Gattu’s Academy Run

“Samad wanted to study at probably one of the best schools in Roorkee,the St Gabriel’s Academy. His old government school was only till Class V and he had just completed it,” says director Rajan Khosa,adding that they informed Samad about the grant right before NYIFF. There Gattu won the Best Film award and Samad himself bagged the Best Young Actor award for his performance. “I’m very pleased with him receiving the award at NYIFF on his own merit,” adds Khosa. Samad,in the meantime,is at home in Roorkee. “When I met Rajan sir in Mumbai some time ago,and saw him smiling constantly at me,that’s when it hit me that I must have done something right to get that award,” says the 12-year-old.

Now,with the scholarship and the admission,he can barely breathe in anticipation. “I can’t remember since when,but I have always wanted to go to St. Gabriel’s. I really want to learn all that the kids my age learn there,” he says.