You don’t need any special skill to tackle Amala Akkineni. Approachable and aware, she makes the task of the journalist pretty cut-to-cut. Recently in Goa to talk about skill development in the film industry at NFDC’s Film Bazaar, Amala made the head’s turn with her grip on the subject. She was present in the capacity of the director of Annapurna International School For Film and Media, which is in talks with the government to run a pilot project to upgrade the skills of the existing work force in the industry.
“For the last few years the discussion has been on with all the industry heads. As I am part of a large film studio and institute, I was brought in to provide leadership to a pilot project in Hyderabad. Let’s face it is lot of time and effort and it is not everybody’s cup of tea to provide the time and effort. And without profit motive there are not many takers. The Akkineni family is committed to the industry. It was my father-in-law’s dream,” says Amala.
Talking about the nuts and bolts of the programme, Amala informs, “The step one will be to engage the existing skilled workers because there is an extremely talent work force that we have. They will be taught in 24 arts and crafts in one standardised training programme. From upgrading the skills of the existing work force to training those who are little behind, the idea is to make them evolve into master trainers. There is no point in reinventing the wheel. There is a huge skill set available. They might be lagging in few areas but they are way ahead in many indigenous ways.”
Apart from technical training, the emphasis will also be on aesthetics and regional sensibilities. “Like Hyderabad you can’t shoot outside in summers. Similarly, Delhi gets scorching in summers. I would even hope that they integrate the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, women safety, health and fire safety issues into the programme.” There is no fixed date for the commencement of the programme yet but Amala assures that the unions of Hyderabad have come on board. “I am told the unions in Chennai are willing to come on board. The unions in Mumbai have been spoken to. All the unions now acknowledge the value of training because they have seen the struggle members have to go through.”
On the economic model of the programme, Amala says she doubts if there would be any return in the pilot project. “But when the model goes out in the industry you cannot sustain it unless there is some monetary return. The core group has to be paid and valued for their time. Otherwise, you will only have a scam and no programme.”
Meanwhile, she is returning to the sets this February with a Kamal Haasan film. “I have a meaningful cameo. It will be filmed in the United States. Zarinaji (Wahab) is also playing an important role,” says Amala. Audience still remember the silent chemistry between the two actors in Pushpak . “The film was my acting school,” Amala gushes. Haasan plays an important role in the skill development project as well. “He says if you go into the field without training you are like a witch doctor. Perhaps in his and my time the training was not available. He says what he learnt in 25 years can be learnt in three years in a film school.”
Somebody who is not seen as overtly ambitious towards her acting career, Amala finds the young actors way ahead. “They know their craft much better than us. The skill set is tremendous and they know the marketing avenues and the art of presenting yourself at the right time, at the right place.”
Recently, she was seen in a thankless cameo in Hamari Adhuri Kahaani . “It was on the request of (Mahesh) Bhatt sahib. Also, it is essential as an educator to be alive in the industry. I can’t hang out for roles but if something meaningful comes my way I don’t say no,” says the actor, emphasising the fact that she wears many hats. From an animal rights crusader to the wife of a superstar, Amala says, “My life is rich in experiences and opportunities and I am living it to the fullest.”
