Friday, March 18 2005 20:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: The ban imposed by the Producers' Guild on actor Shakti Kapoor in the wake of a TV expose, where he purportedly named some actors and directors being involved in casting couch, has been withdrawn, said filmmaker Nihalani in Mumbai today (March 18, 2005). "The film industry will not boycott the disgraced actor and was unanimous in supporting him as he had been targetted", Nihalani told reporters.

Asked if Subhash Ghai and Yash Chopra, named by the actor, would be working with Kapoor, Nihalani said the two were part of the industry.

Stating that the expose was aimed at boosting the TRP of the channel, Nihalani said the channel had tried to indulge in a similar operation by "recording sexual escapades of politicians". "But since it failed to evoke a response, the channel turned to film-stars as they are famous", he added.

"Who is Shakti Kapoor to comment on the whole film industry when he himself has just 2-3 movies on his hand?" Nihalani asked.

Nihalani today clarified that the earlier statement on banning Kapoor was made in the heat of the moment.

Actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha has told him (Nihalani) that he has spoken to the channel, which has assured him not to air any more such videos, Nihalani said.

"We have always been victims, be it of the underworld or anything else. Our lives are constantly being played across on newspapers," Nihalani remarked.