Pahlaj makes film on Mallya, says it's inspired from his colourful life

Former censor board chief Pahlaj Nihalani is back in the news with his next project "Rangeela Raja", starring Govinda, which he says is inspired by Vijay Mallya's lifestyle but not the "fraud or the scam" connected to the fugitive businessman.

His film will not discuss the allegations of fraud against the liquor baron or his life in London, Nihalani said.

"I'm not making a movie on Vijay Mallya... it is not a biopic or something. I have taken inspiration for the character like how he was a member of Parliament and how he conducted his life as a businessman. I have taken the character, not the story.

"It has nothing to do with the fraud or the scam. I have taken inspiration from his lifestyle," Nihalani told PTI.

Mallya is wanted in India to face charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to around Rs 9,000 crore.

Asked whether he had spoken to the businessman before taking on the project, Nihalani said, "There is no question of discussing it with him. I can be inspired by any personality."