Censor Board member slams Pahlaj Nihalani

The Pahlaj Nihalani-led Censor Board has been split wide open. Board member Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi has written strongly-worded letter to Mr Nihalani over the edits ordered in actor Anushka Sharma’s film NH10. NH10, which releases today, was initially denied certification by the Board and then passed with nine cuts. Dr Dwivedi has objected to the chopping of certain cuss words. Dr Dwivedi describes the cuts prescribed for NH10 as a ‘violation of trust.’

Sources say, Dr Dwivedi writes: “I have started feeling uncomfortable of being a part of an esteemed institution where, collective decision of the board is ignored or collective voice is unheard.” He has even asked for an urgent meeting of the Board to address “several uncomfortable issues.” The matter has now reportedly been referred to Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.

Sources further added, The list of 23 words outlawed for film makers has been criticized by sections of Bollywood as well as Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit who said on Twitter that he had not been consulted and that the ban would restrict creative freedom. Other films to have fallen casualty to the list include actor Varun Dhawan’s Badlapur.

Mr Nihalani, took over as Censor Board chief in January, after previous head Leela Samson and nine Board members resigned alleging government interference in the clearing of films. Now several Board members are believed to disagree with Pahlaj Nihalani’s somewhat autocratic decision-making style.