Pahlaj Nihalani speaks up on the ‘Padmavati’ row, says the incident will be a big blow to Rajasthan tourism

Pahlaj Nihalani, a veteran filmmaker and the chairperson of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), opened up about the recent incident where Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Padmavati' shoot was interrupted by Karni Sena activists in Jaipur. Condemning the attack, Nihalani was in all praise of the filmmaker and said that the incident is a big blow to Rajasthan tourism.

Nihalani, in praise of SLB's work, opined, "Sanjay Bhansali has taken our cinema to every corner of the world. He is celebrated as a genius all over the world. And look at how much he has done for tourism in India."

He further added, "His 'Khamoshi: The Musical' and 'Guzaarish' were shot in Goa and promoted the beauty of the coastal paradise. 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' promoted Gujarati culture. 'Bajirao Mastani' took the Maratha warrior's story all over the world. "And now, 'Padmavati' is all set to open a new chapter of our rich heritage and culture in Rajasthan. But will the lumpen elements allow Bhansali to shoot in Rajasthan? Will he ever go back there? This is a big blow to Rajasthan's tourism. Once the state government had agreed to let Bhansali shoot in Jaipur, it was their responsibility to provide him protection."

Questioning the security of filmmakers who shoot their films in India, Nihalani said, "Fiji, Mauritius and South Africa provide every safety and subsidy for Indian film shoots. In India, forget subsidies, even the well-being of your crew and equipment is not ensured."