Censor chief Pahlaj Nihalani, once again under attack for the severe censoring of Udta Punjabi finally speaks up on the issue in an interview.
You are once again being condemned , this time for ordering 89 cuts in Udta Punjab…or is ot 90?
Who has counted these cuts? The producers of Udta Punjab have not even implemented any cuts in the film as yet. So how does the media know about the number of cuts in the film? It’s like doing a sex-determination test for an unborn baby.It’s unethical and illegal.And just who are these people screaming against the CBFC(Censor Board Of Film Certification)?
Anurag Kashyap for one?
I haven’t met him even once about Udta Punjab .We’ve never spoken on this matter. In the past when a film produced by him NH 10 was in censor trouble I did my best to help him follow the censor guidelines. When there was objection to his title Bombay Velvet we at the CBFC passed the title to ensure Mr Kashyap’s creative urges do not get suppressed. Now when he is not getting his way with the CBFC I am the biggest villain in the creative world.So be it. Mr Kashyap is like a child being denied a toy.He loves to make a noise every a film directed or produced by him is released.And since he makes a LOT of movies he also makes a LOT of noise. I believe he has called me an extremely egotistical man. A lot of people feel the same about him.
Kashyap feels you run the CBFC like your personal fiefdom?
Says who? Ashoke Pandit? The man whom Kashyap hails as a sensible voice in the CBFC just because Panditis opposing the CBFC’s decision to not allow Punjab to be vilified in Udta Punjab. It’s like that filmmaker who thinks the only critic who understands his film is the one who praises his film.
Could you tell us what exactly are the cuts that the CBFC wants?
Tell me something. Do all those tv anchors and their panelists who are shouting down the CBFC and calling me all sorts of names,understand what they are talking about? Do they know the issues involved? Learned panelists on tv discussions where everyone screams everyone else down, says if today Mother India or Dilli Ka Thug was to be made we’d object to ‘India’ and ‘Dilli’. Sounds very clever. But these were stories of one individual. UdtaPunjab claims to mirror the truth about the whole of Punjab. According to the film 70 percent of the youngsters are drug addicts. Where did they get this figure from? The film’s dialogue explicity states Punjab isbanjar(barren) land and the people there are kanjar(wayward, promiscuous). Tell me , is this not vilifying the whole of Punjab?
But the makers of Udta Punjab have put a disclaimer at the beginning saying it’s all a work of fiction?
What is the disclaimer worth when after claiming to be a work of fiction the film proceeds to name every major town in Punjab from Amritsar to Taran Taran as a drug den? How is it a work of fiction when you are naming real towns from Punjab? When Kashyap and his gang of Wasseypur calls me egotistical and someone calledSuhel Seth feels I have “feeble intellect” I’d like them to use their highly developed intelligence to understand that the CBFC is not controlled by me. There ‘s a committee which I head . Yes, I’ve the final authority to ask for changes before certification.It’s an authority given to me by the government. I repeat for the umpteenth time, I am only following the guidelines. And I’ll continue to do so even if intellectuals like Kashyap and Seth abuse me for doing my job.
So what happens to Udta Punjab? Does it release on time on June 17?
The CBFC has never stopped any film from being released on time. When Udta Punjab came to us for certification we found the film carpeted with the filthiest abuses. Almost every line that Shahid Kapoor speaks is filled with the most explicit abuses and gaalis that even I had never heard. We said, ok, let him abuse when his character is under the influence of drugs. But why should he talk like that when normal? Who speaks like that in everyday conversations? We’ve even allowed Alia Bhatt to abuse. But we couldn’t allow Punjab to be damned and labeled a drug haven.
Kashyap says he won’t take a single cut?
Let him fight it out. Then don’t blame us for the delay in release. It wasn’t Kashyap who came to us for censoring. Jeetendraji on behalf of Balaji Telefilms and the film’s director Abhishek Choubey came for the censoring.We suggested the cuts which they agreed to take and promised to return after making the cuts. But instead Anurag Kashyap decided to go to the media. He wants to now why we haven’t given him a formal letter about the cuts. It’s because the film is with the Revising Committee. Until they come to a decision we cannot issue a formal letter.
Will the film be allowed to be called Udta Punjab?
All those who are talking about creative freedom should first see the film. How are they discussing Udta Punjabwithout seeing the context in which we have suggested the cuts?
Are you under pressure from the government to stop Udta Punjab?
Let me make this very clear. There is no political pressure whatsoever on the censor board regarding UdtaPunjab. The CBFC is being allowed to do its job. Anurag Kashyap approached Mr Arun Jaitley . But it was made very clear that the government does not interfere in censorship. If Kashyap and his colleagues have their creative freedom the CBFC too has its freedom to do its job.You do your job. Let us do our job.

