The Film and Television Institute of India has been in the storm since quite some time now after the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as Chief. Students have vehemently demonstrated their dislike by staging protests and asking the government to call him off the post.
In a recent RTI query, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has revealed that Chauhan was selected on the basis of a one-para Curriculum Vitae, which also suggests that the only notable achievement mentioned by Chauhan was his role in 'Mahabharat'.
“Gajendra Chauhan is an actor who is best known for his portrayal of the eldest Pandava Yudhishthir in the Mahabharat. He has worked in around 150 movies and over 600 TV serials,” the RTI noting said. The 281 page record provided by the Ministry includes details of resumes of others who were proposed for the post of FTII President. The only reference to Mr Chauhan's qualification is a one paragraph summary.
An applicant had sought information regarding the educational and professional qualifications of Gajendra Chauhan, and the basis on which he was considered for his selection as President, Film and Television Institute of India, among other queries. Though the applicant had also sought copies of all the reasons recorded for Mr Chauhan's selection, the information provided by the Ministry does not show any reasons in defence of his controversial appointment as the FTII President. The Ministry was also silent on why he was preferred above the dozens of Indian cinema whose names were once proposed by FTII for appointment as its chief.
FTII Students' Association has declared that the strike will continue till their main demand for removal of Mr Chauhan, who they allege lacks vision and stature to head the institution, and reconstitution of FTII Society is accepted.
