Pahlaj Nihalani takes on the casting couch

Having bid his role as the CBFC chairperson goodbye, Pahlaj Nihalani is ready to shock the audiences as a producer. His first step back into production post-CBFC is Julie 2, a follow-up to director Deepak Shivdasani’s 2004 film Julie, which starred Neha Dhupia.

Julie 2, which deals with the casting couch in Bollywood, promises to shock purists and probably give the CBFC sleepless nights. Pahlaj, who is the presenter and all-India distributor of Julie 2, says, “Julie 2 will shock the nation. It is a true mirror of what young people have to go through in the film industry.”

Pahlaj adds, “Children from the film industry are spared for obvious reasons. But young people from outside are not spared. They promise roles to boys and girls in exchange of sexual favours on behalf of actors, producers, and casting directors.”

Now that he is on the other end, of the firing line how does Pahlaj think his film will be treated by the CBFC? “Well, it is a film for adults. So I expect an ‘A’ certificate. I would have given it and ‘A’ certificate if it came during tenure as chairperson. Hasn’t the board decided to be liberal? This is their chance to prove it.”