Udta Punjab row | Pahlaj Nihalani is only following the guidelines: Shatrughan Sinha defends CBFC Chairman

With a large section of Bollywood up in arms against Pahlaj Nihalani over his policies, actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha, defended the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairman, saying he is only following the guidelines laid down by the government. "Filmmakers who are attacking him (Nihlani), forget that he has not made the rules. He is only following the guidelines laid down by the government. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't like the message," Sinha said.

Defending his 'close friend', the BJP Patna Sahib MP said that Nihalani is dutifully and beautifully playing his part as the CBFC chairman. "Why there is a huge outcry to sack Pahlaj Nihalani? He is only doing his duty. One should ask the government to change the guidelines," he said.

Sinha further said that the entire controversy surrounding Udta Punjab has only benefitted the film and its makers. "I consider Anurag Kashyap as sensitive filmmaker. If Udta Punjab is focusing on drug problem, I believe its sincere attempt," he added.