A dream come true

Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh laid the foundation stone for Mukta Arts' dream project The Whistling Woods Institute for film, television and media arts' at Filmcity, Bombay.

Speaking on the occasion, filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who heads Mukta Arts, says, ''I have completed over 25 years in the industry and wanted to contribute in someway to show my gratitude to this film industry and my nation. What better than to give a world class institute for aspirants in all aspects of film making, television and media arts.''

Olivia Augustine, the faculty chief of Whistling Woods has outlined the aims and objectives of the institute.

''We aspire to develop an institute that will be unique in India and offer students at Whistling Woods unparalled resources. We hope that this combination of excellence in training methods, syllabus, equipment and faculty will result in exceptional institute,'' she states.

Deshmukh says, ''Trust Subhash Ghai to do the right thing with proper planning at the right time. The student's future will be determined right from the beginning and they will have opportunities right after completion of their courses.''

Among those present, were thespian Dilip Kumar, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Kripashankar Singh, Zee Group chief Subhash Chandra Goel, MPs Amar Singh and Rajeev Shukla, Culture Secretary Govind Swaroop and Anil Ambani with wife Tina.

The Whistling Institute which is being designed by top architects Atul Desai and co and Warade and co. It is scheduled to be completed in a year's time and will start functioning by the year 2003.

UNI