Who was appointed as the new Director of the Film and Television Institute of India FTII in 2016?

Introduction / Context:
Appointments to major cultural and educational institutions in India are frequently asked in current affairs and general knowledge exams. The Film and Television Institute of India FTII in Pune is one of the premier institutes for cinema and television training. Knowing who was appointed as its Director in a given year is an example of factual current affairs that aspirants are expected to remember.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The institution mentioned is the Film and Television Institute of India FTII.
• The question refers specifically to the new Director appointed in 2016.
• Options given are Prashant Pathrabe, Amol Palekar, Shabana Azmi, and Bhupendra Kainthola.
• We assume the standard news report about the 2016 appointment.

Concept / Approach:
The approach is based on remembering important appointments. Prashant Pathrabe served as the acting or interim Director earlier. In April 2016, Indian Information Service officer Bhupendra Kainthola was appointed as the Director of FTII for a fixed tenure. Amol Palekar and Shabana Azmi are eminent film personalities, but they were not appointed as directors of FTII in that year. Recognising the correct name from the options gives the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall news that in 2016 a new full time Director was appointed for FTII. Step 2: Remember that the person chosen was Bhupendra Kainthola, an officer from the Indian Information Service. Step 3: Note that Prashant Pathrabe was the outgoing or previous director and was being replaced. Step 4: Recognise that Amol Palekar and Shabana Azmi are noted actors and activists, but their names are not connected with the FTII director appointment in 2016. Step 5: Therefore select Bhupendra Kainthola as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
If you check reliable news sources or government press releases relating to FTII in 2016, they clearly state that Bhupendra Kainthola was appointed as Director of FTII, replacing Prashant Pathrabe. Competitive exam capsules for that year also list this appointment under important national appointments. This cross confirmation verifies that option Bhupendra Kainthola is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Prashant Pathrabe: He served as Director earlier, but the question asks about the new Director appointed, who replaced him.
Amol Palekar: A respected actor and director in Indian cinema, but not appointed as FTII Director in 2016.
Shabana Azmi: A renowned actress and social activist, but again not appointed as FTII Director in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose Prashant Pathrabe because his name is strongly associated with FTII controversies. To avoid this confusion, link the word new in the question with the changeover from Pathrabe to Kainthola. Another pitfall is selecting a well known film personality like Amol Palekar simply because the institute deals with cinema. Remember that the actual appointment was of a senior information service officer, not a film star.

Final Answer:
The new Director of FTII appointed in 2016 was Bhupendra Kainthola.