Controversy and Triumph: The Turbulent Journey of Subhash Ghai’s ‘Khal Nayak’

Subhash Ghai’s ‘Khal Nayak’, despite being one of his most successful films, faced significant challenges during its release. The film, featuring Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit Nene, became embroiled in controversy, particularly due to Dutt’s arrest under TADA and the Arms Act just months before its 1993 premiere. Dutt’s subsequent bail, re-arrest, and final release in October 1995 added to the film’s turbulent backdrop, with many drawing parallels between his real-life and his on-screen character, a wanted criminal.

Adding to the film’s challenges was the controversy surrounding the song ‘Choli Ke Peeche’, criticized by some for its suggestive lyrics. In a recent interview with ANI, Ghai reflected on these hurdles. He noted that while Dutt’s arrest caused a media stir, it didn’t significantly impact the film’s production, with only the last court scene pending at the time of his arrest.

“(Sanjay’s arrest) did not majorly impact the making of the film but yes there was a lot of noise in the media. I felt bad that he went to the jail. We had already finished the shooting part of the film when he got arrested…only the last court scene was in the making when all that happened,” Ghai said.

“The main hardship we faced due to ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ song. People labelled it ‘vulgar’ …protests happened. Around 32 political units came and protested against me. They demanded a ban…many even claimed that I was promoting a terrorist,” he added.

The ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ song brought its own set of difficulties, inciting protests and calls for a ban, with some accusing Ghai of vulgar content and even promoting terrorism. Ghai stood firm, urging protestors to watch the film before passing judgment and maintaining his integrity as a filmmaker. He emphasized the film’s core theme of transformation, from ‘Khal Nayak’ to ‘Nayak’, and lamented the lasting impact of such controversies in India.

‘Khal Nayak’, which also starred Jackie Shroff, celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, remaining a significant work in Ghai’s filmography despite its initial challenges.