Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Pahlaj Nihalani reacts to Udta Punjab leak allegations

June 17, 2016 11:25 IST

Shahid KapoorAbhishek Chaubey's Udta Punjab got leaked online earlier this week after the Bombay High Court passed the controversial film with just one cut.

Many felt the Censor Board Of Film Certification was behind this leak but CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani doesn’t know whether to be amused or exasperated by the speculation.

Hitting out at those who feel he is in some way responsible for this violation of privacy, Nihalani says, "First of all, I am a producer myself. I know what it feels like to lose substantial revenue through piracy and leakage.

"Secondly, it would be outrageous and stupid of me to do something like this. To even dignify this allegation with a response is beneath my dignity," he says.

Further, he suggests that the producers should exercise more checks and curbs on the censor copy of their films.

Nihalani says, "Restrict the people who prepare, handle and travel with the censor copy. Just because the product is marked for us at the CBFC doesn’t mean we are answerable if it gets waylaid."

Subhash K Jha