HER charming good looks may lead you to believe that Meghna Ghai plays a leading role in a Bollywood flick. But wait a minute! This young girl does have tinsel town dreams, but of another kind. The 24-year-old has inherited her illustrious father’s instincts not for direction, but for management.

In the city to attend an exhibition, Ghai spoke passionately about her pet project, the much-talked-about Whistling Woods International, which is slated to commence operations this August. The academy is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest technology in film-making. On the genesis of this unique institute, the vivacious lady quips, “At the beginning of my father’s career, there wasn’t even a film-library in Mumbai. Hence, he vowed to set up a world-class training institute for aspiring media persons. Whistling Woods International is the outcome of this promise.”

The academy has been set up after three years of arduous research, which involved evaluating the programmes of various international film-schools. “We have incorporated a vast number of specialisations into our programme, from acting and direction to choreography and editing. Besides, renowned members from the film industry like Shyam Benegal, Anupam Kher, Shah Rukh Khan and Shabana Azmi will be part of the faculty,” reveals Ghai.

As the institute is located within Film City, Mumbai, students will get a regular exposure to the various aspects and complexities of film-making. Interestingly, Ghai says the courses have been devised quite like MBA programmes. “It is essential to imbibe practical exposure and case studies in any course. Moreover, the focus is also to encourage networking with those in the film industry,” chips in the dynamic lady.

Having studied management in London and now the director, business development of Mukta Arts, Ghai says an important aspect of the academy is the library, which is expected to house a collection of over 8000 international films within the next five years. However a seat at this academy comes with a price that hovers in lakhs. Given the heavy Rs 50 crore expenditure on this institute, Ghai feels the fees are necessary to be commercially viable. “But we will provide scholarships to deserving candidates,” reassures Ghai.

Business apart, Ghai has never harboured any secret desires of emoting before the camera. “I have a managerial bent of mind and am happy to look after the functioning of this academy. Besides, working with Whistling Woods is like making 1,000 movies at one go,” she jokes.