Latest news with #Sumedh
Hindustan Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sumedh Mudgalkar on social media following influencing casting choices: It's easy to feel unfair but not right
Sumedh Mudgalkar has been a part of the industry for almost a decade but the actor still finds it challenging to find new and interesting work. Recently seen in the web series Hai Junoon, Sumedh Mudgalkar admits that as a young actor, you don't have to just compete with other actors to find work, but also with social media influencers today. While many actors have spoken against this trend, he has no qualms about it. Sumedh Mudgalkar(Photo: Instagram) Talking about social media following becoming a pre-requisite in many casting rooms, he says, 'Social media is the strongest tool that we are coming across in many aspects. But I do understand that a lot of commercial aspects have come in and some people do have a large number of followers and it might be beneficial in that. But I just tell myself that I better focus on things that I can and want to do, and don't try to fit in every single frame.' But does he find it unfair that acting jobs go to influencers over actors? 'It's very easy to feel unfair but it's not right to do so. It will become a problem if you start pointing fingers on why is something happening, but it's wise to understand that the world works the way it works. Things are happening for a reason, so I shouldn't question why is something happening in a certain way,' he responds. Elaborating on his stance further, Sumedh states, 'Every person is trying to find their platform to become something and find themselves. Yes, there are influencers and content creators who are getting acting jobs over actors, but it's because of the times that are there. At the end of the day, it's business. If a producer wants someone particular in their project due to any basis, it's their call. I cannot sit and complaint. I do have this naive belief that people would like to have me when I am required, and that's where I would want to work too.' The actor adds, 'I want to work where I am valued, my work is valued. I have no problem in anyone else getting work because they have also worked hard. It's wrong to say they don't deserve it. Many people from other professions also try their hand in acting, and it's not something new. Singers have also dabbled into acting, so why not for influencers? Give the opportunity to everyone, and at the end, who is loved and appreciated by the audience, will stay.'
Indian Express
07-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Over 500 schools take part in mock drills across Delhi: ‘For many children, it felt like a game of hide and seek'
When the siren blared across the corridors of Amity International School in Saket on Wednesday morning, nearly 2,000 students responded instantly, taking cover under desks with bags over their heads — their voices hushed and hearts racing. Amity International School was one of the 500 schools in Delhi where the mock drill was undertaken in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Home Affairs earlier this week directed states and union territories to hold mock drills and ensure readiness to tackle tense situations amid India-Pakistan tensions. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) coordinated the implementation across the city schools on Wednesday. By 7.40 am, the students at Amity gathered for a special assembly where Principal Divya Bhatia briefed them. Around 200 teachers conducted checks at every floor of the four-storey building, clearing out washrooms and staff rooms, following a well-rehearsed routine. 'There is an SOP we follow — detailed, floor-wise instructions were given by the Principal,' said Sumedh, a teacher. Instruction manual handouts were also given to every student in the morning assembly. Despite the seriousness of the drill, playful confusion was seen among younger students. 'For some of them, it felt like a game of hide and seek…but a few others got scared, so they were taken care of by their class teachers,' Sumedh added. After the evacuation, a Class 5 student was teary-eyed, overwhelmed, and unsure where to go. But senior students, especially a hundred-member team of the Students Council, were alert. Vandita Sharma, a Class 11 student and Additional General Secretary of the Student Council, stepped in to comfort him. 'He was just scared and confused,' she later said, adding, 'We've been through drills before, but for them, it's all still new. Helping them feel safe is part of our responsibility, too. The best thing is that the drills have prepared us for the future.' 'In my lifetime… I have not seen such drills for war preparedness,' said Sumedh. The operation was executed with clarity and precision, guided by comprehensive instructions laid out by the Principal, the school authorities said on Wednesday. 'The activity reinforced a culture of alertness, resilience, and coordinated response among all students and staff,' said Principal Bhatia. Another principal of a prominent private school said that mock drills were conducted 'successfully' in the school and training provided to the staff as well for emergency preparedness. The training could help for natural disasters like fire and earthquakes, as well, the principal added.
