The Indian Film and Television Director's Association came out in support of Udta Punjab.
The Indian Film and Television Director's Association and the cast of controversial film 'Udta Punjab' came out in support of the film and slammed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for not clearing Abhishek Chaubey's film revolving around the drug problem in Punjab.
Addressing the press conference were Anurag Kashyap, Ashok Pandit, Mukesh Bhatt, Mahesh Bhatt, Satish Kaushik and Rahul Dholakia alongwith the cast of the film, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
Earlier in the day, CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani had alleged that he had heard that filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has taken money from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
"I've heard Anurag Kashyap has taken money from AAP to show Punjab in bad light," Nihalani claimed.
When asked about Kashyap's remarks that he acts like a dictator, Nihalani said, "I can't comment on someone's personal opinion. It is their own choice. People are fighting over freedom of speech and expression. It's their responsibility. But a film goes to public exhibition and we act according to the rules made by the government."
Responding to this allegation, at the press conference Kashyap said, "I feel ashamed in even defending myself on such an allegation."
Veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt at the conference said, "We can't turn into a Saudi Arabia where there is opulence but no free thought in society."
Rahul Dholakia said that they make films based on what is happening in the society and not out of their imagination. "Films we make are based on what happens in society, we don't imagine or create," said Dholakia.
Shahid Kapoor said that the message Udta Punjab is trying to send out should be supported. Ashok Pandit demanded an apology from Nihalani for accusing Anurag Kashyap of having taken money from AAP.
"We demand that Pahlaj Nihalani apologise for this statement, it is an insult to entire film industry," said Pandit.
Bollywood veteran Mukesh Bhatt demanded Nihalani's removal from his post of CBFC.
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