“Didn’t insult Kher, Kapoor”

“I cannot even think of using such words for senior people in the film industry,”

Actor Gajendra Chauhan, who has recently been appointed chairman of the Pune based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society, has refuted reports that suggest he spoke in an insulting manner about actors Anupam Kher and Rishi Kapoor. Kher and Kapoor are known to have spoken out in support of the students of theinstitute, who feel that Chauhan does not have the requisite experience or body of work to head FTII, and want him to step down.

Chauhan, best known for playing Yudhisthira in Mahabharata on television, refuted the reports that quoted him saying, ‘Who are Anupam Kher and Rishi Kapoor?’ “I have never said this. I cannot even think of using such words for such senior people of the film industry. I have worked with them for many years,” Chauhan is quoted as saying. Asked if he would want to issue a denial or an apology, Chauhan told a TV channel, “Since I did not use such language for them, why should I issue a denial,” and adds, “They have their right to freedom of speech and can voice their opinions.”