Pahlaj Nihalani slams a defamation case against IIFA organisers

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani mostly makes it to the headlines when he suggests major cuts in Bollywood films, which are mostly unreasonable. But this time around, he is in the news for a different reason. Pahlaj Nihalani has slammed a defamation case against IIFA organisers for allegedly maligning his name and reputation. Some of the jokes made by the host of the awards ceremony took an indirect dig at him and hence, Pahlaj Nihalani’s this step.

As per a report in Mid-Day, Pahlaj Nihalani is mighty upset with the organisers of IIFA and has sent them a legal notice. The CBFC chief’s lawyer Suren Uppal stated that IIFA organisers misused the picture of his client just to make fun and gain TRP. The legal notice also states that in one of the acts Mr Nihalani was referred to as a ‘watchman’ with an intent to create ‘an adverse atmosphere in the public against Nihalani.’

On the other hand, Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft International (organisers of IIFA) said, “There is no statement or event in the show that warrants any notice. Pahlaj ji will get a better understanding of the show once he sees it. We have always respected Pahlaj ji, who has originally been on the IIFA advisory board, and has always been [of tremendous] help. I am sure it is a misunderstanding that will be corrected once Pahlaj ji sees the show on television again.”

Post the event, Pahlaj Nihalani had ranted against the award ceremony and had stated, “Look at the hypocrisy. They haven’t even nominated Aamir Khan for ‘Dangal’ and Akshay Kumar for ‘Airlift’ and ‘Rustom’ just because they wouldn’t attend their weekend holiday plans masquerading as an awards function. Initially we had cinema from various states getting token representation at the awards. Now we only have Bollywood. So why do they call themselves the International Indian films awards? It’s such a sham! Bollywood is not Indian cinema.”

Let’s wait and watch what happens next. (Also Read: IIFA organiser reveals why Aamir Khan’s ‘Dangal’ wasn’t selected)

Nikita Thakkar

A strongly opinionated, free-spirited, budding Bollywood journalist, she likes to write anything in her own quirky style. When not running around to get assigned tasks completed, you will find her either painting, indulging in photography or dreaming in the la la land.