Congratulations, Anupam Kher, New FTII Chairman: Tweet Kirron Kher, Sonam Kapoor, Others

New Delhi: Actor Anupam Kher is appointed the new chief of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) after actor Gajendra Chauhan's term ended. The 62-year-old critically acclaimed actor has over 500 films and plays to his credit, including international projects like Bend It Life Beckham and the Oscar-nominated Silver Linings Playbook. Anupam Kher also owns an acting school called Actor Prepares. Mr Kher wrote on Twitter that he felt "deeply humbled and honoured" to head the iconic institute. Congratulatory messages for Anupam Kher, many from the film fraternity, flooded social media. First up was from his wife Kirron Kher: "Congratulations my dear Anupam Kher for becoming FTII Chairman! I know you will do a great job." Former student Sonam Kapoor (also co-star of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo) shared a tweet praising Mr Kher's election and added: "I totally agree. As a student I can say his mentoring has been a boon."

Here's what Anupam Kher posted on Twitter:
 

I feel deeply humbled & honoured to be apportioned as the Chairman of iconic #FTII. I will perform my duties to the best of my abilities.

— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) October 11, 2017

See Kirron Kher and Sonam Kapoor's messages here:
 

Congratulations my dear @AnupamPkher for becoming FTII Chairman! Know you will do a great job !

— Kirron Kher (@KirronKherBJP) October 11, 2017

 

I totally Agree! As a student I can say his mentoring has been a boon @AnupamPkher https://t.co/qGlfApB3OT

— Sonam Kapoor (@sonamakapoor) October 11, 2017

Filmmaker Prakash Jha thanked Information and Broadcast minister, Smriti Irani, for her decision and posted this about Anupam Kher:
 

Welcome step! After @prasoonjoshi_ @AnupamPkher !! Moving in the right direction.. Thank you for this @smritiirani https://t.co/Al68F6bhqQ

— Prakash Jha (@prakashjha27) October 11, 2017

Here are several other reactions:
 

Heartiest congratulations to @Anupamkher sir for being appointed as the Chairman of FTII

— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) October 11, 2017

 

Congrats Anupam! You'll do wonders! Best man. Cheers! Kabir.@AnupamPkher @FTIIOfficial https://t.co/etfiRQyThR

— KABIR BEDI (@iKabirBedi) October 11, 2017

 

Congratulations @AnupamPkher Sahab for taking over as the #Chairman of FTII. Thank U @smritiirani ji for this great decision.

— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) October 11, 2017

 

Excellent decision! Congratulations, @AnupamPkher! https://t.co/yzHn5hYMlg

— _ (@RanvirShorey) October 11, 2017

Speaking to news agency IANS, Anupam Kher said: "I would love to facilitate students rather than setting agenda like an administrator. I want to interact with students to understand their requirements, and along with faculties, I would be helping students for their betterment."

Anupam Kher has also earlier headed the Central Board of Film Certification from 2003 to 2004. The Film and Television Institute of India counts among its students some of the country's most illustrious actors and artistes, including Naseeruddin Shah, Jaya Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Om Puri and Smita Patil.

Anupam Kher is popularly known for his films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Ram Lakhan, Dil, Tezaab and Beta. He was last seen in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, co-starring Akshay Kumar while his upcoming film is Hansal Mehta's The Accidental Prime Minister.

(With inputs from IANS)