Pahlaj Nihalani sues Suhel Seth

The chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, Pahlaj Nihalani has, in recent times, seen no dearth of insults and defamatory comments being made against him.

And while he chose not to react to most of it, he is contemplating strong legal action against author-socialite Suhel Seth for calling him the ‘biggest dolt’ and a ‘bulldog having breathing issues’ in his column in a Mumbai tabloid.

Says Pahlaj, “Under normal circumstances, I’d have ignored these comments. Who takes Suhel seriously? But my wife and family feel the gentleman has crossed the line of decency. It’s one thing for him to criticise my work and films, totally something else to make such derogatory personal remarks. Is this the freedom of speech we so want to protect and preserve in our country?”

He confirms taking legal action against Seth. “My lawyer is looking at the strongest possible legal action against Mr Seth. He needs to be told that there is a difference between constructive criticism which I am all for, and vilification. I am surprised the newspaper in question allowed such language to  be used,” he concludes.