I’m happy for creative people: Pahlaj Nihalani

Nihalani categorically rubbished reports of a personal animosity with Anurag Kashyap, co-producer of Udta Punjab

As the Bombay high court on Monday overruled the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)-recommended 13 cuts for the film Udta Punjab and cleared it for release with one cut and three disclaimers by the film-makers, the man of the centre of the controversy, CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani, said he was happy for the “creative people involved with the film”.

The Central Board of Film Certification chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani categorically rubbished reports of a personal animosity with Anurag Kashyap, co-producer of Udta Punjab. (File photo)

“We respect the court order and will proceed as per its directives. I am happy for the industry [Bollywood] and the creative people involved with the film [Udta Punjab],” Nihalani told Hindustan Times over the phone from Bhopal.

“The decision [about the cuts] was taken unanimously by the revising committee, which had seen the film. We were simply following the rule book. When the new rules recommended by Shyam Benegal come into effect, we will implement them,” said Nihalani.

“Besides being the CBFC chief, I am also a producer so even if it’s me who makes certain kind of films, I will also face the same situation.”

Nihalani categorically rubbished reports of a personal animosity with Anurag Kashyap, co-producer of Udta Punjab.

“I have never met him. He has been fighting the CBFC since his first film Paanch. This is the first time he has emerged the winning side.”