Anupam Kher resigns as FTII chairman due TV shows assignments

Pune – Actor Anupam who took over as chairman of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in October last year, resigned on Tuesday citing TV shows commitments in the USA. Kher had succeeded Gajendra Chauhan.

He sent his resignation to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shn Raiyavardhan Singh Rathore.

“I write to you with the intention to with due notice resign from the post of the Chairman at FTII. Pune. This decision has not come without considerable thought of the responsibilities expected of me vis-a-vis the time I have at my disposal to execute them At the time when I was officially approached by the former 1kB Minister, Smt Smnti Irani to be appointed as the Chairman, I did share with her that I was due to be stationed in the US for nearly 6 months for an International TV show The latest news now is that the show has been given a further extension of 4 months This translates into me being stationed in the US for nearly 9 months between 2018 and 2019 and then for a similar period for a minimum of three years more_ Gwen this assignment It would not be fair to me. the students and management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability without being actively involved in the operations. Hence I request you to please accept my resignation and in the notice period scout for someone suitable to take a handover from me. Needless to say, I will be always available if needed, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual”, he wrote in the resignation letter.

FTII is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and is regarded as a center of excellence across the world. Films made by FTII’s students have enjoyed excellent receptions in festivals in India and abroad and have won National and International awards.

Kher who has appeared in over 500 films is a recipient of the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 for his contribution in the field of cinema and arts. The veteran star has won many national and international awards including the ‘Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role’ five times. He has appeared in acclaimed international films such as the 2002 Golden Globe nominated Bend It Like Beckham, 2007 Golden Lion award-winning Lust, Caution and 2013 Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook. He has appeared in more than 100 plays and has also authored the book ‘The Best Thing about You Is You’.

Earlier he served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and was the Director of National School of Drama from 2001 to 2004. He is also an alumnus of National School of Drama (1978 batch).