I would rather sell underwear than seek publicity from Nihalani: Hansal Mehta

Mumbai: In continuing war of words, director Hansal Mehta today hit back at censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani, saying he would rather quit filmmaking than seek publicity from him.

Nihalani had accused Mehta of trying to garner publicity by making an issue out of the 'A' certificate given to the trailer of his upcoming movie 'Aligarh,' based on the real-life incident of professor Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, who was fired from his job because of his alleged sexual orientation.

Read: 'Aligarh' controversy cheap publicity stunt by Mehta: Pahlaj Nihalani

"They (censor board) are not understanding my anger. About Nihalani's comments that I am seeking cheap publicity, I would rather hang my boots, get retired and sell underwear than seek publicity from him," Mehta told.

The 47-year-old director said he was "surprised" by the cuts the board asked for in the Manoj Bajpayee-starrer and is planning to approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT).

"I don't accept the cuts they have asked for. I will go to the tribunal. The film has been made with an honest intention. The cuts, whether visual or verbal, hamper the narrative, the characters in the film. Censorship is certification, not cutting," he said.