Udta Punjab row: Pained by Shatrughan Sinha's comments defending Nihalani, says Ashok Pandit

Veteran filmmaker Ashok Pandit on Monday said that he feels pained when veteran actors like Shatrughan Sinha speak against the freedom of expression of the film industry.

Pandit told ANI, "I am surprised with the statement of Shatrughan Sinha ji where he is backing the CBFC chairman. The whole industry is tensed with the whole episode of 'Udta Punjab' and Shatrughan ji said that whatever Nihalani did was correct."

"I feel pained that a senior actor like him is making a statement against freedom of expression. It would be better that if Shatruji keeps his personal equations separate," he added.

Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha earlier on Monday defended the CBFC chairman, saying he is only following the guidelines laid down by the government.

"The filmmakers, who are attacking him (Nihalani), 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 told ANI.

Defending his 'close friend' Pahlaj Nihalani, the Patna Sahib MP said the former 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.