Rishi Kapoor backs protesting FTII students

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

He 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 said.

 He said if political criteria for selection was crucial then actors Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha or Paresh Rawal would have been better names for the post as they have vast experience in the field of cinema.

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.

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.