FTII: Gajendra Chauhan says he is obeying govt decision

"Everyone is entitled to have his or her opinion in a democracy. He is a great actor. But I am acting as per government's direction," Chauhan said.

Kapoor on Friday said if students openly opposed  Gajendra Chauhan's appointment as the FTII  chairman then he should 'voluntarily resign' from the post.

Speaking to media, Kapoor said: "When you are being opposed openly then you should voluntarily resign."

He had urged students, who have been protesting against the appointment of Chauhan, to attend classes.

"I am standing by the FTII students....If students have some problem with him then there must be some justification," Kapoor had said.

Earlier, Kapoor had tweeted: "Advice. After all the protests and controversy,Gajendra Chauhan,the FTII Chairman should voluntarily retire. Will do good to the students."

"If they don't want you, they don't want you.By pushing for the chairmanship is getting you no where.Let self pride play a role and retire!" he said.

Bollywood actor Rajkumar Rao in a Twitter post said: "#FTII needs to be in safe hands. Students need somebody who they can trust and look up to. It's their future which is at stake here."

Director Sundhir Mishra tweeted: "In  our fast changing world of technology d chairman of d Ftii shud b able to guide d students n d faculty in that direction ."

Oscar winner Resul Pookutty also expressed his displeasure over the appointment as he tweeted: "Not just @AnupamPkher Mr.@arunjaitley also told us in the meeting that we haven't made the best of choice but as a Govt.we can't retract!"

Students of India's premier FTII are protesting over the appointment of actor Chauhan as the new chairman of the institution for the past several days.

The students of the institute have questioned the process of selecting Chauhan for the post who is also a member of the ruling BJP.

Chauhan was well known for playing the role of  "Yudhishthira" in the popular Indian TV serial Mahabharat.