Anupam Kher steps down as FTII chairman

In a sudden turn of events, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has stepped down as the chairman of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). Kher has cited his busy schedule and commitments to an upcoming US-based TV series as the reason for his decision.

In his resignation letter to Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kher wrote, "I write to you with the intention to, with due notice resign from the post of the Chairman at FTII, Pune. This decision has not come without considerable thought of the responsibilities expected of me vis-à-vis the time I have at my disposal to execute them. At the time when I was officially approached by the former I&B Minister, Smt. Smriti Irani to be appointed as the Chairman, I did share with her that I was due to be stationed in the US for nearly 6 months for an International TV show. The latest news now is that the show has been given a further extension of 4 months. This translates into me being stationed in the US for nearly 9 months between 2018 and 2019 and then for a similar period for a minimum of three years more. Given this assignment, it would not be fair to me, the students and management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability without being actively involved in the operations.

"Hence I request you to please accept my resignation and in the notice period scout for someone suitable to take a handover from me.

Needless to say, I will be always available, if needed, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual."

Known for playing a plethora of roles in Bollywood films, Anupam Kher has acted in several high-profile international projects also.