While Shekhar Kapur states that WWI is the only film institute with a soul, Shammi Kapoor reiterates 2% luck is important but 98% hard work will pay off eventually.

Mumbai, July 19, 2010: Whistling Woods International (WWI), Asia's largest Film, Television, Animation & Media Arts Institute has celebrated its much-awaited 3rd convocation ceremony. 184 students have graduated from 8 disciplines this year, the highest ever in the institute’s history.

Renowned names from the film fraternity and the media and entertainment corporate world like Shammi Kapoor, Gulzar and Shekhar Kapur were present on this milestone occasion to encourage the new batch of young talent entering the Indian film and entertainment industry.

Congratulating the elated students and speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subhash Ghai, Founder and Chairman, Whistling Woods International said, “Today, Whistling Woods International’s alumni are successful professionals in their specialized fields and I am proud that our efforts at the institute have yielded enviable results, year after year. The students who are receiving their degrees and diplomas are special in several ways and will shape up to be the future industry leaders.”

Addressing the students, Mr. Shekhar Kapur, the keynote speaker of the evening remarked, “Whistling Woods International is the only film institute with a soul. Today, we need to reinvent films and the film industry, which only the new breed of filmmakers can do. The secret of making fresh and relevant films lies in unlearning one's knowledge. The disadvantage of formal training or creativity to an extent is that you surround yourself with a wall, and spend the rest of your life trying to break it down. Think fresh and keep an open mind to tap into new mediums like the internet. Your competition will be from amateurs who are already breaking the rules of cinema. However, for young filmmakers, passion is the most important quality.”

Keeping with the tradition of the event of honouring an artist and a technician for their outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, this year’s Meastro Awards were conferred to Mr. Gulzar and Mr. Shammi Kapoor. While presenting the awards, Mr. Ghai said, “Their journey in cinema and in life is parallel to none and their presence on this momentous occasion is an honour for the Institute along with being a source of inspiration for the young filmmakers of tomorrow,” he added. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Gulzar remarked, “I would like to thank you all for this honour. Many congratulations to all the students here. A career in the film industry is one where dreams and reality are interchangeable, and it is a long journey ahead for you.”

Addressing the students, Mr. Shammi Kapoor added, “I am very happy to be here. You students are on a beautiful road which will lead someplace that you won’t know yet. Your journey will be glamorous but there will be a lot of frustration, you have to keep moving ahead despite all odds. 2% luck is important but your 98% hard work will pay off eventually. I wish you all the best and great success ahead.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Meghna Ghai-Puri, President, Whistling Woods International remarked, “Whistling Woods International has been instrumental in bringing together industry experts and students and we take pride in providing industry-oriented learning as part of the curriculum. We would like to wish the students all the very best for their future endeavors. Whistling Woods International continues to be one of the most preferred names in the field of film and entertainment education and I am confident that our alumni will change the future course of the industry.”