Renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been appointed the president of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). The filmmaker, who is known for movies like Mr India, Masoom, Bandit Queen, Elizabeth will hold the post till March 3, 2023.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, took to his Twitter to confirm the news. His tweet read— “Happy to inform that renowned international film personality #ShekharKapur has been appointed as the President of FTII Society & Chairman of Governing Council of FTII. @narendramodi.@shekharkapur.

Have a look at his tweet—

Shekhar Kapur has replaced television producer BP Singh, whose tenure ended in March but the latter was given an extension due to the COVID-19 situation. Singh was designated as the FTII chairman in December 2018 after his predecessor, actor Anupam Kher, abruptly resigned from the position due to his international shooting projects.

The student’s body at FTII said that the filmmaker’s appointment comes at an important time. According to a report by The Indian Express, the head of the students’ body, Aadith V Sathvin was quoted as saying—

There has been a constant attack on public educational institutions in the country with continuous fees hikes and curbing of student voices of dissent and representation. We hope Shekar Kapur, a noted filmmaker, will carry forward the vision of the institution and take it forward. We strongly urge him to take note of the ongoing fee hike issues and curbing of students’ voices in the Academic Council.

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut took to her Twitter to congratulate the filmmaker. Have a look at her tweet—

Heartiest congratulations to the filmmaker.