Filmworld
Give me a chance: Gajendra Chauhan post FTII furore
New Delhi, June 13
After news of Film and
Television Institute of India (FTII) students going on indefinite strike
to protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman
surfaced, the actor and BJP member says he deserves a chance to showcase
his capabilities before being judged.
He also urged for a meeting with the students to “sit and talk over†the matter before coming to any conclusions.
“Without
knowing my background, without knowing me, without knowing my
capabilities, they (students) have decided on their own (to protest).
"I
would request them to have a meeting across the table, sit and talk
over. If you still feel (the same) then we will go for another option.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken its own time to
decide about my name. They must have checked out my background and my
capabilities. It is not only that I am associated with the party, there
are other things also," Chauhan told Times Now.
As per reports,
the students of the institute went on an indefinite strike, saying that
the appointment is politically motivated.
Chauhan is best known
for essaying the role of 'Yudhisthir' in BR Chopra's “Mahabharat†and
has also featured in small roles in various films like “Tumko Na Bhool
Paayenge†and “Baghban.â€
A report also read that the “students
council sought immediate appointment of another chairman who is
'qualified with a significant body of work to do justice to the
institute'.â€
When contacted, Harishankar Nachimuthu- president
of the students' body, said that they are yet to decide on their future
course of action.
"We are having some internal discussions. We
are actually strategising things as the institute will open only on
Monday. Boycott was not necessary today as it is a holiday,†Nachimuthu
told IANS over phone.
Meanwhile, Chauhan emphasised that he
has been part of the entertainment industry for the “last 34 years†and
urged students to let him come and work.
The Press Information Bureau announced Chauhan's appointment through a release on Tuesday.