Manoj Bajpai, actor
I learnt acting from Barry John. He was more of a guide than a teacher. Barry Sir always encouraged us to learn things on our own than impose his methods on us. He wasn't strict with us and treated us like his own. Sir always told us, `Don't act, just be.`
Raj Kumar, actor
I would say that FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) was my biggest teacher. On this occasion, I would like to thank my professors Arvind Pandey, Kamaljeet Paintal, Adil Aman, Benjamin Gilani, Samar and Rupesh. I was a good student and never got scolded in class. I remember, on the last day of college, Adil sir called me and said that he had really high expectations from me and knew that I would make it big.
Saurabh Shukla, actor and director
Both my parents were in the teaching profession and they had a deep impact on me. Throughout my life I have been lucky to work with, observe and learn from a lot of people.
Naseeruddin Shah is one of my gurus whom I totally adore. Amongst my directors, I learnt some very important thing from Shekhar Kapur. My latest guru is exactly half my age, Ranbir Kapoor. I learnt new ways of acting with him in Barfi!
Adil Hussain, actor
I owe a lot to my first teacher Khalid Tyabji. It was he who taught me to use my prime instrument, my body for the craft of acting. The person who fine-tuned it is Swapan Basu, who lives in Puducherry. My third teacher is also my guide, mentor and friend - Dilip Shankar.
I am truly grateful to Barry John, Anamika Haksar and Naseeruddin Shah. From all these people I have learnt to work hard, make efforts to become a better human being and bring forth my full potential.
