There is a certain magic to the transformative ability of actors who mold themselves into the fabric of their characters, bringing stories to life in the most captivating way. Sunny Hinduja belongs to the league of such versatile actors, his portrayals marked by an unmistakable finesse and authenticity. Behind this adeptness lies a touchstone of Indian cinema—the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), from which Hinduja emerged in 2008, ready to take on the world of acting.
This institution, heralded for its contribution to the Indian film industry, has been instrumental in shaping the crafts of titans such as Shabana Azmi, Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, and the late Om Puri. For Hinduja, that hallowed ground of FTII is where his artistic roots were firmly planted, a place he credits with instilling in him the skills, discipline, and dedication that are crucial to the art of acting.
The actor’s métier is evident in the roles he has taken on with remarkable ease, be it the investigative journalist in the upcoming film “The Railway Men” (2023) or as the driven IAS hopeful in the hit series “Aspirants” (2021). This chameleon-like ability to transition between diverse roles, Hinduja maintains, is not simply an instinct but the outcome of rigorous training and the nurturing mentorship he received at FTII.
The year 2008, when Hinduja graduated, turned out to be exceptionally potent, spurring a cohort that has now become Bollywood’s lauded talent. The batch list comprises not only Hinduja but also the likes of Rajkummar Rao, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma—actors who have made significant strides in both mainstream and independent cinema. Watching his peers excel on the silver screen, Hinduja is filled with immense pride, appreciating their substantial contributions and acknowledging how they have collectively worked to enrich Indian cinema with their compelling performances.
In the throes of their thriving careers, all these actors share a common denominator of FTII, a nucleus that has acted as a molder of dreams and a repository of creative ingenuity. Hinduja has a sense of reverence for his alma mater, expressing gratitude for the foundation it provided, a foundation that continues to influence the depth and variety in his work to this day. As he ventures forth, experimenting with different genres and challenging roles, the lessons from FTII echo in his approach to each character he embodies.
Today, as Hinduja takes on a crucial role in the much-anticipated release “Yodha,” his journey from FTII to the forefront of Indian cinema encapsulates the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence. His experience is a testament to the unparalleled value of formal training in the arts and a beacon for upcoming talent dreaming of lighting up the screen with their stories.
Indeed, Hinduja and his esteemed colleagues have ventured beyond simply acting—they represent the evolving narratives of India’s cultural tapestry, showing that the heart and soul of cinematic greatness often start within the classrooms and corridors of institutions like FTII. Here is where theory meets practice, where the seeds of potential are sown, and from where the stars of Bollywood’s new age continue to rise.
As “The Railway Men” (2023) awaits its release and “Yodha” makes its mark in cinemas, audiences are privy to more than just movie magic. They witness the ongoing legacy of an institution that shapes the multifaceted vessels of storytelling—actors like Sunny Hinduja who, together with his peers, stands as a proud testament to Indian cinema’s rich and vibrant future.
