I & B Minister denies asking for Pahlaj Nihalani’s ouster, Nihalani cries for foul

By Subhash K. Jha -

March 18, 2015 - 10:59 AM IST

I & B Minister denies asking for Pahlaj Nihalani’s ouster, Nihalani cries for foul

The Minister for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore, who flew to Mumbai on Monday, for a meeting with film producers on the problems faced by the film industry is appalled by reports in a section of the Mumbai press suggesting that he 'hinted' at the ouster of the CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani.

Describing the reports of the meeting with producers that was held behind closed doors, without media presence, as "incorrect", Rajyavardhan Rathore says the prospect of Nihalani's removal was not even discussed.

I & B Minister denies asking for Pahlaj Nihalani’s ouster, Nihalani cries for foul

Says Rathore, "This report is false. I told them (the producers) to not discuss individuals, only issues."

Nihalani, on his part, is playing it cool. "Let them try to get rid of me. The I & B ministry is aware of what I am doing and who are the people who want me out. The brokers and middlemen are conspiring with the disgruntled elements in the CBFC to create bad blood between me and the film fraternity. But they forget I've been a part of the film industry for many decades. No film producer will doubt my integrity."

Mr. Nihalani is baffled by Anushka Sharma's continuous tirade against the CBFC, "We were very fair to her film NH10. We suggested no major cuts and we certainly did not hamper the release. In fact, we went out of our way to ensure her film gets released on time."