People who are rejoicing filmmaker and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani’s exit from the Censor Board, may have short-lived joy, feels Bollywood PR guru Dale Bhagwagar.

“I think, more than Pahlaj Nihalani’s, this is the loss of those filmmakers who USED Censor Board to create controversy to hype their not-so-good films. Publicists hype such controversies for filmmakers all the time,” says Dale.

Going on to explain the scenario, the public relations expert points out, “See, the CBFC rules are the same. Pahlaj Nihalani was just following them. Since he took over at a time when the government changed with a nationalistic flavour, it all got noticed more. Even earlier, there has been constant issues filmmakers have had with Censor Board chiefs. This time, there is one more aspect which makes it look larger-than-ever. And that is the widespread use of internet broadband, 3G and 4G mobile connections.”

The Bollywood PR adds, “With more and more people interacting and reacting, the noise has become louder. Pahlaj Nihalani neither made the rules, nor changed them. Even Prasoon Joshi can’t change them on his own. But yes, since we are living in a world where perception is reality, with a subdued demeanour, he may sure give out a perception of being more considerate or lenient.”

“But again, it will be a perception. Rules will be the same. And whether they ought to change or not, is a whole different debate altogether,” he concludes.

As a matter of fact, Dale’s words have already begun coming true. The new chief is already in the line of ire and public fire. After various reports about Prasoon Joshi not turning up at office on the first day after his appointment as the CBFC chairman, he had to give out a clarification in the media that his role is not of a micromanager, but that of a guide.