Under fire censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani got some much needed support from an industry veteran in the form of Om Puri. The senior actor yesterday firmly stood by the Censor Board and its beleaguered chief Pahlaj Nihalani.

Lauding the chief’s decision, Puri said, “What’s the high point in saying Be******d. The essence of the film wouldn't be lost by beeping the abuses. The Censor board is doing the right thing. Maa behen gaali kehne se film hit ho jaati hai? This has now become a fashion.”

Puri chooses to connect the rising usage of abuses in films these days to comic relief that certain cuss words may have provided to some. “These words are now being more often used because perhaps in a film or two where it was used people found it hilarious.”

Puri’s upcoming political satire, Jai Ho Democracy has also had to go under the scissors of Censor Board with cuss words being beeped out. Supporting the ban, Om Puri said, “We have edited all the abuses out. I am not in favour of abuses being used. Kids see movies, women see movies.”

Om Puri also questioned the logic behind the usage of these cuss words. “This is all rubbish. If you are showing a thug or a goon, is it necessary to have him utter those cuss words. He can instead say haram ke…gadhe. I don’t believe there should be any liberty given to filmmakers to include abuses. It shouldn’t be allowed.”

Wonder how many in Bollywood will agree with Om Puri’s opinion.