Party chief Ramdas Athawale demands the actor’s dismissal as the FTII chairman
Mumbai : Ramdas Athawale, president of the Republican Party of India RPI (A), on Saturday demanded that Gajendra Chauhan should immediately resign as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Interestingly, Athawale-led RPI is a part of the ruling coalition in Maharashtra, and also the NDA.
“He has been mired in controversy since he was appointed as the chairman of FTII. Even students want him to step down. In such circumstances it becomes his moral responsibility to immediately step down from his post,” Athawale said.
He added that he would take up the issue with the Centre, and demanded the actor’s dismissal if he refuses to quit.
“We want him to resign from his post with dignity,” he said adding that the party will launch a state-wide protest if he still continues as the chairman of the institute.
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‘Did not speak ill of Rishi, Anupam’
Mumbai: Actor Gajendra Chauhan on Saturday denied speaking in an insulting manner about Bollywood veterans Rishi Kapoor and Anupam Kher for their criticism over his continuance as FTII chairperson. Kher and Kapoor have come out in support of the students of Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India, who have been protesting against Chauhan’s appointment as the chairman of institute’s governing council. They alleged he lacks ‘stature and vision’ to head the premier institute. Chauhan, best known for playing Yudhisthira on TV epic ‘Mahabharata’, refuted the reports that quoted him saying “who are Anupam Kher and Rishi Kapoor.” “I have never said this. I cannot even think of using such words for those, who are so senior and luminaries of the film industry… with whom I have worked for so many years,” Chauhan told PTI. He said using such language is not a part of his culture. “Since I did not use such language to refer the two senior artistes, why should I issue a denial.” Chauhan said the duo have their right to freedom of speech and can voice their opinions.
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