Every festival has a defining moment before the spotlight. For Polaris 2026, that moment arrived with Media Marvels. Held on 29 July in the lead-up to the festival’s main days on 31 July and 1 August, the pre-event transformed Wilson College’s AV Room into a vibrant space for dialogue, where aspiring media professionals engaged with actor and acting coach Hemant Kher and National Award-winning filmmaker Devanshu Singh in conversations centred on performance, storytelling and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
The event followed Polaris’ banner reveal and flash mob on 21st July, where members of the organising committee, dressed in shades of purple to reflect the festival mascot, Polly the Purple Cow, marked the beginning of the festivities. The energetic performances across campus generated excitement for the festival, while Media Marvels carried that momentum forward by allowing students to interact with accomplished industry professionals. The housefull session successfully bridged the gap between classroom learning and the realities of the media and entertainment industry.
Organised as an interactive platform for learning and exchange, Media Marvels reflected Polaris’ commitment to fostering meaningful conversations beyond competitions and performances. Students were encouraged to engage directly with professionals whose careers have been shaped by creativity, resilience and innovation. The sessions offered practical insights into the industry’s evolving landscape while highlighting the passion, discipline and persistence required to build a career in the creative field.
The first session featured Devanshu Singh, National Award-winning filmmaker, writer, director and educator, whose work spans short films, feature films, television and streaming platforms. Having begun his career under acclaimed filmmakers Nikkhil Advani and Vikramaditya Motwane, Singh has built an impressive body of work that includes the National Award-winning Kashmiri short film Tamaash, the critically acclaimed Chintu Ka Birthday, the social dramedy 14 Phere and the musical drama series Khalbali Records. His journey demonstrated how adaptability and a willingness to explore different storytelling formats have shaped his career.
Speaking to the audience, Singh reflected on the responsibility of storytellers to create narratives that balance satire with serious themes, demonstrating how cinema can entertain while prompting audiences to engage with deeper social realities. He emphasised that impactful stories are rooted in observation, empathy and honesty, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to remain curious about the world around them. Discussing the creative process behind writing and directing, he highlighted the importance of visual storytelling, layered characters and emotional authenticity, reminding students that meaningful cinema often emerges from everyday human experiences. His reflections encouraged students to embrace originality, trust their instincts and develop stories that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.
The second session welcomed Hemant Kher, an actor and acting coach trained at the National School of Drama, who shared valuable insights into the discipline and preparation required to bring a character to life. Drawing from his experience across theatre, film and digital platforms, Kher explained that acting is a continuous process of observation, learning and self-discovery. He stressed that growth as a performer comes through consistent practice, patience and a willingness to constantly refine one’s craft.
Reflecting on his portrayal of Ashwin Mehta, the brother of Harshad Mehta, Kher explained that every performance begins long before the camera starts rolling. His process involves studying photographs, researching a character’s life and understanding their personality, behaviour and emotional nuances before stepping into the role. Rather than simply memorising dialogues, an actor must understand the emotional truth behind every scene. He encouraged students to approach every character with empathy and authenticity, emphasising that genuine performances emerge from careful preparation and close observation.
The discussion concluded with an engaging interaction as students enthusiastically sought advice on auditions, preparing for demanding roles and navigating the challenges of the entertainment industry. Kher responded with honesty and humour, reminding aspiring performers that rejection is an inevitable part of the profession. He encouraged them to remain committed to learning, continue sharpening their skills and approach every opportunity with sincerity and confidence.
As the conversations unfolded, Media Marvels evolved into more than just a pre-festival event. The exchange of ideas, thoughtful questions from students and candid reflections from both speakers created an atmosphere of learning that extended beyond the classroom. For many in attendance, it was an opportunity to understand not only the creative processes behind acting and filmmaking but also the perseverance, discipline and resilience that define successful careers in the media industry.
As Wilson College now prepares to welcome the main days of Polaris 2026 on 31st July and 1st August, Media Marvels has set a thoughtful and inspiring tone for the celebrations ahead. More than inaugurating the festival, it embodied the spirit of Polaris by creating a platform where students could engage with accomplished professionals, exchange ideas and gain perspectives that will continue to inspire them long after the festival concludes. Through conversations rooted in creativity, authenticity and innovation, Media Marvels reaffirmed Polaris’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of media professionals.
