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Ali Fazal, a renowned Indian actor, has expressed his disapproval of the Film and Television Institute of India's (FTII) recent celebration of Payal Kapadia's prestigious Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival. This criticism stems from FTII's controversial treatment of Kapadia during her time as a student there.
In 2015, Kapadia led a student protest against the appointment of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan as FTII's president. FTII's response to this protest was to take disciplinary action against Kapadia. Additionally, Pune Police filed charges against 35 students, including Kapadia, for holding the then-FTII director captive in his office. These events resulted in Payal and other students being denied scholarships.
FTII's hypocrisy lies in the fact that they are now celebrating Kapadia's success after previously harassing her. This has led to criticism from Fazal and other social media users, who have accused FTII of opportunistically taking credit for her achievements.
Kapadia's victory at Cannes is not only a testament to her talent but also highlights the flawed history of FTII. The institute's actions against Kapadia and other students raise questions about its commitment to artistic freedom and academic integrity.
In conclusion, Ali Fazal's criticism of FTII serves as a reminder of the institution's checkered past. While FTII may seek to bask in the glory of Kapadia's triumph, its actions against her during her time as a student cannot be forgotten. The institute must take responsibility for its past mistakes and work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for its students.