In the year 1993, director Subhash Ghai released his much-anticipated film Khalnayak in theatres. The movie performed phenomenally at the box office and achieved massive commercial success. It featured prominent stars like Sanjay Dutt, Madhuri Dixit, and Jackie Shroff. However, alongside its immense popularity, the film also became embroiled in severe controversies. The song that is celebrated today as a massive blockbuster faced an equally intense backlash back then.
The track Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai, featuring Madhuri Dixit, was accused of vulgarity upon its release. Several organizations took to the streets in protest, triggering widespread demonstrations and chaos across the country. Years after the controversy, director Subhash Ghai recalled how Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray came to his rescue during that turbulent period.
Over 32 Organizations Lodged Fierce Protests
Subhash Ghai recently recalled that more than 32 different organizations strongly protested against Khalnayak ahead of its release. There was immense uproar everywhere, and the Shiv Sena was also opposed to the project. People were deeply angered by the track, leaving the filmmaker in a tight spot. To navigate the crisis, Subhash Ghai approached Bal Thackeray and requested him to watch the movie once.
In an interview, Subhash Ghai shared that over 32 groups opposed the song with a single demand that the film must not be allowed to hit theatres. He mentioned that he struggled immensely to secure a theatrical release. He met representatives from all 32 organizations as protests erupted from Pune to Delhi. Women-led groups, in particular, were furious. He made only one request to everyone, asking them to watch the movie first. Contrary to what people assumed, the film contained nothing of that sort, yet everyone labeled the song vulgar.
Bal Thackeray Intervention Turned the Tide
Recalling those tense moments, Subhash Ghai revealed that when members of the Shiv Sena opposed the film, he went directly to Balasaheb Thackeray. He asked him to watch the film before forming an opinion. Thackeray agreed and watched the movie. The very next day, an article about the film was published in the Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana. The piece stated that the film was beautiful and that what was in the song remained in the song. He reprimanded his own party members over the protests, which completely transformed the atmosphere.
Considered a Folk Song by the Director
Subhash Ghai never considered Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai to be vulgar, viewing it instead as a traditional folk song. The director admitted that he initially feared the Censor Board would cut the track from the movie, but that did not happen. He explained that similar songs are traditionally sung in various parts of India, particularly in certain regions of Bihar.
