We respect Sanjay Leela Bhansali as an individual, artist: CBFC chief

Mumbai: Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chairperson Prasoon Joshi said on Friday the organisation respects filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who is facing the wrath of political parties, organisations and individuals over his forthcoming epic drama "Padmavati".

Joshi's comment comes in the wake of a letter penned by BJP member Arjun Gupta, also a CBFC member, urging Home Minister Rajnath Singh, that Bhansali should be tried for treason for distorting history.

However, the CBFC has distanced itself from the comment.

"It's unfortunate to see the personal point of view expressed by an advisory panel member of CBFC against Sanjay Leela Bhansali. By no means does it represent the point of view of CBFC as an organisation or the CBFC board. We have respect for Bhansali as an individual and artist," Joshi told IANS.

"Padmavati" is slated to release on December 1, and there is brouhaha over it as various organisations have been targeting the filmmaker for distortion of history in the movie, touted as a "historical drama".

Bhansali has repeatedly clarified that the film has no such scene between Rani Padmavati and invader Alauddin Khilji which can hurt sentiments.