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Anupam Kher is qualifiedBut does he have the time? Shatrughan Sinha

17 Oct 2017

Being specially attached to hisalmamater, ShatrughanSinhais very keenly watching whatAnupamKherwill do as the new chairperson of theFilm& Television Institute Of India (FTII). SaysSinha, Anupam is eminently qualified for the job. He knows cinema. He is a capable actor. But would he be able to devote enough time to the workings of theFTII? Let us not pretend otherwise: Anupamhas inherited a very complicated job? The politics on the FTII campus is complex and sensitive. As someone who has been observing its workings very closely for years I can only say, lets keep our finger crossed. Shatrughan Sinha has been offered the job of theFTIIchairperson on at least two occasions. He concedes the honour, Yes indeed I have been offered the job. But I was unable to take up the responsibility because I sincerely believe that looking after theFTIIis a full-time job. In fact on one occasion when I was offered the job I recommended the lateVinodKhannas name. Today whenAnupamhas taken up the challenge I am happy to say I feel enthused and encouraged. For SinhatheFTIIis like home. It is where I learnteverything that I know about acting. I never lost touch with theFTII. Even after all these years whenever I am inPuneI have to visit the Institute. To not visit it would be like going to Patna and not visiting my ancestral home. Fellow alumni likePaintal who have gone back to lecture at the Institute have come back jolted by the experience. A revamp and a reform are very much in order at theFTII. It is up toAnupam to do what he wishes to do. He has my complete and unconditional support to bring back to theFTIIthe glory that was once part of its heritage.