CHANDIGARH: Actor Prepares, an acting institute jointly runs by Society for Tourism and Entertainment Promotion (STEPS) and renowned Bollywood Star, Anupam Kher, Friday celebrated Convocation Ceremony of its first and second batch at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10.

Adviser to the UT Administrator-cum-Chairman STEPS, Pradip Mehra was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

In the outset, short films titled Puncturewala, Naukari, Audition, Insurance, Football, Tum and Dancer were screened. All seven short films have been shot in Chandigarh, starring the students of Actor Prepares. It was an initiative by the students of the Institute who acted in these films. The duration of each film was 3-4 minutes.

While addressing the students of the institution, Pradip Mehra said that acting is a talent nevertheless it partly came out of luck and partly came out of natural talent. In the 30's and 40's, there were no acting schools but after 70's a great number of schools have been opened and one of the best acting school is in Pune, he averred.

Mehra applauded the talent, acting skills and caliber of these budding artists who went through three months of extensive training to learn the basics of acting.

He also gave his best wishes to the students who are on the threshold of entering the TV and Film Industry. Later on,

Mehra gave away diploma certificates and felicitations to all students. He also congratulated the parents on their wards' achievements.

On the occasion, Anupam Kher said that the main thing is to dream as unless you dream, nothing can happen. 'Actor Prepares was my biggest dream after acting in theatre, movies etc,' he added. He also told the students that hard work and honesty is the mantra of success.

Kher averred that 23 years back, cinema and entertainment industry was completely different. But at present 7 million dollar is only the budget of industry. 'So in such a big industry if you are not able to get work, then it is your mistake. Today you just have to be a good actor, you will automatically get work in the industry', he added.

To capture the beautiful moments, students also had a photographic session with Anupam Kher, the founder and Chairman of Actor Prepares. CEO, STEPS-cum-Director Tourism, Vivek Atray was also present at the function.