Exclusive Premium Content
Rakesh Roshan: “Everything I Know About Acting & Direction, I Learnt From K Vishwanathji”

The mighty moviemaker K Vishwanath who was to Telugu cinema what Satyajit Ray was to Bengali cinema, passed away on February 2,leaving behind a luminous legacy.
Acto-director Rakesh Roshan who had the rare honour of working in four projects with Vishwanath recalls him with tremendous respect. “Everything I know about acting and direction I learnt from him. He was a stalwart , an institution, and so passionate about his work. I had the privilege of being directed by him in two films Aurat Aurat Aurat and Shubh Kamna. He would show his actors exactly what he wanted, down to the minutest gesture.His understanding of the medium was extraordinary.”
Rakesh Roshan remembers how he invited Vishwanath to make films for him. “I produced two films that Vishwanathji directed. One was Kaamchor, the other was Jaag Utha Insaan.While the first was a runaway success, the second didn’t do well.”
Speaking on how Kaamchor happened Rakesh recalls, “Vishwanathji and I used to meet socially in Hyderabad.We wanted to work together. But we had no script.One evening when we met he looked very depressed. When I asked him what was wrong, he said his new release Shubodayam (in Telugu) had flopped. That night I went to see Shobodayam in a theatre in Hyderabad. The next morning I told Vishwanathji, ‘We’ve found our script’. I told him where the storytelling in Shubhodayam had gone wrong.We corrected the script and that’s how Kaamchor happened. Although the entire story revolved around me, it was Jaya Prada who benefited from Kaamchor.”
About the beautiful Jaag Utha Insaan , Rakesh Roshan admits bluntly, “It flopped because of miscasting. During those days Sridevi was known in Hindi cinema as a glamorous heroine. We cast her as classical dancer. Mithun Chakraborty had the image of Gun Master G-9 and Disco Dancer.We cast him as a downtrodden underdog. I was known for Kaamchor and other citybred characters,I was cast as a Brahmin pandit.With other actors Jaag Utha Insaan would have been a superhit”
Rakesh met K Vishwanath six years ago. “We were shooting for Krissh in Hyderabad. He came on the set several times. We had so much to say to each other. After that we lost contact. He was very very busy with many projects. K Vishwanathji lived for his cinema.”
Exclusive Premium Content
As His Latest Work Faraaz Releases Today, Hansal Mehta Speaks To Subhash K Jha On The Exciting Times Ahead

Hansal, Faraaz is your fifteenth directorial venture. How does it feel to have come so far with so many milestones behind you?
I don’t count my films. Genuinely. Every film is a new beginning. Every film has its share of uncertainty and nerves. Perhaps it is also because of the choices I make. There is no scope for either complacency or me carrying a false sense of security. I’m not complaining,though. Living life on the edge keeps me going.
I consider Faraaz to be a part of your great trilogy on the dynamics of terrorism, after Shahid and Omerta…where do you see Faraaz positioned in your creative ambit?
Thank you , Subhash.Faraaz is a film I’m very, very proud of. It was a challenge to pull off, a tough journey but creatively a very satisfying one. As Rajkummar Rao told me after watching the film , the Trilogy is complete now. Time to explore new stories and new characters. And finish post-production for all the exciting things that we shot for over the past eighteen months.
Out of curiosity which of your films have given you the most creative satisfaction?
Almost every film Shahid onwards has been immensely satisfying , both in terms of process and the outcome. Save a couple that I need not name. But even those I own for all their flaws, failures, deficiencies and redeeming qualities. But Faraaz has been a great process. I’ve made so many new friends in this journey and found some of the most exciting colleagues that I’m proud to introduce through the film. Writers Raghav Kakkar and Kashyap Kapoor (who co-wrote the film with Ritesh Shah), Cinematographer Pratham Mehta, Sound Designer Mandar Kulkarni, Editor Amitesh Mukherjee, co-producers Sahil, Maz and Sakshi – all of whom have given their blood and sweat to make this film happen. And of course Anubhav Sinha one of my oldest friends in the industry who backed me in telling this story just the way I wanted it. So yes, Faraaz has been satisfying and also filled me with a deep sense of gratitude. I must have done something right, no?
Of course. Faraaz has a lot of young new actors in it. Tell me about the process of casting in this film? It couldn’t have been easy since there are dozens of faces?
That was the challenge and the joy of making this film. I worked on the story during Chhalaang and I always knew that it would be a return to my indie roots for Faraaz. The film had to be made. And it needed fresh faces, bereft of image or trappings of stardom. A huge credit to Mukesh Chhabra who has a huge role to play in my filmography since Shahid. We constantly challenge each other and never ever give up. Casting is a process I really enjoy and finding the right talent to bring characters alive is something I thrive upon. Faraaz has an amazing ensemble. Right from Aditya Rawal , Zahan Kapoor, Juhi Babbar to every small character in the film including the officers, parents and the hostages this one is a triumph of honest casting , casting without an eye on profits, simply in service of the film, of the character.
Faraaz is about a terror attack in Bangladesh?how do you respond to those who want to know, why Bangladesh?
In our research of this dastardly attack we realised that here was a story that had a larger message and something very universal to share. Misguided youth taking up violence in the name of religion or a parent’s love for her child or the unexpected bravery from an unlikely hero are themes that cannot be limited by borders, nationality or language. These stories must be told. They must transcend the limitations of perceived local relevance – particularly when our polarised times need such stories to be told to a larger audience.
In 2020, your OTT series Scam 1992 proved to b e game changer. Do you see Scam as a turning point in your career?
I see Scam 1992 as an enabler. We did not expect its humongous success and to say it did not change things would be fake humility. It gave me back a lot of things I had lost in the years before it released. Including some money. And the courage to tell the stories I desperately wanted to. Also exceptional friends and collaborators like Sameer Nair and his Studio Applause.
Your films and your attitude to cinema has always been fearless. How do you cope with the threat of growing intolerance in our society vis a vis your convictions as a filmmaker?
It is not new to me. Remember Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar in 2000? The only difference now is that then I was deeply affected by the intolerance to a point of self destruction. Now I channelise my despair and anger into telling relevant stories and through them taking on those who have made it a business to be intolerant.
Exclusive Premium Content
To Attend Siddharth-Kiara’s Destination Wedding, Karan Johar Preponed His Twins’s Birthday Bash

