Gajendra Chauhan unfazed: Why should I resign?

Denies criticising Rishi Kapoor and Anupam Kher, asks what's wrong in doing B-grade films.

Pune | Updated: July 12, 2015 03:28 AM IST

3 min read

Gajendra Chauhan

Unfazed by the criticism over his appointment as the president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) society, Gajendra Chauhan on Saturday made it clear that he did not intend to quit. He also denied criticising actors Rishi Kapoor and Anupam Kher, who had objected to his appointment.

“It is not my culture to criticise my seniors. I have never done this and will never do it,” said Chauhan, who played Yudhishtir in the TV serial Mahabharata.

“I take criticism in my stride but will never point fingers at anyone, including my seniors. My statements are being blown out of proportion,” he said.

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Chauhan, however, seemed in no mood to relent despite the rising clamour for his resignation. “Why should I resign? The central government has appointed me and I will do whatever the government tells me to do,” he told The Sunday Express.

Asked what he would do if the government directs him to step down, he said he did not want to speculate.

Chauhan also dismissed criticism from several quarters that his only qualification seemed to be his roles in B-grade films. “What’s wrong in acting in B-grade films?” he said.

While Kher has been quoted as saying that FTII needs somebody who is much more qualified than Chauhan, Kapoor reportedly suspects some “government agenda” behind the appointment.

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Chauhan said he was unable to comprehend why FTII students were being judgemental without giving him an opportunity to prove himself. “This is not fair. Without a trial, students are passing judgement against me,” he said, adding that the students were like his children and that he would do everything possible to address their problems and grievances. “My own son is 25 years old… and the students are also in the same age group. They are like my children,” he said.

Chauhan also sought to dispel concerns that he would bring with him “certain kind of ideology” to the campus. “The only ideology I would bring is to understand the problems of students and the institute and use my good offices to resolve them,” he said.

Chauhan said he intended to visit FTII premises and have a chat with the students, but had been asked by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry not to do so. “Probably as a precaution, the ministry does not want me to visit the FTII premises,” he said. Chauhan has apparently been told to wait till the students’ patience wears thin.

“I have sent messages to student representatives so many times to hold a chat, but they are refusing to talk it out. I am sure if they talk to me, they will become my dost (friends),” he said.

Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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