Pahlaj Nihalani files complaint against reporter, accused alleges CBFC chief misbehaved

Chief of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), Pahlaj Nihalani, has filed a police complaint against a journalist alleging harassment, intimidation and breach of privacy.

According to reports, Nihalani’s complaint claims the reporter “continuously harassed” him in his “office building premise… exceeding all levels courteous behaviour… and bullying the security guards and office staff into letting her enter”.

The reporter on the other hand, has claimed the CBFC chief misbehaved with her. Media reports suggest the Mumbai reporter and her editor have said that Nihalani “grabbed her arm, misbehaved and threatened her”.

“Asking questions cannot be labelled as exploitation and I won't be intimidated by the case,” the reporter added.

Ever since NIhalani was appointed CBFC chief in 2015 after previous chairperson, Leela Samson, quit, he has been the centre of controversies. From suggested dozens of cuts be made in A-rated films like Udta Punjab to Babumoshai Bandookbaaz and Lipstick Under My Burkha, he has often been a roadblock to freedom of expression through films, and has even refused to grant certificates to movies like Lipstick... and Haraamkhor, citing reasons ranging from the content being too ‘lady-oriented’ to it not being suitable for a ‘sanskaari’ (traditional) audience.

A committee was formed last year, under filmmaker Shyam Benegal to suggest changes in the guidelines of the working procedure for CBFC. However, the recommendations are yet to be implemented.