Actor Gajendra Chauhan plays Shiva in a Ramlila production in Delhi
Gajendra Chauhan, whose appointment as chairman of Pune's prestigious Film and Television Institute of India has led to a mass boycott and protests by students, has immersed himself in a role that involves a more receptive audience.
In a production of Ramlila in Delhi that stars an array of TV and film actors, Mr Chauhan is Lord Shiva, who narrates the story of Ram.
"In my 35 year career, I have memorized many dialogues. But for the first time, I am performing live and there is no scope for retakes," the 59-year-old actor told NDTV.
There will be daily shows of this Ramlila at the Red Fort monument during Dussehra festival.
Mr Chauhan, who played "Yudhishthir" in the TV version of Mahabharata, has faced relentless attacks since his appointment as FTII chief in June.
Protesting students, alumni and several film personalities say Mr Chauhan does not have the credentials needed for the prestigious post and was appointed because of his proximity to the ruling BJP. The TV actor's work in adult films was also raked up as an argument against him.
A Right to Information query has revealed that Mr Chauhan has not visited his office since the controversy erupted.
Students have been in talks with the government to end the four-month deadlock.