Salman Khan and Bajrangi Bhaijan director Kabir Khan have also joined the chorus of those asking Gajendra Chouhan to step down from his chairmanship of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII). This has prompted the BJP government to take an even more serious note of the voice of dissent.
A source close to the BJP says, “It’s not right for Salman and Kabir Khan to speak against the government’s decision to appoint Chouhan. Kabir even said that the government shouldn’t appoint people owing allegiance to it. After seeking favours from the government, one can’t go around challenging and badmouthing the government’s decision.”
BJP loyalist and the chairperson of the Censor Board Pahlaj Nihalani spoke out against Salman’s stance on the FTII chairperson. “Salman Khan is a superstar and his words are followed by his fans. He should be more careful about what he says. He is openly challenging the government’s decision. He is talking about administrative decisions, something that he doesn’t have much knowledge of. I don’t think Salman has ever attended the FTII, nor has he taken any interest in its running. Does he know the problems plaguing the FTII? He says our film industry is run by alumni from the FTII.
That is not true. When was the last time a notable director emerged from the FTII? The fact is, students have been perpetually going to the press with their demands. The place has become a hotbed of student politics. The FTII needs to be thoroughly revamped.”
Gajendra Chouhan, the man at the vortex of the backlash, is adamant : “I respect Salman Khan, he is a superstar. But until the government asks me to step down I will continue. I am not being stubborn. I am just being true to my job.”
