I was bullied by I&B Ministry: Nihalani

Former CBFC Chairperson and producer Pahlaj Nihalani is shocked by a Parliamentary Committee's decision to question director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on Padmavati before the censor board can view the film. He claimed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had also "bullied" him during his tenure.

"By all means, the Parliamentary Committee has every right to question Bhansali or any other filmmaker. But only after the Central Board of Film Certification views and certifies the film.

"By questioning him before the censor certificate, you are challenging the authority of the CBFC as the final arbitrary body to decide the fate of a film," said Nihalani.

Nihalani feels the CBFC seems to have lost its authority. "During my tenure, I was bullied by the I&B Ministry into taking decisions.

"Now it's a free-for all. Any and every governing body can question a film. Where does that leave the CBFC?"

As for "Padmavati", Nihalani wonders where the film's persecution stops. "To how many committees is Bhansali answerable? And where does this end?

"Why is one of India's best filmmakers being made to explain himself over and over again? And why is the CBFC not taking steps to clear the air once and for all," questioned Nihalani, whose own tenure as the CBFC chief was dogged by controversies.

Shyam Rangeela no longer fears mimicking politicos

Comedian Shyam Rangeela, who was earlier barred from mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on a TV show, on Saturday said he no longer fears mimicking any political leader.

Shyam was at the Agenda Aaj Tak conclave here and mimicked Modi and Rahul. He even took a jibe at Digital India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and demonetisation.

While performing on stage in presence of Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Shyam said: "Earlier I used to fear mimicking a political leader on camera thinking whether anybody won't get offended. But, whatever happened with me (on 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge'), I got good support from all parties. I got calls saying, 'You continue doing it as you do it well'."

Shyam, who hails from Rajasthan, became popular through TV show "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge".

He got embroiled in controversies after he was stopped by Star Plus from mimicking Modi and Rahul on the show.

October' has changed me: Varun Dhawan

Actor Varun Dhawan says Shoojit Sircar's October has given him a chance to do something "different" after a long time and that it was a life-changing experience for him.

"Working with Shoojit da was my dream, which has been fulfilled now. After a long time, I have done something which is different," Varun said here on Friday on the sidelines of Filmfare Glamour and Style Awards 2017.

The shoot of October was wrapped up in Manali ahead of schedule.

Of his experience, Varun said: "It feels amazing. We wrapped up the film in 38 days. 'October' is more than a film to me. I don't want to say much about it, but this film has definitely impacted me so much as a human being. I think it has definitely changed me as a human being."

October is a slice-of-life drama which also features model Banita Sandhu. It will release on April 13 next year.

The awards night was attended by celebrities like Karan Johar, Sonakshi Sinha, Hrithik Roshan, Jaqueline Fernandez, Rekha, Sridevi, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Sonam and many more.

Asked about who he looks up to when it comes to style, Varun said: "Mr (Amitabh) Bachchan is always very well dressed. I love what Dev Anand used to wear, the kind of suits and mufflers he used to wear, and I feel so many of our yesteryear's superstars have set a benchmark for us."