Will rather sell underwear than seek publicity: Aligarh director Hansal Mehta hits out at Pahlaj Nihalani

Aligarh director Hansal Mehta has slammed Censor Board chief Pahlaj Nihalani's comments calling Hansal Mehta's demand of U/A certificate for the movie a cheap publicity stunt.

Mehta told The Indian Express that if opposing an A-certificate is a cheap trick, then the board can put a stop to it by giving the right certificate that the movie rightfully deserves. "If I had to derive publicity from Pahlaj Nihalani, then all the years I have spent making films would be nothing but a waste of time. I would rather sell underwear on the streets than use Mr. Nihalani for publicity."

Aligarh stars Manoj Bajpayee as professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was fired from his job because of his sexual orientation. The movie deals with the delicate subject of homosexuality.

Mehta had asked for a U/A certificate because he wanted youngsters to watch the movie and understand questions about their own sexuality.

After getting the A certificate for the movie, Mehta had said, "This is an attempt to thwart my promotion. They cannot ban the film because my film does not in any way go against the guidelines of the Cinematograph Act."

Mehta has now decided to approach the Tribunal for redressing his grievances.