Politics · India · 2 hrs ago
Naseeruddin Shah backs protesting students at Kolkata film institute
Actor Naseeruddin Shah has backed protesting students at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata.
The students are holding a sit-in over alleged campus violence and are demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
Shah said students faced notices, surveillance, threats and demands to leave their hostels after seeking accountability; these are his allegations.
SRFTI said outsiders caused a disturbance near its main gate and that it had filed a complaint with the authorities.
Students have alleged that RSS members were behind the violence, while the institute says it is cooperating with authorities and strengthening campus security.
BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari criticised Shah for supporting the students and accused him of opposing the BJP by lineage.
The dispute remains unresolved in the accounts given, with the students continuing to seek action over the alleged violence and Ajmera's resignation.
Actor Naseeruddin Shah backed students protesting at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata.
The students are demanding accountability over alleged campus violence and the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera.
In a video message, Shah accused the BJP-led West Bengal government of retaliating against students and trying to frighten or influence future filmmakers.
BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari criticised Shah, saying he opposed the BJP and the Sangh “by lineage.”
The institute said it had reported a disturbance near its main gate to authorities and was taking steps to strengthen campus safety.
- Who
- Actor Naseeruddin Shah backed the protesting SRFTI students. BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari criticised Shah.
- What
- Shah supported students protesting over alleged campus violence and calling for the vice-chancellor’s resignation.
- When
- Shah’s video message and Tiwari’s remarks were reported on October 24 and 25, 2026.
- Where
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Why
- Students are seeking action over alleged campus violence and accountability from the administration.
Naseeruddin Shah
Ritesh Tiwari
Students’ protest
Naseeruddin Shah
Shah said students were facing reprisals for demanding accountability and urged citizens to support them.
Ritesh Tiwari
Tiwari criticised Shah’s support for the students and said Shah opposed the BJP and the Sangh “by lineage.
Government’s actions
Naseeruddin Shah
Shah accused the BJP-led government of targeting students who did not share its views.
Ritesh Tiwari
Tiwari’s remarks attacked Shah; he did not directly address Shah’s claims about government actions against students.
The institute later described events on this date as alleged campus violence.
Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera called the alleged events unfortunate and said student safety was a priority.
SRFTI said people from outside the campus had gathered near its main gate and caused disturbances, and that it had filed a formal complaint.
The institute said in a notice that a student had manhandled Ajmera and other students had gheraoed and abused him.
BJP MLA Ritesh Tiwari criticised Shah over his support for the protesting students.
Hindustan Times reported Shah’s video message backing the students and criticising the BJP-led West Bengal government.
- Institute
- Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI)
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Vice-chancellor
- Santosh Ajmera
- Alleged campus violence
- September 27
- BJP MLA
- Ritesh Tiwari
3 sources
What people are saying
The BJP, after its manipulative victory in the Bengal elections now seems all out for revenge on anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs and their policies.
This BJP, not content with backing and encouraging shameless propaganda in its favour, is now hoping either to brainwash or frighten the future filmmakers of this country, and I can promise you that is not going to happen.
The BJP… after its manipulative victory in the Bengal elections now seems all out for revenge on anyone who does not subscribe to their beliefs and their policies.
Naseeruddin Shah is, by lineage, an opponent of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh.