Veteran actor and National Award winner Naseeruddin Shah has extended his support to the protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata.
The students have been on an indefinite sit-in following alleged campus violence and are demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
In a video message released on social media, the 76-year-old actor strongly condemned the administrative actions against the aspiring filmmakers.
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Shah accused political forces of seeking a vendetta against those who disagree with their views, highlighting that students face show-cause notices, surveillance, threats, and eviction orders from hostels in response to their demands for accountability. He warned against attempts to brainwash or frighten young creators who are crucial to depicting the nation’s reality.
Shah is the latest prominent figure from the film fraternity to back the agitation, joining Cannes-winning director Payal Kapadia, who previously expressed shock over the safety situation on campus.
Meanwhile, the SRFTI administration denied claims of intimidation, alleging that external groups created disturbances and that agitators manhandled the Vice-Chancellor. Officials stated that security measures have been enhanced and full cooperation is being extended to authorities.
