The 63-year-old, who has started shooting for his international project titled 'New Amsterdam', took to Twitter to share the news and cited his busy schedule as the reason behind his resignation.
"It has been an honour, a privilege & a great learning experience to be the Chairman of the prestigious FTII. But because of my international assignments I won't have much time to devote at the institute. Hence decided to send my resignation. Thank you," tweeted 'The Accidental Prime Minister' actor.
It has been an honour, a privilege & a great learning experience to be the Chairman of the prestigious @FTIIOfficial. But because of my international assignments I won't have much time to devote at the institute. Hence decided to send my resignation. Thank you. 🙏 @Ra_THORe pic.twitter.com/lglcREeYM2
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 31, 2018
The veteran actor also attached a letter dated October 30, 2018, addressed to Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.
In the letter, Kher has stated that last year, when he was approached by Union Minister Smriti Irani to be appointed as the Chairman, he informed her about his professional commitments.
"I did share with her that I was due to be stationed in the US for nearly six months for an international TV show," read the letter.
He added that since the show's shooting has been extended to 9 months, "it would not be fair to me, the students and the management team, for me to hold a position of such responsibility and accountability, without being actively involved in the operations."
"Needless to say, I will always be available, if needed, for any guidance or responsibility given to me as an individual," Kher wrote in conclusion.
In another tweet Anupam thanked the staff, teachers and students of FTII. He wrote, "Thank you staff, teachers & students of @FTIIOfficial for your support & appreciation during my tenure as chairman. As an individual you can always reach out to me. We have constituted a very learned & capable governing body & academic society who will guide you at their best.🙏".
Thank you staff, teachers & students of @FTIIOfficial for your support & appreciation during my tenure as chairman. As an individual you can always reach out to me. We have constituted a very learned & capable governing body & academic society who will guide you at their best.🙏
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) October 31, 2018
The Padma Shri (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2016) awardee actor, who has more than 500 movies and several plays in his repertoire, was appointed as the chairman of FTII in October, last year. The actor had replaced Gajendra Chauhan, who had completed his tenure in March 2017.
FTII is India's premier film and television institute, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India.
