The deadlock between the striking students of FTII (Film and Television Institute of India) — who have been protesting the appointment of TV actor and BJP man Gajendra Chauhan as their governing council’s chairman — and the Information and Broadcasting Ministry seems set to continue. Recently, Shatrughan Sinha, an FTII alumnus and BJP party member, offered to mediate between the students and the ministry to end the impasse — a development that comes close on the heels of Pallavi Joshi, Santosh Sivan and Jahnu Barua’s resignations from the FTII society.
But as the students’ strike continues, a 10-member delegation led by filmmaker Girish Kasaravalli met with I&B minister Arun Jaitley, recently. Later, a report circulated stated that the minister hinted that if the strike continued, the institute would be closed down and privatised; and that, if Bollywood was such a big industry, then why didn’t it take over FTII.
Indeed, Bollywood personalities such as Kiran Rao and Ranbir Kapoor, have spoken out in support of the striking FTII students. We spoke to FTII alumni like Kabir Bedi, Divyendu Sharma and current FTII students to find out what their take was on the FTII angle, and whether or not the support from B’wood celebrities would aid the cause...
RANBIR KAPOOR, Actor
FTII has given birth to so many filmmakers, cinematographers, editors and award-winning personalities. I think it gives an opportunity to people without any filmy connection I think it’s only fair that students deserve a fair hearing and what they require is an inspirational figure to look up to — somebody with a body of work that can inspire. I think institutional autonomy is also very important. You know, there are certain guidelines students have to follow in an institution but when it comes from an institute of art, there needs to be a certain freedom of speech. I don’t think what the students are asking for is illogical. They are just asking for a fair chance, a fair opportunity, correct faculty and correct syllabus.
