Top 10 Acting Schools in India : The Indian film industry, popularly known as Bollywood, is one of the largest centers of film production in the world. Acting in India is not just considered as a form of art, but also as a serious profession. To make a mark in this competitive industry, receiving formal training in acting can be very beneficial. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 acting schools in India where aspiring actors can hone their skills.
Table of Contents: Top 10 Acting Schools in India
Explore the top 10 acting schools in India that have shaped the careers of renowned artists. Learn about each school’s location, notable alumni, and unique offerings to help you make an informed choice for your acting career.
List of Top 10 Acting Schools in India
| Rank | School Name | Location | Founded | Notable Alumni |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National School of Drama (NSD) | New Delhi | 1959 | Nawazuddin Siddiqui |
| 2 | Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) | Pune | 1960 | Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah |
| 3 | Whistling Woods International | Mumbai | 2006 | Not publicly disclosed |
| 4 | Barry John Acting Studio | Mumbai | 1997 | Varun Dhawan |
| 5 | Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares | Mumbai | 2005 | Deepika Padukone |
| 6 | Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) | Noida | 1993 | Not publicly disclosed |
| 7 | Roshan Taneja School of Acting | Mumbai | 1963 | Emraan Hashmi |
| 8 | Center for Research in Art of Film and Television (CRAFT) | Delhi | 2006 | Not publicly disclosed |
| 9 | ZIMA – Zee Institute of Media Arts | Mumbai | 2004 | Not publicly disclosed |
| 10 | Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA) | Mumbai | 1992 | Sushant Singh Rajput |
1. National School of Drama (NSD)
Location: New Delhi
Founded: 1959
Notable Alumni: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Anupam Kher
The National School of Drama is one of the most prestigious acting schools in India. Founded in 1959, NSD has produced some of the finest actors in both Indian cinema and theatre. The institute offers a three-year, full-time diploma in Dramatic Arts. The curriculum is rigorous, covering various aspects of acting, theatre history, and production.
2. Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
Location: Pune
Founded: 1960
Notable Alumni: Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah
FTII is another iconic institution that has immensely contributed to Indian cinema. It offers various courses including a two-year Postgraduate Diploma in Acting. The institute focuses not just on acting but also on understanding cinema as a medium.
3. Whistling Woods International
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 2006
This institute is relatively new compared to NSD and FTII but has quickly risen to prominence. They offer a variety of courses in acting, from diploma to degree programs. The faculty includes industry professionals who provide valuable insights into the world of cinema.
4. Barry John Acting Studio
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 1997
Notable Alumni: Varun Dhawan, Freida Pinto
Founded by Barry John, a prominent figure in Indian theatre, this institute offers various short-term and long-term courses. The curriculum is comprehensive, incorporating both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
5. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 2005
Notable Alumni: Deepika Padukone, Preity Zinta
Actor Prepares by Anupam Kher offers diploma programs in acting. Their holistic approach ensures that students get an all-round development, both in acting and in understanding the industry.
6. Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT)
Location: Noida
Founded: 1993
AAFT offers a range of courses in acting and has a more modernized approach to its curriculum. It has collaborations with international institutions and provides global exposure to its students.
7. Roshan Taneja School of Acting
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 1963
Notable Alumni: Emraan Hashmi, Aamir Khan
Founded by Roshan Taneja, a pioneer in teaching acting in India, the school has been training actors for over five decades. It offers various courses to help students specialize in different aspects of acting.
8. Center for Research in Art of Film and Television (CRAFT)
Location: Delhi
Founded: 2006
CRAFT offers a one-year diploma in acting and modeling. The course covers a broad range of subjects including script analysis, character study, and film studies.
9. ZIMA – Zee Institute of Media Arts
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 2004
ZIMA is an integral part of the Zee Learn Limited and Essel Group. It offers a professional program in acting, designed to groom actors for the evolving dynamics of the Indian Film Industry.
10. Shiamak Davar Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA)
Location: Mumbai
Founded: 1992
Notable Alumni: Sushant Singh Rajput, Shahid Kapoor
Though primarily known for dance, SDIPA also offers acting courses. Their approach is more contemporary, and the institute is known for grooming some of the best young talents in India.
Top 10 Acting Schools in India: Conclusion
These are just a few of the many excellent acting schools that India has to offer. Depending on your location, career goals, and budget, you can choose the one that best suits your needs.