IIFA 2017: Riteish Deshmukh apologises to CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani for 'watchman' joke

It was earlier reported that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani sued IIFA for defamation.

The lawsuit was in reference to a stage act performed by hosts Maneish Paul and Riteish Deshmukh during IIFA Rocks, on the eve of the award show, in which they labelled Nihalani as a watchman of the film fraternity.

Now, Deshmukh had apologised to Nihalani following the uproar. NDTV quotes him as saying, “The segment was about our film industry being a big family and who plays what role in it. Yes, there was a comment on Pahlajji. The entire act was done in good humour but if it has upset him or anyone else, I would like to tender unconditional apology.”

Though the actor has sought forgiveness, the case is still pending against IIFA. International Business Times quotes Nihalani as saying, “The matter has gone legal now, so I will say only one thing. I know when to laugh and when to make others cry. These people forget they insult not me but the position held by me as the chairperson of the CBFC. It’s time to let them know the joke is not on me.”

Nihalani had also slammed IIFA for its extravagant ways and not nominating Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar for their nuanced performances from last year.