The official statement issued by FTII's Students' Association after the meeting of the 10-member delegation with the ministry on July 3 in Delhi read: 'The panel representing FTII students was first met by the Joint Secretary (Film) and later the I&B Minister Mr Arun Jaitley. The 40-minute meeting was found to be inconclusive and unsatisfactory. We are yet to get more details of the discussion and await the return of out panelists, before we make further comment. For now, strike is on (sic).“

While the mood at the FTII campus evoked discontentment and the strike is likely to continue, Gajendra Chauhan is all set to take over the official charge as the chairman of the governing council. Excerpts from our conversation with him:

The I&B ministry has stuck to its decision of appointing you as the chairman. Were you expecting this?
Yes, I knew this would happen. The government would have never asked me to give up the post. If they have chosen me, then they are sure of my credibility. Students cannot challenge such a decision.

When will you be taking over the charge of the post?
I have got my appointment letter, but not the date of joining. Once I get that, I will commence work immediately. Since the office will be based out of Pune, I have to travel often. I will function both from Mumbai and Pune and schedule my priorities and make arrangements accordingly. Since I will be working on a couple of films, I have to divide time equally.

The last three weeks have seen a lot of upheaval. Did you ever think of stepping down?
No way! I have never felt like stepping down from my post. The Government of India has selected me and it is my responsibility and duty to do justice to the opportunity that I have been given.

The strike at FTII is likely to continue...
There are some more meetings that are going to be held in New Delhi, so I feel the students should stop their protests once they get assurances about their demands.

The main agenda of the protest requires you to step down...
The students should give me at least one chance. I want them to come and sit with me on campus and we will sort it out together. The ministry has chosen me based on my credentials, which they have checked thoroughly. Why do the students feel that I cannot be a good chairman? I have been a lead actor in many television serials. Though I have not been able to build my base in films, I have proved my mettle on TV. And since it is a film and television institute, I believe I fit the bill. Students cannot question my 34-year-old career in a four-minute film that they have done. I have done more than 150 films which include regional ones as well.

You have also done 'B-grade porn' films, as the students put it...
It is not right to say that. They are adult films and have been passed by the Censor Board of India. My films have also had silver jubilees. All of them had great actors. My film Khuli Khidki was dubbed in English as Bedroom Eyes and was lauded by all. They are judging me for the adult films that I have done but I have also done films with Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan.

What are the issues that you will address once you join?
I will ensure that there is team work and will try to clear the backlogs of the institute. I am a very result-oriented, positive and honest person. I will follow the orders of the government.

Is the director of FTII, D J Narain, in touch with you?
He had come to meet me. He will be retiring soon, so we wished each other well. Both of us are harrowed by the ongoing protests.