Daijiworld Media Network - Entertainment

Mumbai, Mar 18: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pankaj Nihalani seemed surprised when asked about his apparently imminent resignation, and brushed it all off with a laugh. Having taken up office as the chief of CBFC, barely three months ago, Nihalani insists that the board has been working quite systematically.

The CBFC has not been the crowd favourite in recent times and its chief has been even less so. The veteran filmmaker seems to have come under fire from the film fraternity who have not taken well to the numerous censor cuts that recent films have suffered. The members of the board too have been making noises about his authoritarian way of working. They deeply resented not being consulted on major decisions and more so before, said decisions were made public.

Nihalani responded by saying, “Since the time I have taken charge, the board has been working in a systematic fashion. I am doing my job according to rules and ­regulations. All the films till March 4 have been given certification, which shows our efficiency. Producers are also happy that their movie ­trailers are getting a clearance within 24 hrs. I value the ­opinion of my board members. If some members have a difference of opinion, they are welcome to discuss. Those who are creating unrest have their own axe to grind.”

Some of the actors and directors were known to have met with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore with regards to removing Nihalani from his post. When approached though, they denied the ousting of the chief of CBFC being part of their talks with the minister.