Anupam Kher resigns as FTII chairman, says he's busy with international projects

Veteran actor Anupam Kher said on Wednesday that he had quit as Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) here, a year after his appointment, citing his international assignments as the reason.

"It has been an honour, a privilege and a great learning experience to be the Chairman of the prestigious FTII. But because of my international assignments, I won't have much time to devote at the institute. Hence decided to send my resignation," Anupam said in a letter to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

In his letter, Kher said that when he was approached for the job by Smriti Irani, the firmer I&B Minister, he had informed the Minister that he would be busy with the international assignment for a period of six months. However, since then the international project was extended for another four months, "The translates into me staying abroad for nine months between 2018-2019 and for a similar period for the next three years. Therefore it would be unfair for me to stay in my position if I'm unable to actively involved in the operation," he said in his letter.  

The letter, sent on Tuesday, was released by Anupam on Wednesday. He requested the Ministry to scout for someone suitable for the post during his notice period.

In a tweet, the actor said that he would always be available to his students as an individual and said that there was a good governing body in place and an academic society to guide the students.  

An actor with a repertoire of over 500 movies including international projects, Anupam was named for the top post in October 2017. His predecessor Gajendra Chauhan's tenure was marked by controversies and protests by students at the FTII campus.

Anupam has been busy working in the US on American show New Amsterdam.