‘FTII needs visionary academic leadership’

Anjum Rajabali, seasoned screenwriter and honorary head of screenplay writing at FTII reacts to the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan

Anjum Rajabali

You have been associated with the FTII for a long time now. How do you react to the recent developments where the new chairperson's credentials are being questioned by the students? Is the faculty also feeling let down?

It is not just the students, but many people associated with cinema who are feeling puzzled by this decision. There seems to be nothing in Mr. Chauhan’s past at least which indicates that he is the man for the Chairperson’s position. All of us feel that it is an inappropriate choice for this post.

It is being said that FTII has been going through a rough patch both academically and administratively?

These have been difficult times for FTII, yes. The syllabus is being revised and updated. Several other changes are necessary, and some are underway. Faculty, frankly speaking, is highly underpaid and vulnerable because of the paucity of permanent posts allowed by the Government. They should be paid on par with the latest Pay Commission’s recommendations for these positions, and those should be given due security of tenure. At this time, it is critical that FTII get a strong and visionary academic leadership.

There is a school of thought which questions the Institute’s Soviet model and demands a change to suit the requirements of mainstream cinema. Mohan Agashe wanted to bring some changes but he was not allowed to. Can you throw some light on this line of thought?

I don’t think you can call it a Soviet model. FTII aims to foster a multiplicity of schools of thought in cinema, and encourages a wide spectrum of filmmaking styles. Hence, we have seen FTII graduates, whether they are directors, screenwriters, cinematographers, sound recordists, editors and other technicians go out into the film industry and do a variety of films – from absolutely commercial ones all the way to independent films (art cinema). It is a space that is meant to cherish individuality and independence of thought. Moreover, a film school by its very nature is a space that encourages its students to learn by questioning, to have the courage to take alternative positions, to write and make films that challenge existing mindsets, raises disturbing questions. That is the job of a filmmaker in society.

Some people are trying to create an impression that Governing Council and Academic Council are two separate entities and Mr. Chauhan will not touch the academic part and will only be an active facilitator between the Government and the Governing Council. Do you see merit in this argument?

Yes, while there are two separate bodies – the Academic Council and the Governing Council – the latter oversees the former, and not only does the GC have the authority to formulate policies (including Academic ones) but also give direction and instruction to the AC. Also, every decision of the AC has to be approved of and ratified by the GC. So, you see it is a very powerful and influential body which oversees the functioning of FTII, and gives it direction. Hence, the Chairperson is a rather important and powerful position who also interfaces with the I&B Ministry, thereby having the leverage to make important changes, administratively and academically.

There is no doubt that FTII today, more than ever, needs a learned, experienced, wise and competent cinema person as its Chairperson.