Throwback: When Pahlaj Nihalani called Anil Kapoor a liar: “People were desperate to work with me, and Anil Kapoor was one of them.”

Former CBFC chairperson and veteran filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani has often found himself at the centre of controversies. In an old conversation, he made strong remarks about actor Anil Kapoor and producer Boney Kapoor. He revisited Anil’s comments about the film Andaz and also accused Boney Kapoor of creating hurdles in his professional association with Madhuri Dixit.

What he said about Anil Kapoor

In his earlier interview with journalist Vickey Lalwani, Nihalani strongly disputed Anil Kapoor’s claim that he had objected to shooting a song with bold lyrics and choreography in Andaz. The filmmaker insisted the actor never raised any concerns.




He said, “I know of this interview. I told him off also once. He called Andaz a B-grade movie. He was desperate to do it. Karisma begged me to be in it. People were desperate to work with me, and Anil Kapoor was one of them. He’s done so many B-grade movies in his life, how can he say he did Andaz for money?”

He further added, “He’s jhootha number one. This never happened. He must’ve heard the song ‘Khada Hai Khada Hai’ 50 times before we shot it. He’d say, ‘This song will make our film a hit.’”

What he said about Boney Kapoor

The filmmaker also criticised Boney Kapoor, accusing him of spreading rumours about him. He recalled giving Madhuri Dixit an early break and even arranging a secretary for her.

He said, “I signed Madhuri Dixit. I was the one who found her a secretary. She was about to do my movie, but people created problems. Boney Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Subhash Ghai and the lot spread the rumour that Govinda wouldn’t want to work with a newcomer like her. I signed her, I got her a secretary, I offered her a role, but she backed out. They trapped her with their lies. Madhuri, the poor girl, was a ‘gungi’. But Boney and his gang trapped her. Then I hired Neelam.”

His work across decades

Pahlaj Nihalani has an extensive body of work. Over the years, he has delivered many commercial films across action, drama, and romance. His filmography includes Aandhi Toofan, Ilzaam, Aag Hi Aag, First Love Letter, Shola Aur Shabnam, Andaz, Dil Tera Diwana, Khushboo, Talaash, and many more.



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