Naseeruddin Shah Backs SRFTI Students’ Protest, Says BJP Wants to Frighten Future Filmmakers

October 24, 2026

Mumbai: Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has voiced his support for students of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI), who have been staging an indefinite protest on campus. He accused the BJP of targeting people who do not agree with its views and said the students were facing pressure over their demand for accountability from the institute’s administration.

Shah shared a video on his official social media handle on Saturday. In the message, he criticised the party and alleged that the students were being made to pay for speaking out against the administration.

“The latest victims of this vendetta are the students, the aspiring filmmakers of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute,” Shah said.

He claimed that the students had received show-cause notices, been placed under surveillance and threatened. He also said they had been asked to vacate their hostels after demanding accountability from the institute’s administration.

Shah alleged that the BJP wanted to promote propaganda in its favour and was now trying to influence or intimidate young filmmakers.

“I can promise you that is not going to happen. These are the young people who in the future will tell us the truth about themselves and about our country and about the state we are in,” he said.

The actor also appealed to citizens to stand with the students and support their demands.

“I urge all right-minded citizens to support the demands of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute students,” Shah said.

Students Demand Vice-Chancellor’s Resignation

The SRFTI students have been holding an indefinite sit-in outside the office of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera since October 12. They are demanding his resignation following a series of incidents on the campus.

The protest comes after a clash between students and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Grahak Panchayat (ABGP), an RSS-affiliated consumer awareness group, during a programme on September 27.

Another confrontation took place on October 4 during a protest organised by members of the Bangiya Hindu Jagaran Mancha. According to reports, some protesters tried to force open the institute’s gate after police stopped them.

The incidents have added to tensions surrounding the institute, with students continuing their sit-in and seeking action from the administration.

Shah’s intervention has brought further attention to the ongoing protest. His comments reflect his support for the students, while the allegations he raised about pressure and surveillance remain claims made by the actor.