350  students  of  filmmaking gave a standing ovation to director Raju Hirani for making films which were three consecutive hits at the box office and also had meaningful themes. In an interactive session held at Whistling Woods International, Mumbai with students on Wednesday, Raju discussed his recent blockbuster ‘3 IDIOTS‘.

On this occasion, Raju Hirani was honoured with a special 'Maestro Award 2009‘ by Subhash Ghai on behalf of the students of Whistling Woods International, Film & Media Arts Institute, which has now entered it's 4th year. ’’Raju Hirani truly deserves this honour for his splendid work as a writer, director, editor of three meaningful films including 3 Idiots, Munnabhai Mbbs & Lage Raho Munna Bhai’’ said Subhash Ghai

During the 2-hour long Q & A session Raju Hirani shared his knowledge, thoughts and experience right from the days of the Film Institute till date.

Raju also enlightened the students with his interesting journey while making of ‘3 Idiots’  from the concept to the release of the film, discussing the script development, pre-production, casting  and the other various stages of filmmaking.

"I want to tell a story which touches my heart first and it has something to say. I care more for content than the style while making a film ... I focus a lot on casting of my characters ...however small they may be.’’ shared Hirani.
Students were overwhelmed when Raju Hirani congratulated them of having such an opportunity to learn filmmaking at an Institute like Whistling Woods International.