Vijay Varma responds to Gajendra Chauhan’s comment on Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Win: “Sir yeh chup rehne ka time tha…”

Actor Vijay Varma offers thoughtful reflection amidst stirred debate.

Former chairman of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Gajendra Chauhan, recently sparked controversy with his comment on director Payal Kapadia's Cannes win. Kapadia clinched the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her film, All We Imagine as Light. Reacting to this, actor Vijay Varma weighed in, suggesting that silence would have been more appropriate in this instance.

Vijay Varma responds to Gajendra Chauhan’s comment on Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Win: “Sir yeh chup rehne ka time tha…”

Taking to his Instagram handle, Varma shared a photo featuring Gajendra Chauhan and Payal Kapadia, alongside a caption that read, “Sir yeh chup rehne ka time tha…” Chauhan, in an interview with Times Now, expressed, “I would just like to say, we are all very proud of her. I’d like to congratulate her for her achievement.” However, his remark about talent versus discipline stirred controversy, prompting varied responses from the industry and beyond.

In 2015, Kapadia and other students protested against Chauhan’s appointment as FTII chairman, citing concerns about his qualifications. Kapadia's decision to abstain from classes as a form of protest resulted in her scholarship being revoked. However, when her short film ‘Afternoon Clouds’ gained recognition at the Cannes International Festival, FTII shifted its stance and extended support to her.

Payal Kapadia made history at Cannes when her film, All We Imagine as Light, clinched the prestigious ‘Le Grand Prix’ award, marking the first Indian movie in 30 years to compete in the festival’s main competition. The film’s team, including director Payal Kapadia and actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, attended the Cannes Film Festival 2024 to accept the award during the closing ceremony.

On the professional front, Vijay Varma's latest outing was Murder Mubarak alongside Sara Ali Khan, released on an OTT platform. As the industry continues to navigate through various debates and discussions, Varma's stance reflects the sentiments of many who advocate for sensitivity and thoughtfulness in public discourse.

Also Read: Vijay Varma reveals, “In my early 20s, I was searching for my path, my first dream was to become a comic book artist”