With neither the government nor striking student body ceding ground, that’s the status quo for now
Subhash K Jha (DNA; July 10, 2015)


Shatrughan Sinha, Actor-politician
“I’m a proud alumni of the FTII and I must say the current crisis pains me deeply. The students who are agitating are also right in their own way. These students are bright kindred spirits and what they’re saying, makes a lot of sense. As an ex-alumni of the FTII, I want only the best for the students. Chauhan won’t be any part of the academics. He is here for an administrative purpose. The decision to appoint him has been taken after much thought by the high command of the BJP. In all fairness, he should be given a chance. My humble appeal to my boys, ‘Break the strike. The government won’t roll back its decision.’ I’d also ask for the director of the FTII, D Narain’s tenure, which is ending, to be extended, to restore some normalcy in the FTII.

Pahlaj Nihalani, CBFC Chairperson
“Those whose are protesting about Gajendra Chauhan’s appointment need to see how he performs in his new official designation. It is not right to go by perception. People are talking about his track record in movies. They don’t know he has had decades of experience in the film industry. He has been a prominent part of the Producers’ Federation and worked for the betterment of the film industry. Which government doesn’t appoint officials who are affiliated to the ruling party? Let him prove himself. If he doesn’t prove equal to the task, then ask for him to step down. Why oppose his appointment without seeing what he is capable of?”

Naseeruddin Shah, Actor
“All I have to say is that these kids should concentrate on learning their work and get out of there instead of wasting resources for the five-six years that they take to complete a three-year course.”

Rajkummar Rao, Actor
“I have nothing personal against Gajendra Chauhan. But I think for an institution like the FTII, which is of national importance, we need somebody who has done a significant amount of work in and for cinema. Or otherwise someone who is an alumni or has contributed enough to the world of cinema, in some form or another. In short, FTII needs a visionary. Students should feel motivated by the chairperson and his/her body of work. Mr Chauhan has been chosen over names like Adoor Gopalkrishnan, Shyam Benegal, Saeed, Gulzar Saab and other eminent personalities. I can totally empathise with the FTII students’ resentment.”

Ketan Mehta, Filmmaker
“Isn’t it a tragedy that we can’t find anyone better qualified to head such a prestigious institute? I am sure filmmakers of repute are still alive and kicking. And they would be willing to take on the responsibility.”

Resul Pookutty, Oscar-winning sound designer, editor and mixer
“It an academic institution where every student endeavours to understand cinema as an art form. The least we can give them is a figure they can aspire to be. The current chairperson comes nowhere close to being aspirational, either with his body of work nor with his credentials.”

Hansal Mehta, Filmmaker
“The government can appoint people owing allegiance to it. But at least the individual helming such a crucial position should be credible enough to carry off his duties. My request to the government is that instead of imposing their muscle power on the students they must provide a climate for an open-minded dialogue. The conflict of interest is purely aesthetic. It has nothing to do with left, right or centre. It is about education and continuity in providing our film fraternity with the finest talent.”

Jahnu Barua, Filmmaker
“The students’ protest is very much justified.”