FTII’s illustrious past presidents include RK Laxman, Shyam Benegal, Girish Karnad

$The smooth functioning of the FTII has always been blighted, with the Institute having seen nearly 40 strikes since 1961. The ‘strike-culture’ grew acute in the 90s, with the current fracas being the most bitter. Picture Courtesy: Google Plus$

1/11The smooth functioning of the FTII has always been blighted, with the Institute having seen nearly 40 strikes since 1961. The ‘strike-culture’ grew acute in the 90s, with the current fracas being the most bitter. Picture Courtesy: Google Plus

Gajendra Chauhan (9 June 2015) :Chauhan’s appointment as chairman of FTII Pune in June sparked off the unrest. In his defence, the actor-turned-politician said: “I have experience of 34 years in the industry. I would like to share that for the better.” AFP

2/11Gajendra Chauhan (9 June 2015) :Chauhan’s appointment as chairman of FTII Pune in June sparked off the unrest. In his defence, the actor-turned-politician said: “I have experience of 34 years in the industry. I would like to share that for the better.” AFP

Saeed Akhtar Mirza (4 March 2011-3 March 2014) “This issue isn’t about FTII alone; it’s about freedom of speech, thought and education. The fight will be long and difficult but I will support them,” said film maker Mirza, an FTII alumnus. Photo Courtesy: YouTube

3/11Saeed Akhtar Mirza (4 March 2011-3 March 2014) “This issue isn’t about FTII alone; it’s about freedom of speech, thought and education. The fight will be long and difficult but I will support them,” said film maker Mirza, an FTII alumnus. Photo Courtesy: YouTube

U.R. Ananthamurthy (4 March 2005-3 March 2008; 4 March 2008-3 March 2011)Well known author and critic, Ananthamurthy was considered as one of the pioneers of the Navya movement and was one of the finalists of Man Booker International Prize for 2013. AFP

4/11U.R. Ananthamurthy (4 March 2005-3 March 2008; 4 March 2008-3 March 2011)Well known author and critic, Ananthamurthy was considered as one of the pioneers of the Navya movement and was one of the finalists of Man Booker International Prize for 2013. AFP

Vinod Khanna (12 October 2001-February 2002; 4 March 2002-3 March 2005) Khanna was the longest serving chairperson of the FTII after U.R. Ananthamurthy. However, he has chosen to remain tightlipped about the current controversy. HT

5/11Vinod Khanna (12 October 2001-February 2002; 4 March 2002-3 March 2005) Khanna was the longest serving chairperson of the FTII after U.R. Ananthamurthy. However, he has chosen to remain tightlipped about the current controversy. HT

Girish Karnad (16 February 1999-10 October 2001) Director, writer and playwright, Karnad was one of those who headed FTII with distinction. The Jnanpith award winner found mention in a protest film that the FTII students recently made on the issue. Mint

6/11Girish Karnad (16 February 1999-10 October 2001) Director, writer and playwright, Karnad was one of those who headed FTII with distinction. The Jnanpith award winner found mention in a protest film that the FTII students recently made on the issue. Mint

Mahesh Bhatt (20 November 1995-30 September 1998) Bhatt said, “I think while the students may have an opinion, they should understand that the government has an opinion as well. I believe Gajendra Chauhan has the persona to be appointed as the chairperson.” HT

7/11Mahesh Bhatt (20 November 1995-30 September 1998) Bhatt said, “I think while the students may have an opinion, they should understand that the government has an opinion as well. I believe Gajendra Chauhan has the persona to be appointed as the chairperson.” HT

Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1 September 1987-September 1989; 21 November 1992-30 September 1995): The former president said: “He is a simpleton. I have nothing against him. But FTIIs need people who can inspire the students. It cannot be run by people with no professional knowledge of cinema.” AFP

8/11Adoor Gopalakrishnan (1 September 1987-September 1989; 21 November 1992-30 September 1995): The former president said: “He is a simpleton. I have nothing against him. But FTIIs need people who can inspire the students. It cannot be run by people with no professional knowledge of cinema.” AFP

Mrinal Sen (9 April 1984-30 September 1986) One of the most politically-activated filmmakers, Sen was in support of the FTII students, when he said, “We had umbilical ties with FTII. These people do not have such a relation with the institute.” Reuters

9/11Mrinal Sen (9 April 1984-30 September 1986) One of the most politically-activated filmmakers, Sen was in support of the FTII students, when he said, “We had umbilical ties with FTII. These people do not have such a relation with the institute.” Reuters

Shyam Benegal (5 February 1981-30 September 1983; September 1989-30 September 1992) Shocked at the police-crackdown on students inside campus, Benegal was quoted as saying that given the opportunity, he would consider heading the institute for a third time. HT

10/11Shyam Benegal (5 February 1981-30 September 1983; September 1989-30 September 1992) Shocked at the police-crackdown on students inside campus, Benegal was quoted as saying that given the opportunity, he would consider heading the institute for a third time. HT

R.K. Laxman (1 November 1977-30 September 1980) : The iconic cartoonist, famous for his acerbic cartoons lampooning political figures, was the second president of the institute. HT

11/11R.K. Laxman (1 November 1977-30 September 1980) : The iconic cartoonist, famous for his acerbic cartoons lampooning political figures, was the second president of the institute. HT