Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 11, 2018)

With several projects falling into and out of his lap following his Bollywood debut with Hero (2013), Sooraj Pancholi’s acting career hasn’t shaped up as he expected it to. But, this hasn’t deterred the actor from focusing his attention towards projects that he is passionate about. Pancholi, with his affection for dance, is set to open a training school for the city’s street children, in a bid to give wings to the dreams of the less privileged.

Confirming the news to mid-day, Pancholi says, “I am looking forward to this venture. Dance is an art, an expression. Young talents have the ability to make a career in it, but don’t get the guidance to follow their dreams.”

The first outlet, a source informs, will be launched in Andheri next month, with Pancholi then keen to take his venture to other cities, including Delhi. The actor will arrange for the transportation of the children to the venue, where classes will be conducted without a fee. “Sooraj’s choreographer friends will help him give shape to this venture,” says the source, adding that one among those who will apparently hop aboard the project is Remo D’Souza.

“The concept was suggested by a friend of the actor. A team of trained dancers will teach the kids, while Sooraj will meet them for special weekly sessions.”

In order to reach out to aspirants, Pancholi’s team will connect with NGOs, and also market the initiative on social media.