Ranbir Kapoor supports agitating students in FTII row

In a video uploaded on Facebook by the FTII students’ body, Kapoor is shown as saying, “Hearing all the things about the appointment of the new chairperson which has been done against the students’ wishes, I think it is only fair that they get what they deserve. They need… to look up to someone with a body of work which they can be inspired by.”

A week ago, in a protest march that took place in Mumbai, members of the Hindi film fraternity such as Kiran Rao and Rajat Kapoor had come out in support of the FTII students. But it may be noted that Kapoor is the first ‘star’, with a significant following, to have taken a stand in the ongoing controversy.

Describing FTII as an institute that “gives an opportunity to people who come from various parts of the country without any film connections”, Kapoor underlined the importance of institutional autonomy. “There are certain guidelines that students have to follow in institutes, but when you come from an institute of art, there needs to be a freedom of speech, there needs to be a dialogue between the governing council and the students where everything is in harmony. I don’t think what the students are asking for is illogical. All they are asking for is a fair chance, the correct faculty, correct syllabus. I really pray that an institute that we are all so proud of doesn’t disappoint its students,”he said.