New Delhi, June 13 (IANS): After news of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) students going on indefinite strike to protest against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as chairman surfaced, the actor and BJP member says he deserves a chance to showcase his capabilities before being judged.
He also urged for a meeting with the students to “sit and talk over” the matter before coming to any conclusions.
“Without knowing my background, without knowing me, without knowing my capabilities, they (students) have decided on their own (to protest).
"I would request them to have a meeting across the table, sit and talk over. If you still feel (the same) then we will go for another option. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken its own time to decide about my name. They must have checked out my background and my capabilities. It is not only that I am associated with the party, there are other things also," Chauhan told Times Now.
As per reports, the students of the institute went on an indefinite strike, saying that the appointment is politically motivated.
Chauhan is best known for essaying the role of 'Yudhisthir' in BR Chopra's “Mahabharat” and has also featured in small roles in various films like “Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge” and “Baghban.”
A report also read that the “students council sought immediate appointment of another chairman who is 'qualified with a significant body of work to do justice to the institute'.”
When contacted, Harishankar Nachimuthu- president of the students' body, said that they are yet to decide on their future course of action.
"We are having some internal discussions. We are actually strategising things as the institute will open only on Monday. Boycott was not necessary today as it is a holiday,” Nachimuthu told IANS over phone.
Meanwhile, Chauhan emphasised that he has been part of the entertainment industry for the “last 34 years” and urged students to let him come and work.
The Press Information Bureau announced Chauhan's appointment through a release on Tuesday.