Filmmaker Subhash Ghai has opened a film school in Mumbai for budding performers who come to India’s entertainment hub in search of stardom — or at least a career in show business.

For a number of Bollywood’s younger actors, directors and producers, show business is a family affair and they follow a trail cut by their famous parents. But for every second-generation star, there are thousands of struggling unknowns.

"I’ve always wanted to start a school to help the creative talent that comes to Mumbai to prove itself," said producer-director Ghai, who has made more than 30 movies. "I don’t come from a family of filmmakers," he said. His new school, Whistling Woods International, will offer two-year, full-time programmes in acting, cinematography, direction, editing, sound recording and design, music production, animation and screen writing. The courses begin in July.

The school is located in Film City, on the outskirts of the city, where many Indian movies are filmed. Ghai said the location of the institute would help students receive hands-on training, visit movie sets, and interact with filmmakers and actors.