Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor came out in support of students of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), who have been protesting against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairperson of the institution.
Addressing a press conference, the veteran actor said that Chauhan must not "impose" himself on students and should "step down" as the head of FTII.
He further said that if Chauhan was appointed for political reasons, then there were other senior actors like Shatrughan Sinha or Hema Malini were more knowledgeable to lead the film and television institute.
The actor asserted that the government must listen to the demands of the students and take steps accordingly.
Referring to Chauhan, Kapoor said that "one should command respect and not demand it", adding, "What will you teach those students who are opposing your appointment?"
"Knowledge of cinema is very important. I have been in films for over 44 years, but am still learning cinema," he added.
He, however, also had a word of advice for the students, asking them to not discontinue their classes.
The press conference by the veteran actor came after he voiced his stand against Chauhan's appointment as FTII chairperson on Twitter.
Advice. After all the protests and controversy,Gajendra Chauhan,the FTII Chairman should voluntarily retire. Will do good to the students.— rishi kapoor (@chintskap) July 10, 2015
If they don't want you, they don't want you.By pushing for the chairmanship is getting you no where.Let self pride play a role and retire!— rishi kapoor (@chintskap) July 10, 2015
Two days ago, Rishi Kapoor's son, actor Ranbir Kapoor, had also backed the students over the issue.
In a video uploaded by the FTII Student's body, Ranbir Kapoor had said, "FTII Pune has been a premier institute in India. It has given birth to so many award winning filmmakers, directors, editors and cinematographers. People look at a graduate from FTII with so much of respect."
Ranbir said that people are proud to have an institute of this stature in India and how it is only fair that the students want someone with a body of work that will inspire them.
He also talked about institutional autonomy and how in an institution of arts like FTII, there has to freedom of speech. He said that there needs to be a dialogue between the governing council and the students.
Previously, Kiran Rao, Piyush Mishra, Sayeed Mirza, Resul Pookutty and Rajat Kapoor had also expressed their dissent over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan.
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