New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and filmmaker Payal Kapadia have expressed solidarity with agitating students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), with Shah accusing the BJP of pursuing a vendetta against those who oppose its ideology and policies.
In a video message circulated on social media, Shah accused the BJP of targeting students for demanding accountability from the administration. 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 the institute.
"The BJP, after its manipulative victory in the Bengal elections, now seems all out for revenge against anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs and their policies," Shah said.
He alleged that the students had been served show-cause notices, placed under surveillance, threatened and asked to vacate their hostels in response to their demands for accountability.
Shah said the BJP, "not content with backing and encouraging shameless propaganda in its favour", was now hoping to "either brainwash or frighten the future filmmakers of this country". He added, "I can promise you that is not going to happen."
Kapadia expressed concern over the suspension of classes and the directive asking students to vacate their hostels.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.