Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has once again commented on an issue without knowing the details, this time throwing his weight behind protesting students at Kolkata’s Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI). However, the institute has responded in clear terms that it will not tolerate vandalism and physical violence on campus.
Shah accused the BJP of pursuing a vendetta against those who disagree with its ideology, describing the protesting students as victims of political retaliation. He alleged that the party was attempting to intimidate aspiring filmmakers and urged people to support their demands. His intervention came amid a prolonged standoff between students and the institute’s administration.
However, SRFTI has firmly rejected the suggestion that the disciplinary action was simply punishment for dissent. In a statement, the institute clarified that six students had been rusticated for a year over misconduct, including vandalism, defacement of property and physical assault, rather than for participating in peaceful protests. The administration maintained that the right to dissent does not exempt anyone from accountability under institutional rules.
SRFTI clarifies that disciplinary action against certain students stems from specific acts of misconduct, including vandalism, defacement, and physical assault—not peaceful protest. The Institute upholds the right to peaceful dissent while ensuring accountability under its rules. #SRFTI #PressRelease #DisciplinaryAction #StudentSafety— Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (@srfti_official) October 25, 2026
SRFTI statement read, “SRFTI clarifies that disciplinary action against certain students stems from specific acts of misconduct, including vandalism, defacement, and physical assault – not peaceful protest. The Institute upholds the right to peaceful dissent while ensuring accountability under its rules.”
What Naseeruddin Shah should know is that a peaceful protest is a democratic right, not a licence to damage public property, assault officials or intimidate others. The institute’s authorities are well within their rights to take action against students who indulge in violence inside the campus.
Shah is entitled to express solidarity with students. But celebrity endorsements cannot substitute for evidence, due process or a proper investigation. If the students were punished merely for questioning authority, the administration must answer for it. However, when they commit acts of violence and vandalism, their political grievances cannot automatically absolve them.
At an institution dedicated to filmmaking and free expression, peaceful protests will be more than welcomed, but violence, not so much.
