Was quitting FTII post a ‘precautionary measure’ to de-link from BJP ahead of ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’? Anupam Kher answers

Anupam Kher’s ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ has made headlines for its controversial storyline involving the life of former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and his equation with the higher-ups in Congress party. Another point to note is that the trailer has been released just two months after he resigned from the post of Chairperson of the Government-ruled Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).

READ: WATCH | Anupam Kher Reveals Why He Was Apprehensive About Doing Dr Manmohan Singh’s Role In 'The Accidental Prime Minister', Says Preparation Took Months

In an exclusive interview with Republic TV Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the actor was asked if his decision to resign just three days after he completed the shooting of ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ on October 27 was a ‘precautionary measure’ to ‘de-link’ himself from BJP to avoid being accused of being ‘politically connected’. 

Kher replied, “If I think so much and live, then I won’t be living at all.” 

The actor added, “There is no link. I was greatly honoured. I had told the then I&B Minister Smriti Irani that I’m expected to sign some international assignments. I will have no time. She said, ‘No, just become the chairperson, it’s important for me that you accept this.’ And I believe that if somebody gives you a sense of responsibility, you accept it, not run away from it.  

“But initially the series, ‘New Amsterdam’ was commissioned for only 13 episodes. But within three episodes, it became very successful and they (makers) were given 22 episodes. So I knew that out of one year, for nine months, I will be out of this country. I didn’t want to be part of something where I’m not physically present, though I was not required to be so.”

READ: WATCH | It's Time That India Can Make A Film About The PM Or Ex-PM And Show What Happens In The PMO: Anupam Kher

 The actor had tweeted about his resignation on October 31 and had called it an 'honour, privilege and learning experience' and thanked the staff and the students.