20 Mar : Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), the premier film and television training center of the country in Pune has celebrated its golden jubilee year on Saturday.
Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni presided over the function while, veteran actor and filmmaker Dev Anand was the chief guest for the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Soni said the government would ensure that the premier institute became “financially viable” and there was no paucity of funds in the way of enhancing its infrastructure required for training the students.
Exhorting FTII students to work hard to achieve excellence of global standard, the Minister said, “Money will come. Government, students and the faculty should come together in partnership to achieve global excellence”.
Describing showbusiness as the “best profession” that gives creative fulfilment to an artiste, Bollywood legend Dev Anand who was the Chief Guest, said “FTII students are future entertainment leaders”.
He said the students should use their energies in a positive manner and “enter the hall of fame”.
Those present on the occasion were FTII Chairman U R Ananthmurthy and its Director Pankaj Rag.
There would be three-day celebrations apart from the year-long events to mark the occasion.