Filmmaker recalls ties with FTII

PUNE: Noted filmmaker Basu Chatterjee on Thursday said his close association with the Film and Television of India (FTII) can be attributed to the start of his own career.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the institute's golden jubilee celebrations, Chatterjee said, "I've had a long connection with this institute right since the late 1960's when I used to visit the campus regularly,"
Recalling his first film as a director, Chatterjee said 'Sara Akash' was an ambitious project.And he had wished to cast Jaya Bhaduri, who was doing a course in acting from FTII. "I couldn't cast her in that film as being a student she wasn't allowed to act in a commercial project. But, this in turn helped me kickstart my own career," said Chatterjee, who is know for films 'Rajanigandha,' 'Chitchor,' 'Baton Baton Mein' and 'Chameli Ki Shaadi,' to name some.
R M Rao, president of GraFTII, the institute's alumni association, and an alumnus from the institute's maiden batch that passed out in the early 1960s was also present at the function attended by students and alumni.
"We are always ready to help students, past and present, in any capacity and provide them access to various aspects of film-making and opportunities in the industry," said Rao.