Subhash Ghai recently reflected on one of the most challenging film releases of his career, discussing the controversies that surrounded the launch of “Khal Nayak” prior to its debut in theaters. In an interview with Times Now, Ghai detailed the significant protests against the song “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai”, the anxiety over an impending court ruling regarding the track, Sanjay Dutt’s arrest just before the film’s release, and the extortion threats he received from criminal elements.
Released in 1993, “Khal Nayak” featured prominent actors Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff, and ultimately achieved considerable success. However, its launch was marred by a unique mix of moral outrage, legal disputes, and the real-life issues facing its lead actor. The song “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” faced objections from nearly 32 organizations, and Dutt’s arrest in April 1993 under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) and the Arms Act blurred the lines between his off-screen life and his character in the film.
Ghai recounted that the response to “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” was so severe that numerous groups attempted to halt the film’s release. He recalled, “Thirty-two organizations opposed the song and sought to prevent the film from debuting. I had to engage with all of them. Protests erupted in Pune and Delhi, particularly among women’s groups. I urged them to watch the film first, insisting that it was an artistic expression, but they dismissed it as vulgar.”
In light of the protests, Ghai sought the intervention of Bal Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena, after realizing that its members were also participating in the demonstrations. “I approached Balasaheb Thackeray and asked him to view the film. After watching it, he published an article in the Shiv Sena’s publication, Saamna, stating that interpretations of the film varied but it was indeed beautiful, emphasizing that ‘what is behind the choli is what is behind the choli.’ This remark shifted the narrative considerably,” Ghai noted.
Ghai expressed concern that the controversy might lead to the removal of the song from the film. However, he clarified that neither the filmmakers nor the crew ever deemed it inappropriate. “I feared that the Censor Board might censor the song, but they allowed it. When we filmed it, no one found it vulgar; we viewed it as a folk song. In certain parts of Bihar, women sing similar songs collectively. Given the context of the film, that song was crucial for me,” he explained.
The filmmaker also recounted the tense atmosphere during a premiere event in Delhi, which coincided with ongoing legal discussions about the song. “I was anxious that the court might rule against the film’s release, despite the Censor Board’s approval. The premiere was set for 6:30 PM, and just an hour prior, the court was still deliberating. Fortunately, the verdict allowing the release came just in time for the premiere to commence,” he shared.
Ghai reminisced about reuniting with Sanjay Dutt after their earlier collaboration on “Vidhaata.” Dutt had expressed a desire to work with Ghai again and eagerly accepted the terms for “Khal Nayak.” “When I cast Sanjay, he had just delivered a hit with ‘Saajan’. I had previously worked with him in ‘Vidhaata’, which was his second film. A decade later, he approached me, expressing interest in collaborating again. I informed him about ‘Khal Nayak’ and he was keen to take part,” Ghai recalled.
Instead of negotiating typical star demands, Ghai aimed to gauge Dutt’s dedication to the project. “I told him that I wouldn’t increase his fee and needed all his dates according to my schedule. It was not about being stingy; I wanted to assess his commitment. He accepted my offer, provided the required dates, and worked tirelessly, often shooting until 2 AM. I would suggest postponing things until the next day, but he insisted on finishing the work at hand. This determination contributed to one of the most memorable roles of his career,” Ghai noted.
However, the unforeseen controversy escalated when Dutt was arrested on April 19, 1993, just months before “Khal Nayak” was set to premiere. Although he was later acquitted of TADA charges, he faced conviction under the Arms Act in a protracted legal case. Ghai remarked that this incident significantly shaped public perception, particularly since Dutt was portraying an anti-hero in the film.
Ghai acknowledged the apprehension that accompanied the film’s launch. “It is natural to feel anxious. You ponder whether the quality of your film can withstand external factors. Nonetheless, controversies are fleeting, and what ultimately matters is the film’s merit,” he concluded.
He further reflected on the era when filmmakers and actors faced threats from criminal syndicates. He noted that the film industry became a prime target due to the immediate media attention that arose from celebrity threats. “The film industry offers instant visibility to the crime world. When an actor is threatened, it quickly makes headlines, making the industry a target. However, I never felt fear. The most important thing is your own truth. Fear often stems from guilt,” Ghai remarked.
He recounted that extortionists would often approach him under the guise of admiration. “I was never intimidated. They often presented themselves as fans…”
