Mukesh Bhatt, on behalf of film industry, demands Nihalani’s removal

Mumbai, June 8 (IANS) Film Producers' Guild of India president Mukesh Bhatt on Wednesday appealed to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to remove Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani as, he said, Nihlani can 'only do harm to the industry'.

"This is a manipulative game; a corrupt system is prevailing in our CBFC which I have to say with a lot of shame. And if despite knowing that, Pahlaj Nihalani still sits on the chair, it is a matter of shame for him as well as for us. I appeal to the ministry that he should be removed immediately."

"I say this on behalf of the entire film industry as president of the Film Producers' Guild of India. Film industry does not want him to sit there because he doesn't deserve to," Bhatt said at a press conference organised by the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA) over the censor board's objections to upcoming film 'Udta Punjab'.

Bhatt said Nihalani kept delaying the process for 'Udta Punjab' despite being a 'film man' by taking time to watch it and not giving written approval even after watching it.

He said that the producers have invested close to Rs.60 crore in the film, which is under threat.

"Who is going to pay this? Is the government going to pay this? or the CBFC? I want Pahlaj Nihalani to answer. This is unpardonable."

"In broad daylight, we have been held to ransom by a state organisation, and this is absolutely appalling. We will not take it anymore," he added.

'Udta Punjab' has reportedly been suggested 89 cuts by the censor board.