Kolkata: The Heritage Academy, Kolkata, witnessed a spectacular evening of of cinematic brilliance as Saurabh Shukla, the celebrated actor, screenwriter, and film director, took center stage at the annual flagship event The Heritage Academy Film Festival being celebrated under Media Mosaic 2025, organized by the Department of Media Science, The Heritage Academy.
In an insightful session titled ‘Films and Beyond’, Shukla was joined by Prof. Judhajit Sarkar for an engaging conversation that captivated media students, faculty members, and film enthusiasts. The dialogue explored the dynamic evolution of storytelling in Indian cinema, the interplay between content and platforms, and the realities and challenges of the entertainment industry today.
The auditorium buzzed with energy as Shukla shared rare anecdotes from his career, including his experience working in path-breaking films like Satya, Barfi! , Jolly LLB, PK, Satya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai. He encouraged students to find their voice in a cluttered media space and emphasized the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and staying grounded in the craft.
The Heritage Academy Film Festival now in its latest edition, has firmly established itself as one of the most awaited media and communication festivals run by an academic institution of repute in Kolkata’s event calendar. Each year, the department promises to bring together the brightest minds in journalism, filmmaking, public relations, advertising, and digital media to come together and collaborate with peers on competitive events giving them a platform to build their skill sets and also to network and facilitate industry interactions. The presence of eminent figures from diverse disciplines like Saurabh Shukla adds on to the branding of the event and also creates an immense value to students’ academic industry exposure.
In her address, Dr. Madhupa Bakshi, Dean of the Department of Media Science, The Heritage Academy said, “Our main goal is to expose students to the world of cinema not just as an art form but as a powerful vehicle of thought, culture and change. Having Saurabh Shukla with us in our event was an honor. His insights and charisma inspired the students to explore more of cinema.”
The Department of Media Science at The Heritage Academy continues to uphold its reputation as a progressive hub for media education, known for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and real-time industry engagement. Through initiatives like Media Mosaic, the department bridges academic theory with hands-on experience, making its graduates industry-ready.
The Heritage Academy, a premier educational institution in Kolkata, is dedicated to nurturing future-ready professionals across disciplines. With its strong academic foundation and collaborative ecosystem, the college consistently strives to elevate the standards of higher education in India.
