Skilled Workforce Development for Creator Economy the Goal — CM Devendra Fadnavis

MFSCDC and FTII Sign MoU to Promote Creative Talent in Maharashtra

Mumbai – In a significant step toward strengthening the creator economy, the Maharashtra Government has set a clear objective of developing a skilled workforce to support this growing sector. The initiative is being launched through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Maharashtra Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation (MFSCDC) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.

Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that Maharashtra will soon become the hub of India’s and the global creator economy. “This is just the beginning of our collaboration. With time, Maharashtra will emerge as the nucleus of the world’s creator economy,” said Fadnavis.

Present at the event were Culture Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, FTII Chairperson and actor R. Madhavan, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Culture Vikas Kharge, Managing Director of Film City Swati Mhase-Patil, FTII Director Dheeraj Singh, PIB Director General Smita Vats Sharma, NFDC MD Prakash Makdhoom, FTII faculty member Sandeep Shahare, and other senior officials.

Highlighting the changing dynamics of media and creativity, CM Fadnavis remarked, “Today, even a common man is a creator. Through his creativity, he has carved out a niche, and this space is now monetizing. Thus, the creator economy has become a necessity.”

He cited the rapid growth of the creator economy, which has risen from ₹92,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore in just 100 days, underscoring the urgent need for technically proficient and certified human resources. “Many individuals possess talent but lack certification, which prevents them from accessing professional opportunities. This agreement will provide both training and certification,” the CM noted.

Welcoming the partnership, Fadnavis emphasized that FTII is known for producing world-class artists, while Maharashtra’s Film City supports mainstream cinema. “With two strong ecosystems coming together, a third, more creative and robust ecosystem will emerge,” he said.

Culture Minister Adv. Shelar added that FTII’s national-level entrance will now be accessible at the state level in Maharashtra, making it easier for students from rural areas to pursue careers in cinema. He noted that training centres in Goregaon, Kolhapur, Prabhadevi, and Karjat would open up employment opportunities and promote Maharashtra’s popular film locations.

FTII Chairperson R. Madhavan observed that many talented individuals are emerging from smaller towns and villages. “While Western cinema tells stories of Superman and Batman, we have real superheroes from our own towns, with unique stories that represent both superpower and soft power,” he said.

The MoU was formally exchanged between Swati Mhase-Patil, MD of Film City, and Dheeraj Singh, Director of FTII.