Mumbai: Producer of the controversial film 'Ek Chhoti Si Love Story' Shashilal Nair has informed Mumbai High Court that he was compelled to approach Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray after party activists allegedly attacked theatres screening the film and said that he had suffered a loss of Rs 8 crore.

In an affidavit, Nair said that he had no intention to approach any extra- Constitutional authority to settle his dispute with actress Manisha Koirala over "objectionable" scenes in the film. However, he had no choice but to approach Thackeray as Manisha had already sought his help.

Nair has urged the HC to direct Manisha to deposit a certain sum as security to recover damages from her because "she is a citizen of Nepal and may leave India any time". The producer said that he had already suffered a loss of Rs 8 crore.

The affidavit was filed in the court of justices R M Lodha and Dilip Bhosale in reply to contempt notices issued suo moto by the judges against him and Manisha for taking their dispute to a third person for settlement when the matter was sub judice.

In the affidavit, Nair said that after Manisha had approached Thackeray, Shiv Saniks, led by Sanjay Nirupam, MP, allegedly attacked several theatres. Theatre owners stopped exhibiting the movie on account of threats issued by Shiv Sainiks.

Nair said that he never intended to meet Thackeray. "I was dragged into the controversy compelling me to place the correct facts before Shiv Sena chief as Manisha had approached him and sought his help," he said.

The court will hear Manisha on October 17.

PTI