For those who are wondering why Karan Johar hosted the grand birthday party for his twins Roohi and Yash who will turn 6 on 7 February, six days in advance on 1 February here is why: on the day of his twins’ birthday, Karan will be in Rajasthan attending the wedding celebrations of his dear friends Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani who are getting married on February 6.
Reveals a friend close to Karan, “Karan was in a dilemma. To him there is nothing more important than his children’s happiness. How could he break their hearts by skipping the most important day of their lives? At the same time, how could he not attend Siddharth and Kiara’s wedding ? They are very close to him.”
Karan did the best thing possible to resolve the situation: he put the dilemma before his children Yash and Juhi who happily agreed to have their party a few days in advance so their ‘Dada’ could attend his friends’ wedding.
Exclusive Premium Content
The Big Independence Day Clash To Be Averted?

Sunny Deol, John Abraham Ranbir Kapoor and the Covid Vaccine are all set to clash at the boxoffice this Independence Day .
While the Ranbir Kapoor starrer Animal and Sunny Deol’s long-awaited Gadar sequel are both scheduled for release on August 11, John Abraham’s Tariq releases three days later on August 15.On the same day Vivek(The Kashmir Files) also releases The Covid Vaccine.
It looks like a crowded weekend, with one too many releases for audiences to choose from.
Apparently intense discussions are on among the producers of the four big films to see how the clutter can be resolved.
A source close to the development says, “Gadar 2 is the right fit for the Independence Day weekend. But the producers of Animal are in no mood to move from August 13 . John who is a co-producer on Tariq and Vivek Agnihotri with his Covid Vaccine are also adamant on coming on August 15.The Independence Day weekend is a long weekend. So let’s see…”
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Pathaan Is A Slick Spin On SRK’s Stardom
-
Bollywood News1 week ago
Undekhi A Dark Compelling Thriller Set In The Heartland
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
“Professionally, What A Year It Has Been For Me,” Raveena Tandon On Her Padma Shri
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Pathaan Collects 55 crore nett in India On Day 1
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
5 Most Relevant Patriotic Songs
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Bobby Deol’s Switchover To Villainous Roles
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Karan Johar Moves Alia Song From Switzerland To Kashmir
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Salman-Shah Rukh’s Hilarious Take On The Khan Hegemony
-
Exclusive Premium Content1 week ago
Will Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan Break All His Previous Records?
-
Exclusive Premium Content6 days ago
Jamuna Had A Love-Hate Relationship With Bollywood
-
Bollywood News1 week ago
Stephanie Beacham’s Net Worth (Updated 2021)
-
Bollywood News1 week ago
Phil Ivey’s Net Worth (Updated 2021)
-
Exclusive Premium Content6 days ago
Pink Director’s Next Featuring Yami As A Crime Reporter To Stream From February 16
-
Topics1 week ago
Watch Gehraiyaan Movie (2022) Online on Amazon Prime Video
-
Topics1 week ago
Movierulz 2021: Download Movies for Free
-
Exclusive Premium Content5 days ago
Why On Earth Is Sushmita Sen Smoking A Cigar In Aarya’s First Look?
-
Bollywood News1 week ago
Mike Lindell’s Net Worth (Updated 2021)
-
Topics1 week ago
Happy New Year 2022: Memes, Wishes, Images, Quotes, Greetings For Family and Friends
-
Exclusive Premium Content5 days ago
Shah Rukh, Deepika, John Will Meet The Media On Monday At 4 pm(But There’s A Catch)
-
Topics1 week ago
Rapper Drakeo Wiki, Biography, Age, Albums, Images