Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has backed the indefinite protest by Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute students in Kolkata, alleging political pressure and intimidation. The students are demanding Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera’s resignation following campus clashes and disciplinary notices.
Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has extended his support to students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), who are staging an indefinite protest in Kolkata over campus violence and concerns about student safety. In a video message shared on social media, Shah accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to intimidate people who disagree with its political beliefs and policies.
Shah alleged that the protesting students, who aspire to become filmmakers, were facing pressure for demanding accountability from the institute’s administration. He claimed that students had received show-cause notices, faced surveillance and threats, and had been asked to vacate their hostel accommodation.
In his video message, Shah said the BJP was seeking to influence or frighten future filmmakers. He expressed confidence that young filmmakers would continue to communicate their understanding of society, the country and its prevailing circumstances through their work.
The veteran actor also appealed to citizens to support the demands raised by SRFTI students, emphasising the importance of allowing aspiring filmmakers to express their views and pursue their education without intimidation.
Shah’s intervention has brought additional attention to the ongoing dispute at the prestigious film institute, where students have been demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
Why are SRFTI students protesting?
The students began an indefinite sit-in outside the vice-chancellor’s office on October 12, following two incidents of confrontation on the institute’s campus.
The first clash took place on September 27, when students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an organisation affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), became involved in a confrontation during a programme held at the institute’s auditorium.
The incident resulted in allegations and counter-allegations from the two sides. Students claimed they were attacked after objecting to the event, while ABGP members accused students of disrupting the programme.
A second confrontation occurred on October 4 during a protest organised by members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha. According to reports, some protesters attempted to force open the institute’s gate after police personnel stopped them from entering.
Following these incidents, students raised concerns about campus security and demanded accountability from the administration. They have maintained that the institute must ensure a safe environment for students and take appropriate action concerning the reported violence.
Disciplinary action and academic disruption
The dispute has also affected academic activities at SRFTI. Students have continued their protest and academic boycott while seeking the vice-chancellor’s resignation and action over their security concerns.
According to reports published on October 24, the institute had issued show-cause notices to eight students over various alleged violations, including damage to campus property and matters relating to the administration’s functioning. The vice-chancellor maintained that the notices concerned compliance with the law and the institute’s rules and were separate from the ongoing agitation.
The administration also suspended regular academic activities in filmmaking and related departments until November 13 and directed students to vacate the campus within 24 hours, according to reports. The measures have further intensified the dispute between the students and the institute’s authorities.
Students have continued to press for the vice-chancellor’s resignation, an investigation into the campus clashes and assurances regarding their safety. The administration’s position and the students’ allegations remain central to the continuing standoff.
Debate over artistic freedom and student safety
Shah’s support has brought the dispute into a wider discussion about freedom of expression, political differences and the role of educational institutions in nurturing independent creative voices.
The actor argued that students training to become filmmakers would play an important role in portraying the country’s social and political realities. His appeal has added a prominent voice to calls for the students’ concerns to be addressed.
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The immediate challenge for SRFTI remains resolving the confrontation, addressing campus security concerns and restoring normal academic activities. With students continuing their protest and classes disrupted, the dispute has emerged as a significant issue for the institute and the wider film education community.
The developments have also drawn attention to the need for dialogue between students and the administration to address grievances, establish accountability and ensure a secure environment for creative education.
