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A political controversy has intensified in India after actor Naseeruddin Shah voiced support for protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for an investigation into his remarks.
According to Indian media reports, BJP leaders accused Shah’s comments of potentially escalating tensions and affecting students’ academic futures.
In a video message shared on social media, Shah alleged that the BJP was seeking to retaliate against people who held opposing views following its electoral victory in West Bengal. He also accused the party of trying to impose its ideology on aspiring filmmakers or intimidate them.
BJP MP and spokesperson Rahul Sinha called for an investigation into Shah’s comments. He alleged that the remarks could be linked to an international conspiracy and accused opposition parties of attempting to undermine India’s democratic system.
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The controversy comes amid tensions at SRFTI, which operates under India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
A report by the institute’s administration outlined several incidents that reportedly contributed to the unrest on campus.
According to the report, tensions began on September 27 when protesting students entered the institute’s main auditorium during an event. The incident reportedly led to a scuffle and vandalism.
On October 4, around 250 students allegedly confined Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera near the institute’s main gate until 11 pm. The report further stated that between 50 and 60 students later occupied his office for nearly two days.
The report also recorded further incidents in October. On October 15, a student was accused of misbehaving with the vice-chancellor. Stones were reportedly thrown at his office the following day.
The institute’s administration said some students had opposed the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras intended to improve campus security.
Officials said they had deployed additional security personnel and introduced precautionary measures. The administration also confirmed that a first information report (FIR) had been registered against unidentified individuals.
The institute has expelled six students for one year over alleged misconduct. It has also suspended classes until November 13, citing efforts to restore a safe academic environment.
The disciplinary measures have drawn criticism from filmmakers and supporters of the student protests.
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has also voiced support for the students and raised concerns about the action taken against them.
Kapadia said the students were being punished following alleged attacks that had been linked to groups associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), an organisation ideologically aligned with the BJP. The allegation remains attributed to Kapadia.
The controversy has broadened into a debate among political figures and members of India’s film industry over student activism, institutional discipline and ideological influence in educational settings.
Shah’s support for the protesters and the BJP’s demand for an investigation have added to the political dimension of the dispute. Meanwhile, the institute’s report and disciplinary decisions have intensified scrutiny of how the campus unrest is being handled.
[…] Naseeruddin Shah Backs Protesting Film Students as BJP Seeks Probe into Remarks […]