FTII chief Gajendra Chauhan
Actor Gajendra Chauhan today denied speaking in an insulting manner about Bollywood veterans Rishi Kapoor and Anupam Kher for their criticism over his continuance as FTII chairperson.
Mr Kher and Mr Kapoor have come out in support of the students of Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), who have been protesting against Chauhan's appointment as the chairman of institute's governing council for the past few weeks. They alleged that Mr Chauhan lacks "stature and vision" to head the institute.
When NDTV had contacted him on the phone yesterday, Mr Chauhan had said, "Who are Anupam Kher and Rishi Kapoor?"
Now Mr Chauhan claims that using such language is not a part of his culture.
"I have never said this. I cannot even think of using such words for those, who are so senior and luminaries of the film industry... with whom I have worked for so many years," Mr Chauhan told PTI.
Mr Chauhan is best known for playing the role of Yudhisthira on the TV epic "Mahabharata".
"Since I did not use such language to refer the two senior artistes, why should I issue a denial?" Mr Chauhan said. He added that the duo have their right to freedom of speech and can voice their opinions.
"Both are very senior to me and big figures in the industry... everyone has the right to freedom of speech," he said.
Actor and BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha said that the government should step in with a "middle way" to end the stalemate and protect the dignity of Mr Chauhan.
"Shatrughan Sinha is my elder brother and what he has said are his views. But ultimately, it is the government, who has to take the final call," he added.
Mr Chauhan, however, declined to make any comment when asked how he felt the lack of support for him from the film industry.