There's good news for all the talented actors in the city who want to hone their skills order before they enter Bollywood. Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares, which is one of India's best acting schools, is all set to open here as well. "I would love to open a school here because there is great talent in this city," says Anupam. The actor feels there's more to his acting school than just grooming an actor. "My acting school is not only for actors. A course here is a life-changing process for anybody," says the versatile actor.

What's more, Anupam was even approached by Tollywood star Nagarjuna who wanted to enrol his son, Chaitanya, at the school. Anupam responded positively but wanted Chaitanya to clear the audi tion process. Nagarjuna is yet to revert though. "He must have changed his mind," feels Anupam. Currently, Sharad Kumar's daughter is being trained at the acting school, he adds.

Kher has visited many acting schools across the world and this has helped him devise the courses at his own institution. But unlike yesteryears where stars like Jeetendra and Dharmendra excelled at their work even though they never registered for a course at an acting school, Anupam feels it's extremely important for any actor to take a course at an acting school. Ask him why and he says, "An acting school is as important to an actor as a medical school is to a medical student. Others are quacks." He feels the attitude of the students needs to be changed and adds, "They come with pre-conceived notions and we make them efficient actors."

Anupam reveals that his acting school is run with passion. Highlighting the benefits of joining his acting school, Anupam says, "Teachers in my school are from the National School of Drama. The faculty is fantastic. Apart from this, whenever I am in Mumbai, I take a one-and-a-half hour class for the students enrolled here." Anupam makes sure that he teaches at least 50 per cent of every batch.

This veteran actor knows exactly when to be strict and where to draw the line though many of us have seen him being really sweet to the kids on Say Na Something, his television show. He says, "I am very strict with students in my school."

Even at the age of 52, this actor has his hands full with a lot of projects. At present, he is awaiting the release of a flick called Hope and a Little Sugar where he plays the role of a father-in-law. We can also watch him on the big screen next week in Rama Rama Kya Hai Drama. "I am also doing a film with Ekta Kapoor and another film called Striker with actor Siddharth," he says.

The actor last visited the city nine months ago for his film Buddha Mar Gaya, and he admires Mr Rama Naidu. "I have great respect for this gentleman," says the actor.