Calcutta, April 14: A decade ago, it was one of the first modelling-cum-grooming schools in Calcutta. Having started off with a handful of students, Samrat’s Modelling & Performing Arts Institute (SMPAi) now has nearly 2,000 ex-students well on their way to making a name for themselves in the glamour industry.
Among the list of credits that Samrat Mukherjee — former model and actor, and the man behind the modelling mission — has garnered for his school are famous teachers and students, and several firsts, in technology and on television. From former catwalk coach Bipasha Basu to ex-student Fllora Saini (heroine of Love in Nepal), SMPAi has come a long way.
“There are around 1,800 ex-students pursuing careers in modelling and acting, whose faces can be seen on national advertisements, or in Oriya, Tamil and Tollywood films,” says Samrat. “Our success lies in the fact that there are several eminent photographers and film-makers who visit our institute to recruit students.” The institute’s USP is the digital portfolio and computerised grooming software offered free to students. It gives aspiring models and actors the opportunity to test different looks before going in for the one most suitable — be it hairstyle or colour — plus an individually-tailored fitness regime.
But the runaway hits were the two “first-ever” TV programmes, Models.com and 360 degrees, for private Bengali channels, with expert guests providing tips and advice to youngsters on how to make a career in the industry.
The result is two more in the offing — Actors.com and Dancers.com.
“There are many talented young people here, but the reason Calcutta lags behind Delhi and Mumbai is lack of knowledge and awareness. So, we teach a bit of everything, from technical to practical. Dancing, acting, personality development and even media management is part of the course, so that our students know how to handle almost every situation,” explains Samrat.
Proof of SMPAi’s success — Sharad Malhotra, a first-year B.Com student, the face of PC Chandra to National Insurance, and now, after one Bengali telefilm, is sitting on more offers. “I have a future in the industry,” he signs off.
