Not leaving post, ready to mediate: Gajendra Chauhan

NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding protests over his appointment as chairman of Film and Television Institute of India, Gajendra Chauhan says he is not ready to leave the position but expressed his willingness to mediate between the agitating students and the government.

FTII students have been protesting against the government's decision for more than 90 days now.

Intensifying their agitation, three students have gone on an indefinite hunger strike to press their demand for the removal of Chauhan as the chairman of the prestigious institution.

The 58-year-old veteran actor says hunger strike is not any solution to the crisis and students should connect with the Union Information and Broadcasting ministry to sort out the issue.

When asked whether he was thinking of leaving the post to end the impasse, he told PTI, "I am not an irresponsible person. The moment ministry will give me the directive to join, I will join and start my work. I have said a number of times that we should sit down across the table, sort the issue and work together. I am open to reaching out to the students. I am ready to even mediate between students and the government."

"Strike is not a solution. Students should have a dialogue with the ministry and sort out their problems. I am a responsible person in life. Government of India has given me some responsibility and I am ready to fulfill that."

Chauhan is best known for his portrayal of Yudhisthira in the mythological television series, " Mahabharat".