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EXCLUSIVE: Pahlaj Nihalani on being ousted as CBFC Chief: Producers who think I haven't done a good job, let them enjoy
Pahlaj Nihalani spoke to Pinkvilla on his thoughts about being replaced by Prasoon Joshi as CBFC Chief.
The very controversial Pahlaj Nihalani, who has just been ousted as CBFC chief and has been replaced by noted lyricist and ad guru Prasoon Joshi is upset with the recent happenings but also mentions that he has been preparing for an exit for sometime now.
A government statement posted late in the night said that Joshi has been appointed Chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification "in an honorary capacity from August 11, 2017 for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier".
National Award winning actress Vidya Balan has been appointed as part of the reconstituted CBFC.
In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, Nihalani expressed his thoughts on the issue. He said, "I didn't know about it. When I got the charge back then also I got to know through media and now that someone else has been appointed- this also I am getting to know through media. I have nothing to say and I respect Indian government's orders."
He added, "I am not at all upset with it. 98% of the film industry was happy with my work, it was just 2% that are unhappy. But I wish them all the best. And har kisi ke kaam mein ache aur bure ki pehchaan hoti hai (everyone gets criticized and praised for their work). Let them enjoy and wish all those producers who think I haven't done good job. There has been no direct communication with me at all. Nothing is my hand, it is government's decision. I didn't come here to be permanent. Whatever the responsibilities they gave me, I did it with all sincerity and entirety. My staff has supported me and CBFC became corruption free and online certification also became transparent (under my leadership)."
He further said, "I have recommended it earlier too that we should have a fixed rating scale. Government hasn't done anything new. If they wanted to do something, they would have listened to my request. I have adopted the rule book that they gave me and the name is Censor Board of Film Certification. My team members and me followed it. Previous members didn't follow it. I have implemented it."
Nihalani, who has been a film producer and describes himself on Twitter as "true Indian", took over as CBFC chairperson in 2015 from danseuse Leela Samson, a year after Modi became the Prime Minister.
Hollywood movie Fifty Shades Of Grey became the first victim to Nihalani's ways of censorship. It was not allowed to release in India over its erotic content. Some other movies that faced his wrath were NH10, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Aligarh, Udta Punjab, Haraamkhor, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Indu Sarkar and Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.
