‘Babumoshai Bandookbaaz’ director reacts to Pahlaj Nihalani being sacked

The removal of Pahlaj Nihalani as CBFC chief has mostly been appreciated from all corners. Filmmakers, who were once troubled by his scissors, must be welcoming this step with wide open arms!

One such filmmaker is Kushan Nandy, director of ‘Babumoshai Bandookbaaz’. Recently, Kushan’s film received 48 cuts from the CBFC, leaving many appalled. On coming to know that Nihalani isn’t the CBFC chief anymore, Kushan has now reacted.

“If this step has been taken, it is a good thing. Our fight is not against one person but against an entire idea or notion. But I have to admit, this was possible due to the cumulative fight of filmmakers for our films,” he said. (Also Read: Pahlaj Nihalani reacts after being removed as CBFC chief)

Veteran filmmaker Ashoke Pandit, who also happens to be the vice president of IMPPA, is happy with Government’s move as well.

“The entire film industry was unhappy with Pahlaj Nihalani and his way of running the Censor Board. He was treating it like his personal production house. He gave a national award winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar a tough time for certifying his film ‘Indu Sarkar’. Overall, there is a wave of happiness in the film industry. We welcome this decision,” he said.

Nihalani has had a fair share of controversies with his decisions and statements. He had stirred massive outrage after he grounded Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s ‘Udta Punjab’ in 2016. Alankrita Shrivastava’s feminist drama ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ too fell under his scissors and was refused a certificate. These are a few to name, among the many times he proved to be a decision-maker with an orthodox approach.

His successor Prasoon Joshi, however, is believed to be the right person to undertake the responsibility.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.