I think FTII students deserve a fair hearing: Ranbir Kapoor

Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) students, drawn from different parts of the country and pursuing various film-related courses, held that their newly-appointed chairman Gajendra Chauhan, a BJP member, lacks "stature and vision" to head the institute, which has produced many leading personalities of Indian cinema.

Chauhan's association with the BJP has also been an issue with the students expressing reservations over his ideological orientation, which, they say, could have a bearing on the FTII's ethos of plurality of thoughts.

Read: Actress Pallavi Joshi no longer wants to be a part of FTII

Known for his portrayal as 'Yudhishthir' in popular TV serial Mahabharat, Chauhan,has maintained it was premature on the part of the students to oppose his appointment even before he took charge and proved his credentials for the job. Nearly 150 students of the institute boycotted classes and continued their protest on the campus raising slogans against Chauhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and put up posters on walls and buildings in the premises.

Read: Pune film institute student writes an open letter to newly-appointed chief Gajendra Chauhan

Several celebrities have voiced their opinion in support of the students. Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor who has been busy shooting for his film 'Jagga Jasoos' took time off to record a video in support of them. He said, "I think FTII students deserve a fair hearing. They require an aspirational figure to look up to. The institutional functioning is also very important, there are certain guideline students have to follow. But when you come from an institution of art, I think there needs to be a freedom of speech."

Watch the video here.

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Even filmmaker Nikhil Advani voiced his support towards the students. He said, "I completely support the students' protests. The government can find someone who knows what students really need. An FTII alumnus would be the best fit for the job."

Former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav met the students and expressed his support with their fight. "Gajendra Chauhan's appointment shows the sheer arrogance of the government. The government has been meddling with important academic institutions for long. The government doesn't understand the long term effects of its interference."