The film 'Halnayak', created by Subhash Ghai in 1993, faced strong public indignation due to one of its songs. The conflict arose because the lyrics of this song were deemed 'vulgar,' leading to demands to take action against the film's creators. This concerned Madhuri Dixit's most famous song, 'Choli Ke Peeche Kaiya Ha.'
The controversy surrounding Madhuri's song generated such resonance that it required the involvement of Baal Thakre, the then leader of Shiv Sena. Recently, Subhash Ghai recalled this polemic again during an interview with Times Now.
He stated that 32 different organizations across the country protested against the film because of this song and demanded its ban. The director noted that he had to make significant efforts for the film to be released, requiring him to meet with all these 32 organizations. The protests began in Pune and Delhi, particularly from women's associations.
Subhash Ghai explained that he tried to convince the protesters to watch the film, stating that it was not what they portrayed but merely artistic expression. However, opponents insisted that the song was too indecent. Furthermore, the director had to face opposition from the Shiv Sena party itself, after which he approached Baal Thakre.
The director clarified that since members of Shiv Sena were also against the film, he turned to Balasaheb Thakre. He asked him to watch the film 'Halnayak.' After watching, Balasaheb Thakre wrote in the party's official publication 'Samna' that viewers could interpret the film and the song as they wished, but emphasized that the film was beautiful, and the song 'Choli Ke Peeche' remained as it was.
According to Subhash Ghai, Baal Thakre criticized the entire Shiv Sena party on this matter, after which the atmosphere surrounding the film completely changed. The director also presented his view on the accusations of vulgarity regarding the song 'Choli Ke Peeche Kaiya Ha.' He added that he feared the censorship board would remove the song, but this did not happen.
He explained that when the song was recorded and shot, no one thought it was indecent; they viewed it as a folk song. He mentioned that women in some areas of Bihar sing similar songs together, whether they are aunts, nieces, or other family women. Given the plot of the film and the circumstances of that scene, this song was extremely important to him.
It is worth noting that the main roles in the film 'Halnayak' were played by Sanjay Dutt, Jackie Shroff, and Madhuri Dixit. The film was a big success at the box office. Currently, Sanjay Dutt will appear again in the role of the villain, as he has announced the creation of a second part.