The leadership of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune has been mired in conflict and controversy for years now; with students protesting against the stewardship of Gajendra Chauhan very vocally and vociferously for various reasons. Finally, now there has been a change and well known actor Anupam Kher has been appointed as the Chairman of the FTII. While many have welcomed the new appointment, others are less pleased. Here is the lowdown:
One of the reasons activist were protesting against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan is his lack of experience and stature as an actor. Chauhan has few claims to fame save his portrayal of Yudhishthir in the TV series Mahabharat. By contrast, Anupam Kher is an acclaimed actor who has done over 500 films in various languages, hosted successful TV shows, done theatre and has received many distinguished awards. As such he is better qualified than Chauhan and many welcomed his appointment.
However Kher is seen to have the same political and ideological affiliations as Chauhan. If people were against the appointment of Chauhan because of his affiliation to the ruling BJP and illiberal leanings, Kher has attracted ire for the same reasons. Many feel that the change is cosmetic; that little will change in the handling of the FTII. There is the apprehension that, like Chauhan, Kher will also be "advertising certain ideas of the Government".
Ideological and political sympathizers of the current dispensation have hailed the appointment of Anupam Kher, but the man he replaces is not best pleased. He was at pains to point out that he had not been ‘axed’ or ‘replaced’ as was being reported; but that his tenure had actually ended in March. While congratulating Kher on his appointment, he also declared “In FTII, it's more important to be a good administrator than a good actor".
The FTII students, who are most impacted by the decision of the new appointment, have chosen to address an open letter highlighting various concerns relating to the running of the institute, funding, fees charged, the syllabus & courses and the day to day running of the institute.
Anupam Kher has responded to the open letter by graciously offering to discuss all issues and by reminding everyone that in 1978 he was a student at the very institute he now heads. “Today’s youth can teach a lot to an actor and a personality like me,” Kher was reported as having said and added that he was open to discussion. Whether this is patronizing lip service or a genuine willingness to address student concerns remains to be seen.
One of the reasons for not welcoming the appointment of Kher as FTII head is the charge that there is a conflict of interest here. Objections have been raised with respect to the appointment because Kher runs his own acting school in Mumbai. In the past three years, Kher was quite vocal about his opposition to agitations conducted by FTII students. Agitating students have little reason to think that Kher will be any more supportive of issues close to their heart than Chauhan was. In times to come, we shall have a ringside view of whether student’s apprehensions are justified.
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