Ekant Babani has been appointed Partner and Chief Operating Officer at Shekhar Suman Film Academy (SSFA), marking a key step as the academy positions itself as a new-age training ground for actors and storytellers. The move is aimed at strengthening the institution’s operational framework while aligning its creative vision with industry-ready execution.

According to an SSFA press release, Babani will play a central role in shaping how the academy functions across levels—from designing industry-relevant programmes to ensuring operational efficiency. Working closely with Shekhar Suman, he is expected to help translate the academy’s broader vision into a practical and immersive learning experience for students entering the entertainment industry.

Babani brings over 25 years of experience across film, television, and digital media. He began his career on the creative side, assisting on ad films and feature projects, and went on to create award-winning short films such as ‘Mudra’, which was screened at multiple festivals and received recognition at the Broadcast India Film Festival. His short film Anonymous, featuring Yashpal Sharma, also travelled across several international film festivals and earned critical appreciation.

Over the years, he expanded into non-fiction storytelling, directing lifestyle and adventure-based reality shows for platforms like National Geographic, MTV, and UTV Stars. He later founded Alligator Media Productions, building it into a full-service production house that worked with platforms and brands including Zee5, Hungama Play, Tata Sky, and Kellogg’s India. His work portfolio includes directing two seasons of the series ‘Damaged’, over 100 episodes of branded content for Kellogg’s India, and the VFX-heavy series ‘Skyfire’ for Z5. His feature film ‘Famous Pandey’ has also been part of multiple international film festivals.

In addition to his creative work, Babani has held several leadership positions within the industry. His roles have included Fiction Head at EndemolShine India, Digital Head at Tangerine Digital Entertainment, and Programming Head at Travel XP, where he contributed to launching India’s first HD travel channel.

Speaking on his new role, Babani said the association comes at a time when there is an opportunity to build something meaningful with Shekhar Suman and the team. He noted that the idea behind SSFA is not just to create an academy, but to establish a space that prepares individuals for the real demands of the industry. He added that the vision balances legacy with evolution, aiming to create a system where creativity and structure coexist, and where students graduate with both skill and practical understanding.

As SSFA continues to take shape, the appointment signals a clear intent to move beyond conventional training models and develop an institution that is grounded, forward-looking, and closely aligned with industry realities. Registrations for its inaugural batch are currently open as the academy begins its first phase of operations.