Veteran actor to concentrate on US show that has secured an extension
MUMBAI MIRROR (November 1, 2018)

Anupam Kher has resigned as chairperson of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). In a letter to the Information & Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on October 30, the 63-year-old actor informed that because of his commitment to the American show, New Amsterdam, he will be stationed in the US for “nearly nine months between 2018 and 2019 and then for a similar period for a minimum of three years more”.

As a result, he said, “It would not be fair to me, the students and management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability, without being actively involved in the operations.” Anupam had replaced Gajendra Chauhan as head of the institute in October 2017. The I&B ministry has accepted his resignation.

Speaking to Mirror, Kher reiterated that the show had initially been green-lit for a 13-episode season. “But it’s gone on to be a big hit and got approval for 32 episodes. It will now go into at least three seasons which will mean frequent trips abroad,” he explained.

As FTII chairperson, Kher said he fulfilled key responsibilities such as constituting the Governing Council and the Academic Council during the first meeting of the new FTII Society on Tuesday in Mumbai. Actor-filmmaker Satish Kaushik was elected as vice president of the FTII Society. Filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani and Vidhu Vinod Chopra, actor-director Satish Kaushik, actress Divya Dutta, actor Arvind Swami, TV producer B P Singh as well as former FTII students, camera persons and staff members were among those made part of the Governing Council. Singh has also been named vice chairperson of the Governing Council and chairperson of the Academic Council. Central Board of Film Certification chief Prasoon Joshi also attended the meeting.

“It is only after the meeting that I have resigned because I thought it was important to have these people — very strong set of people who have a great vision — on board,” informed Kher, who left for the US on Wednesday night, adding that he is scheduled to be stationed there till April.

On the subject of his successor, he said that he has recommended two-three names but refused to reveal them. He is hoping a replacement will be found during his onemonth notice period. “I will be available, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual,” he said in the letter.

When he was offered the post, he said he had informed then I&B minister Smriti Irani about the US series. If it gets approved, he would have to honour his commitment.

Kher said he was urged to take the position and he, too, thought it was an important assignment. Has his over year-long tenure brought qualitative changes at the FTII? “I’d like to believe that. I was in touch with the students, I tried to solve their problems...I’ve tried to help the organisation... rest it is for my work to speak.”
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Upala KBR (MID-DAY; November 1, 2018)

In a move that sent ripples across the industry, Anupam Kher stepped down from his post of chairman of Films & Television Institute of India (FTII) yesterday, owing to his commitment to international projects. In his resignation letter addressed to Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kher — who features in the NBC drama New Amsterdam — wrote that the show would require him to be stationed in the US for “nearly nine months between 2018 and 2019 ”, which would deter him from being actively involved in the operations of the FTII.

When mid-day reached out to Kher, the actor revealed that the governing council — which was formed by him in the course of the year and includes members like Kangana Ranaut, Divya Dutta and Satish Kaushik — was shocked by his sudden exit. “I had put together the governing council by roping in Rajkumar Hirani, Arvind Swami and Satish Kaushik, among others. I hadn’t told any of them about my resignation. [It’s only after I tweeted that] they started calling me to say that they joined because of me. I told them to continue their work for the FTII,” said Kher.

The veteran added that he wouldn’t be able to do justice to the job with the series demanding his attention. “It’s a great institution, but it needs somebody who can give it a little more time. I was doing that, but now I need to find new horizons. I am thrilled that the series is doing well. This is my way to represent India.”

Meanwhile, Kaushik was elected as the vice president of the FTII Society in a meeting held on Tuesday.
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Kher’s resignation draws polarising reactions

Chaitraly Deshmukh (MID-DAY; November 1, 2018)

Hours after Kher submitted his resignation, Bhupendra Kainthola, director, FTII, praised him for his initiatives. “Anupam Kher visited the campus several times and had an empathetic ear for the issues of the institute. On October 30, he presided over the first-ever meetings of FTII’s Standing Finance Committee, Society and Governing Council. He also approved the new Academic Council. With this the functional architecture of FTII, the country’s film education centre, is now in place. (sic)”

However, one of the students complained that Kher had dedicated little time to the institute during his tenure. “He visited the campus only twice. In the past, we had sent him number of letters, [asking him to address] our various issues; he promised to look into the matter, but never bothered to reply. We want a dedicated chairman who will focus on student orientation.”