A gift by the censor board chief

Audience who have managed to catch the latest Salman release in theatres, have also been treated to a condensed version of censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani’s six-minute video, Mera Desh Hai Mahaan, Mera Desh Hai Jawaan. The video is dedicated to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘stellar’ achievements, including the Make in India project and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Nihalani has been at the receiving end of backlash and mockery on social media due to the apparent psychophancy. Singer Vishal Dadlani posted, “The new Pahlaj Nihalani video about Sri 1008 Modiji, is an accurate visual representation of bhakts on socialmedia, every day. Hilarious!” Film critic Mayank Shekhar wrote, “Has anyone seen the Modi film made by Pahlaj Nihalani playing in theatres along w/ Prem Ratan. You’ve to see it to believe how tacky it is (sic).”

In his defence, Nihalani told a leading channel from India, “Main desh ke Prime Minister se khush hoon. ( I am happy with the Prime minister of the nationa) I’m a citizen of this country. Mujhe acha lag raha hai jis speed se kaam ho raha hai aur desh-videsh mein humara naam hai. ( I feel good at the speed of development and the name that India in making all over the world) This is because of Modiji’s efforts. I am proud of what I made.”

While showing the Indian PM’s achievements he has shown visuals of the Dubai Expressway, Tour De France and the International Space Shuttle. However, Nihalani clarified, “How can I create something that has not happened? I want to show how India will be in the future,” he said.