Patna: Balika Vadhu fame actress Neha Marda on Sunday launched her acting school, Royal Opera House Academy, at 16 Patliputra Colony. The institute will not only help hone acting chops but also equip its students with other related skills, including dancing and singing.

Neha was accompanied by her husband and city-based businessman Ayushman Aggarwal, her parents and in-laws at the inauguration ceremony of the academy. Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi formally inaugurated the academy, while adviser to the chief minister, Anjani Kumar Singh and National Commission for Women member Sushma Sahu were also present.

"The institute will act as a bridge between Mumbai and Patna. With the opening of this academy, people no more need to flock to Mumbai and other metros to get enrolled into acting classes. This academy will make their journey a little easier. It will lessen the time of their learning and also help them with auditions. This institute will guide them on how they have to appear in auditions and groom them accordingly. But it will not help in placements," said Neha.

Neha said she had roped in industry experts for various classes to be held at the academy. "All teachers will come from the Mumbai industry. They will be stationed in Bihar for three years except a local teacher who will take yoga and meditation classes," said Neha.

"In acting, we have Hemang Vyas, an alumnus of National School of Drama, a theatre actor-cum-director while in singing, we have Jeetu Shankar and team, who have earlier been associated with SaReGaMaPaThe idea behind introducing singing, dancing and yoga and meditation classes is that an actor needs to be jack of all trades. ."

Neha, however, kept fees for the various courses under wraps. "It will be within the budget of people here."