Hyderabad, Oct. 24: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Payal Kapadia have expressed solidarity with protesting students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. Shah accused the BJP of pursuing a vendetta against people who oppose its beliefs and policies, while Kapadia expressed concern over the institute’s handling of the ongoing unrest.
In a video shared on social media, Shah criticised the BJP over the situation at the central government-run film institute. He alleged that the protesting students had become targets of political retaliation and warned against attempts to influence or intimidate future filmmakers.
Kapadia, whose film All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, said she was “absolutely horrified” by the developments at SRFTI.
Naseeruddin Shah | SRFTI Students Demand Accountability Over Campus Violence
Students have alleged that they were attacked on September 27 by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat, an RSS-affiliated consumer awareness group. They also reported another incident on October 4 during a rally by the Bangiya Hindu Jagran Manch near the institute’s entrance.
Classes have remained suspended since September 28. Students are staging an indefinite sit-in and demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
Shah emphasised the importance of independent filmmaking and freedom of expression. He said film students would play a crucial role in documenting the country’s social and political realities. He also urged the public to support their demands.
The institute issued a notice on October 16 suspending filmmaking and video classes until November 13. It also asked students to vacate the campus, according to the report.
Kapadia said students had received notices asking them to leave their hostel rooms. She alleged that disciplinary action was being taken against students while no comparable action had been taken against those accused of assaulting them and groping women students.
She further alleged that the administration had threatened students with rustication for raising security concerns. Kapadia described the situation as deeply concerning and urged the authorities to investigate the alleged violence rather than penalise students who had raised complaints.
SRFTI Students’ Union spokesperson Sudip Chakraborty said students were seeking accountability from the administration, action over alleged unauthorised activities on campus and assurances that the institute would remain a safe and independent environment for film education.
BJP leaders could not be contacted for comment on Shah’s allegations, according to the report. The allegations concerning the reported incidents and the administration’s response remain disputed claims requiring investigation.
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