iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
The year 2015 saw one of the longest student protests in the history of Pune’s premier institute FTII for 139 days, between June and October, against the purely “political” appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the institute’s head. Payal was among those who led the protests.
Chauhan was also known for his seedy roles in B-grade and C-grade films. The demand of the students was that an eligible person, with an understanding of and love for cinema, be made the head. Chauhan was not that person. This was after the members of the Central Board of Film Certification had resigned after the BJP government came to power in 2014. The CBFC’s new members were also appointed keeping political inclinations at the forefront.
At the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), many students boycotted their classes and took to the streets. Many were punished for the same. Thereafter, the FTII put in place a regime of restrictions to curb student unrest. Pune Police issued charge sheets against students, including Payal, of those arrested was cinematographer Vikas Urs. The case awaits trial in the court.
Actor Ali Fazal, who is known for ‘Mizrapur’, ‘Fukrey’ franchise and others has slammed the FTII, Pune for their double standards on congratulating filmmaker Payal Kapadia, for her historic win at 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.
Payal’s film ‘All We Imagine as Light’ has been feted with the ‘Le Grand Prix’ award at the film festival. On Sunday, the FTII, Payal’s Alma Mater congratulated her and her team on their win.
“It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema,” they wrote on X.
Ali registered a strong disagreement as he called out FTII. He wrote, “Uhhh… please don’t. Just don’t.”
FTII had earlier initiated disciplinary action against Payal for protesting over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the Film & Television Institute of India, Pune back in 2015.
An FIR was filed against Payal and 34 other students for holding FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive in his office in 2015.
