‘FOR STUDENTS TO SAY ‘MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY’ IS SHORT-SIGHTED’
Given the controversy, where does the government now stand on Gajendra Chauhan’s appointment?
During ministry interactions with stalwarts of the Indian film industry, the industry spoke of the falling standards of the FTII. There was a need for a combination of a team that could guide as well as devote time to all aspects of governance. Government, with best intentions, appointed a team drawing from film industry, TV industry and those having administrative experience. When taxpayers’ money is put into an institution, it’s important to know that it’s being utilised for the betterment of the students and the institute. Hence a certain faith is needed in the team.
It is said that Chauhan was appointed at the RSS’s behest and no other names were considered for the post…
Students and some alumni are creating a perception of saffronisation. This is far from the truth. Look at the list of this year’s National Film Awards. It will crush all arguments that this government wants to saffronise art and films.
Why do you think the appointment of Chauhan has so divided the film industry?
Everyone has a past. Gajendra Chauhan has openly mentioned that he campaigned and has been part of the BJP. Does that disqualify him for an appointment? And for the sake of a past, should we castigate a person’s future? His body of work is being ridiculed by TV channels and opinion-makers. I pray such mocking does not come back to haunt them. He is not the only person guiding the academic faculty or the institution; there is a full board, a director and faculty and the ministry to take collective decisions for the betterment of the institution.
What are the government’s specific concerns about the way the FTII is functioning? How do you plan to address them?
There have been innumerable audit objections, large sums unspent, admissions halted due to students taking 8 years to finish a course meant for 3 years, large disciplinary issues reported by the local police and administration. The students should be willing to also introspect. The pride of being an alumnus, should that be limited to mere populism? Pardon me if I missed FTII
being mentioned
amongst the top 10 of the world.
How do you propose to end the current stalemate?
We appreciate and welcome debate on all issues, including our choice of chairman. But it is ironic to see armchair wellwishers from the industry. Students are welcome to discuss and debate with the administration, but to say ‘my way or the highway’ is short-sighted. Blocking the functioning of the institute is incorrect.
Does the government have any plans to privatise the FTII?
There is a school of thought that advocates more industry participation. As we know, an expert committee [the Geeta Krishnan report] very strongly recommended this. In the light of the attack on the government, there are some voices supporting government withdrawal. However, currently, the government is committed to ensuring high quality of education in the field of film and television, at affordable costs. This is evident in our announcements regarding taking FTII further as institute of excellence and improving its infrastructure through better resource allocation.
We are working on many fronts to enhance the prospects of the sector. There is a need to appropriately project quality Indian films at international film festivals and awards by supporting their campaigns. A fund could be created for this purpose. Promotion of such films would enhance the scope of projecting India as a soft power.