Archive · 6 Dec 2025
FTII VC Discusses Future, Challenges, and Collaborations
Dhiraj Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), talked about the future of the institute.
He mentioned that FTII is becoming a university and needs to balance new opportunities with its traditional values.
Singh emphasized the importance of preserving the cinematic soul of FTII while adapting to technological changes.
He also discussed collaborations with major companies like Sony, Jio, Netflix, and Amazon to provide students with industry exposure.
Singh highlighted the active involvement of FTII alumni in supporting the institute.
He mentioned that students are encouraged to be creative and rebellious, and the institute has a robust feedback system for their films.
Singh also touched on the issue of misogynistic films, stating that students should be assessed based on what they aim to achieve rather than imposing external values.
Overall, Singh is focused on maintaining the institute's productivity and creativity while navigating its transition to a deemed university.
FTII is transitioning to a deemed university, balancing new opportunities with traditional values.
Preserving the cinematic soul of FTII is a key challenge amid rapid technological changes.
Collaborations with industry giants like Sony, Jio, Netflix, and Amazon are being explored for student internships and co-productions.
FTII alumni, including Naseeruddin Shah, Shatrughan Sinha, and Payal Kapadia, are actively involved in supporting the institute.
Students are encouraged to be creative and rebellious, with a robust feedback system in place for their films.
- Who
- Dhiraj Singh, Vice-Chancellor of FTII
- What
- Discussion on future plans, challenges, and collaborations for FTII
- When
- During an interaction at the Indian Express office in Pune
- Where
- Pune, India
- Why
- To share insights on the institute's transition to a deemed university and its future direction
- Name
- Dhiraj Singh
- Position
- Vice-Chancellor, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)
- Background
- Indian Information Service Officer, 1995 batch
- Education
- MA and MPhil in International Relations, Allahabad University and Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Visiting Scholar
- University of California, Berkeley
- Current Focus
- Transitioning FTII to a deemed university
- Key Challenges
- Preserving cinematic soul amid technological changes, maintaining affordability, and creating cinematic sensitivities
- Industry Collaborations
- Talks with Sony, Jio, Netflix, Amazon, and Jio Hotstar for internships and co-productions
- Alumni Engagement
- Active involvement of alumni like Naseeruddin Shah, Shatrughan Sinha, Jaya Bachchan, and Payal Kapadia
- Student Age
- Average age around 23 to 27, with no strict age limit for admission