Daijiworld Media Network - Entertainment

Pune, Jun 18: Gajendra Chauhan was recently appointed as the chairman of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and since the students have been seen on campus vehemently protesting his appointment. They feel wronged in having a person, that has not much experience in cinema taking on such an important post with regards to the leading film learning institutions of the country.

The protest has been going on from strength to strength in the space of five days and has some of its illustrious alumni as well as present day directors and actors supporting the voice of the students. The students have been reported to have gathered on campus despite being officially on vacation to articulate their dissatisfaction over the current chairperson of their organization. They are found belting out songs that reflect their disagreement, in absolute filmy style, such as "Halla Bol" and "We shall overcome.."

The actor that the country identifies for playing the prominent role of Yudhistir in Mahabharata on DD, has clearly stated that though he was appointed by the Government and he shares their ideology, his work will not be effected by his political sympathies. He says that he has taken the post on the singular agenda to do his best for the institute and its students as well as staff.

National award winning actor Rajkumar Rao, who is also an alumni of this college has expressed his views, saying, "I have nothing personal against Mr Chauhan. However, if somebody has to head an institute of national importance, then he should have some knowledge and contribution in the field of the same. He should be a visionary. Chauhan was competing with the likes of Shyam Benegal and Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who are stalwarts in the field. I understand that Mr Chauhan is a great actor. But he cannot be chosen over a Benegal. I was a student of the institute and I understand the students' sentiments. Those in charge need to have a dialogue with the students and find out what they want. Ultimately it is the students who will be affected. Not any of them."