Regional centres of FTII, NSD on cards for J&K

Government of India is mulling to establish regional centres of prominent institutions, including Film and Television Institute of India, (FTII) and National School of Drama (NSD), in Jammu and Kashmir’s twin capitals.

Sources told Greater Kashmir that Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha led government in Jammu and Kashmir, has submitted a formal proposal to the union ministry of Culture and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for establishing Film and Television of India, (FTII) and National School of Drama centres in twin capitals of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Both these institutions (FTII and NSD) have created their own niche in Asia. They are not just the leaders in producing classic art and artists but they help the nation to preserve and promote its unique cultural ethos,” said a senior administrative official, wishing not to be named.

“Extending FTII and NSD sub-centres to Jammu and Kashmir will surely help the local artists and those who are interested pursuing film making, cinematography, screenplay writing, art photography, digital photography, craft of acting and theatre etc.,” the official said.

Chairman of the National School of Drama (NSD) Paresh Rawal said that the country’s prestigious theatre training school is looking forward to opening new centres in the country soon, including one in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that recently a request had been received from the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha for opening a centre there.

“This will soon be discussed with NSD society members and the government. Hopefully, we will have a concrete plan to do it soon. In fact, we are keen to set up centres in the states of Gujarat, West Bengal, and Maharashtra,” Rawal added.

“I want to open NSD in Kashmir soon. I am very excited about that,” Rawal told reporters in Delhi.

Officials from NSD told Greater Kashmir that the government is actively considering giving the Institute of National Importance tag to NSD, which will further strengthen the institute by enabling it to award degrees, introduce new courses like playwriting, costume designing, property making etc, and also open up new centres.

“We recently introduced 16-day online Acting courses exclusively for Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, which received a massive response from the participants,” the officials said. The courses were conducted by prominent theatre directors, teachers and actors, including Professor Bharat Gupt, Rakesh Kumer, Suman Vaideh, Ravi Kemu, Mushtaq Ahmad among others.

Meanwhile, Director, FTII, Pune, Bhupendra Kainthola, told Greater Kashmir that the union ministry has sought a report from the FTII about establishing the centre in J&K. He said a detailed report was submitted to the ministry for their perusal.

“We have received the communication and the report has been immediately submitted. It is now entirely a call of the Union Ministry,” Kanitola said. Greater Kashmir