File photo of actor Pallavi Joshi
Television Actress Pallavi Joshi, who had been nominated as a member of Pune's Film and Television Institute of India society, has refused to take up the position in view of the ongoing students' protest.
Even a meeting with Union minister Arun Jaitley last week has failed to convince the students, who have been on a month-long protest against the appointment of actor and BJP member Gajendra Chauhan as the chief of the institute's governing council.
"All the controversy surrounding the issue of appointments has really disheartened me," Ms Joshi wrote to the Information and Broadcasting ministry while informing them of her decision.
"In my opinion and experience, creativity and great work is an impossible target to reach in a cloud of negativity. I would be more than happy and willing to complete my tenure as and when this matter is sorted out amicably. Until such a time, I will not be able to assume my duties at the FTII," she added.
The actress told NDTV that she had hoped for a solution after the meeting between the government and students, but didn't want to be part of an institution that made students unhappy.
"I don't want to be part of a process that gives birth to unhappy cinematographers and filmmakers. It doesn't spell good for the future. Something mid-way could have been reached but no one budged. I stand by the students," Ms Joshi added.
In nearly four weeks, the students of the institute have not attended any classes. They claim their meeting with Mr Jaitley remained ineffective as their main concerns weren't addressed.
Students have been firmly backed by many in the industry, including prominent alumnus Santosh Sivan, national award winning film maker Jahnu Barua and Oscar winning sound specialist Resul Pookutty, all of whom have questioned Mr Chauhan's appointment.