Nihalani vs Lipstick Under My Burkha: Won’t succumb to social media trolls

CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani says it’s the content of the film Lipstick Under My Burkha that is problematic and not the use of the word ‘burkha’ in the title; says he would not give in to social media pressure.

Pahlaj Nihalani has finally addressed the controversy around the upcoming Prakash Jha film, Lipstick Under My Burkha. The CBFC chief said to ANI that while he supports women empowerment, he doesn’t believe that the film is taking the right approach. He also said that he would “not succumb to social media pressure.”

Pahlaj Nihalani has finally spoken on the Lipstick Under My Burkha controversy. (Hindustan Times)

The statement comes after CBFC has refused to certify Lipstick Under My Burkha, for its reported sexual scenes, abusive words and audio pornography. The movie’s trailer had garnered praises from film fraternity for depicting the secrets of small-town women.

“Objection is on content not on word ‘burkha’ in title. In favour of women empowerment, but the projection not right,” he said.

Nihalani also accused media of not doing enough research on the topic before conducting debates on the same. “Debates are running on TV channels but they have not done their homework on CBFC guidelines,” he added.

Nihalani, who is often trolled on social media for being a protector of Indian traditions, maintained the same stance on this issue as well. “Hindustan ki parampara ko aage rakh ke film banaye. Festival me film dikhao taali bajti hai par theatre me public nahi aati. (Make films keeping the Indian traditions ahead. People applaud a film in festivals but no one comes to watch it in theatres),” he said.

He also had a strong message for those accusing him of being narrow-minded: “Arey mujhe hata do,farak nahi padta, lekin main imaandari se apna kaam karta rahunga (Remove me from my position, I don’t care. I will continue doing my work with honesty)”

The Central Board of Film Certification has “refused” to clear Lipstick Under My Burkha, saying the “story is lady-oriented” and “their fantasy above life”.

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