actors, filmmakers, writers, and cinema students for a vibrant exchange of art, experience, and storytelling. The day witnessed multiple film screenings along with engaging interactive sessions and panel talks focused on acting, theatre, cinema craft, and the evolving entertainment landscape.
The students of Tula’s Institute and Tula’s International School had the opportunity to interact with well-known cinema personalities including Ranvir Shorey, Darshan Jariwala, Inamul Haq, Lilliput, Jameel Khan, Mukesh Khanna, Sudipto Sen and Rais Khan among others, who shared insights from their journeys in theatre, cinema, and OTT.
Speaking about reality shows and his experience on-camera, Ranvir Shorey said, “In shows like Bigg Boss, we go for two things: one is the experience, and second is understanding how being constantly on camera affects people. When you are being watched all the time, your behavior changes.” The trailer of his upcoming film Jassi Weds Jassi was also screened and received an enthusiastic response from the students.
Veteran actor Darshan Jariwala, in a session moderated by Roopa Soni, reflected on his artistic roots. He shared, “Theatre is where my journey began, even before college. My mother was a renowned Gujarati stage actress, and our home always had the environment of theatre. Every actor carries a soft corner for theatre. Films are a collaborative medium, but theatre gives an actor true freedom.”
Sharing his experience of finding his artistic identity, actor-writer Inamul Haq said, “I am from Saharanpur, very close to Dehradun, so I feel like I am back to my roots. I started theatre at the age of 12. I didn’t decide to become an actor; the journey unfolded on its own. I trained at NSD and later moved to Mumbai with nothing but ₹500 borrowed from a friend. Writing came to me because I traveled the world through books. The journey continues, and one must keep pursuing it with ‘zunoon’ and focus.”
Well-known actor and performer MM Farugui aka Lilliput spoke about individuality in film and theatre, saying, “Two kinds of people enter the industry: those who want to become someone else, and those who want to show who they truly are. Acting isn’t a hobby; an actor is born. Cinema is more challenging than theatre. Rishi Kapoor once advised me to learn the art of switching on in front of the camera and switching off once it’s gone. This comes with time.”
Actor Jameel Khan, known for Gullak and Gangs of Wasseypur, emphasized the importance of early self-realization. He said, “I studied in Sherwood College, Nainital, and that was the golden phase of my life. Theatre laid the foundation for my acting. The earlier you find your calling, the better, because today distractions are many. I initially had doubts about OTT and almost didn’t do Gullak, but the love I received as Santosh Mishra is incomparable.”
The campus of Tula’s Institute was filled with energy as students engaged with the speakers, asked questions, and gained real-world insights into the discipline, passion, and persistence required to sustain a career in cinema and performing arts.
Renowned filmmaker Sudipto Sen spoke about cinema as a medium of communication and responsibility, while Mukesh Khanna emphasized character-building and professional integrity in long-term artistic careers. Rais Khan reflected on the growing opportunities emerging for young artists in contemporary cinema and digital platforms.
Speaking on the occasion, Raunak Jain, Vice Chairman, Tula’s Group, said, “We are proud to host Day 2 of the 10th Dehradun International Film Festival. Events like these inspire young minds, broaden artistic exposure, and allow students to learn directly from the journeys of leading cinema personalities.”
The day concluded with continued film screenings and interactive sessions.
Present on the occasion were Vice Chairman Raunak Jain, Secretary Sangeeta Jain, Vice President Technology Raghav Garg, Manju Garg, Director Dr Shailendra Kumar Tiwary, Director Pharmacy Dr Deepak Nanda, Additional Director Dr Nishant Saxena, and Registrar Dr Vijay Kumar Upadhyay.
