Pahlaj Nihalani ousted from CBFC due to Ekta Kapoor’s complaint to Smriti Irani?

Recently, the entire nation was shocked with the news of Pahlaj Nihalani getting replaced by Prasoon Joshi as the new CBFC Chief. Not just many from the film fraternity, but even a big chunk of the audience was relieved to discover this. Twitter went berserk expressing its happiness over the news. However, everybody was left thinking as to what could be the reason behind this sudden decision from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to fire him. So, according to a popular daily, it was TV czarina and producer Ekta Kapoor’s complaint to Smriti Irani that fuelled this decision.

A source close to the daily stated, “For a very long time, Ekta had been grumbling against Nihalani’s high-handedness. As luck would have it, Ekta’s old buddy Smriti Irani was appointed the Minister of Information & Broadcasting around the same time when ‘Lipstick Under My Burkha’ was taken by her for marketing and distribution. When the film was severely attacked by the CBFC, Ekta expressed her displeasure to the new I&B Minister.” (Also Read: ‘It’s like wow’, Anurag Kashyap on Pahlaj Nihalani’s exit from CBFC)

Earlier, Pahlaj Nihalani had reacted on being ousted as the Chief of CBFC. He had said to Mid-Day, “I was not shocked at all. I’m happy and relieved. I have done this job to the best of my capacity. I wish all the best to the film industry, and to people who were against me. Whatever has happened is the government’s decision. I respect it. I’m happy with my stint as the CBFC chairperson. I’ve always performed my duty with honesty, sincerity. I have no regrets.”

Prajakta Ajgaonkar

Passionate about writing, and a Bollywood lover, she is all that is sweet and endearing! She desires to put her best foot forward in everything that she does and loves to help anyone who’s in need.