BJP member on Censor Board demands chief Nihalani's dismissal

MUMBAI: The controversy over the Censor Board awarding 48 cuts to an upcoming Hindi feature film has revealed fissures between members of the board. A BJP member of the board has written to Union information and broadcasting minister Smriti Irani demanding the dismissal of CBFC chairman Pahlaj Nihalani, himself a BJP appointee.

On June 28 a five-member examining committee of CBFC had directed film maker Kushan Nandy to delete 48 abusive words from his film 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz', and shorten graphic intimate scenes so that it could issue an Adults or 'A' certficate. Two panelists reportedly made personal remarks about producer Kiran Shyam Shroff and her Western attire.

On August 3, the BJP's Uttar Bharatiya Morcha functionary Arjun Gupta, who was on the panel that ordered the edits, wrote to Smriti Irani demanding Nihalani's removal. Nihalani is a Modi loyalist but reportedly does not find favour with Irani who has recently taken charge.

Gupta said on Saturday, "Nihalani should have taken action immediately. I have also named the two panelists who insulted Shroff and demanded that they be dismissed too. I remained quiet during their interaction of June 28 because Shroff did not protest either. But once she spoke out one month later I felt I should support her. Let me clarify though that I agree with the 48 cuts ordered to 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz.'

Gupta is considered close to IFTDA (Indian Film and Television Directors' Association) chairman Ashoke Pandit, also a BJP supporter, who wrote a similiar letter to Irani demanding Nihalani's sacking a few days ago. IFTDA had also organised a press conference in support of 'Babumoshai' film maker Kushan Nandy four days ago.

Pandit said, "I have had a long running feud with Nihalani. He has caused enough embarrassment to the board and must be dismissed."

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