Nostalgic Nuggets: When a film angered the Gandhi family

Indians, who are today in the age groups of 50s and 60s would still have memories of the Emergency days between 1975- 77. Across the country, it had a chilling impact and reinforced the dictatorship role of Mrs Indira Gandhi, who had used it to continue her stay as PM, despite adverse judicial ruling.

In this milieu, there was one filmmaker, Amrit Nahata(1928-2001), who dared to lampoon the state of affairs and came out with a film ' Kissa Kursee Ka'. It ran into trouble with the Censors who suggested 51 cuts. The film was a satire on the politics of Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi and was banned by the Indian Government during the Emergency period and all prints were confiscated.

Not just confiscated but allegedly burnt by Sanjay Gandhi at his Maruti car factory premises in Gurgaon. An enquiry Commission led by Justice Shah found Sanjay guilty and sentenced him to imprisonment for a month which was later overturned. Today happens to be Nahata's 92nd birth anniversary.