There is a crisis of manpower in the industry, everybody knows this. It is also being talked the industry first must take this initiative. With an ambitious target of 500 to 100 students, this new effort from Sahara group is not intended to just service their own needs but for the industry as a whole. It is such efforts that will help the industry tide over this crisis.
CEO, A-Star Academy
So, a recently announced initiative, A-Star Academy was born with a vision to revolutionize hospitality education in India. For the very first time, a hospitality institute has been created inside a 5-star hotel where classrooms are not confined to four walls, but extend into real kitchens, restaurants, banquet halls and every space where hospitality truly lives. Here, students don’t just learn hospitality — they live it, every single day.
At the core of A-Star lies a first-of-its-kind pedagogy. A subject or theory is introduced in the classroom and the next day, students step into live hotel operations observing, participating and gradually executing under expert supervision. Students then regroup to share their learnings and experiences.
The curriculum is not borrowed from a book; it is a creation of academic mentors and hotel professionals coming together, ensuring students learn what the industry today demands.
To strengthen this framework further, leading academic mentors have contributed to shaping the curriculum.
Many new topics have been introduced to ensure students gain overall knowledge of hotel- social media marketing, financial acumen, hotel software, operational training with managers and recipes passed on by chefs in live kitchens. Every detail has been designed to prepare them for the realities of the industry they are about to step into.
Savitribai Phule Pune University — one of India’s most respected and government-recognized universities —have viewed this vision as paradigm shift that bridges the persistent gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
An initiative of a corporation that runs two large scale luxury hospitality properties – Aamby Valley City and Hotel Sahara Star in India, the Pune university extended its full support and academic collaboration for offering global opportunities with pathways to international exposure.
Courses Offered
3-Year Degree Program
- B.Sc in Hospitality Studies
- B.Sc in Culinary Arts
Diploma Programs –
Certificate Programs-
The Academy operates across two campuses:
Residential Campus at lonavala spread across 10,000 acres with multiple cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels
Day earning campus – Mumbai, where students live and learn in a 1 million sq. ft of 5 star for real hotel experience.
Speaking with DiTE, Romie Dutt, CEO, said “A Star Academy isn’t just creating graduates – we’re developing the future leaders of India’s hospitality industry. Our students don’t enter the workforce as beginners; they arrive as experienced professionals ready to make immediate impact.
At A-star Academy, our roadmap is crystal clear. In the short term, we’re revolutionizing education with our unique pedagogy and curriculum, set to disrupt the status quo. Medium term, we’re committed to delivering industry-driven programs, certified by Savitribai Phule Pune University, ensuring our students are job-ready and industry-relevant. Our degree, diploma, and unique certification programs, all affiliated with SPPU, will not only equip students for global opportunities but also provide a competitive edge in the industry. With tie-ups with international universities and hotel chains on the horizon, our students will have access to a global network.
In the long term, we envision a residential campus at Aamby Valley, leveraging its 10,000-acre infrastructure to accommodate 500-1000 students. With international facilities and world-class amenities, we will redefine hospitality education. Our partnership with SPPU and two distinct owned properties of Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City guarantee our students unparalleled opportunities, both locally and globally. We believe we are shaping the future of hospitality education, and we’re just getting started! And to give our students complete peace of mind, we’re offering a 100% placement guarantee within our esteemed properties, Sahara Star and Aamby Valley City.
As the industry leaders initiating this unique proposition, we are confident that our students will be highly sought after, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce.
Our belief is that for students getting into our industry, they must ideally start their Journey to Become a Star, with A-star,” says a confident Dutt.
