Filmmaker Kabir Khan has shared a surprising behind-the-scenes story from the making of his 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan. Speaking in a recent interview, the director revealed that during the film’s review process, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had requested a particular change — the removal of the phrase “Jai Shri Ram” from the movie.
Kabir explained that the scene in question was a pivotal emotional moment in the film, where the chant was not used in a political or controversial manner, but rather in a heartfelt and organic context. According to him, the CBFC raised concerns about whether the inclusion of the phrase might spark unnecessary debate or be perceived as sensitive by certain sections of the audience.
However, Kabir was clear about his stance. He argued that the words were not being used for provocation or propaganda, but to serve the authenticity of the scene and the characters. The director recalled telling the board that altering it would affect the emotional flow of the sequence and compromise the film’s core message of love and humanity that transcends religion and borders.
The Salman Khan and Harshaali Malhotra-starrer eventually released with the dialogue intact, and the film went on to become one of the highest-grossing Hindi movies of all time. Not only did it win hearts across India, but it also received widespread praise internationally for its portrayal of compassion and unity.
Kabir concluded by saying that the incident reminded him how filmmakers often have to navigate delicate cultural and political landscapes. Yet, for him, Bajrangi Bhaijaan was always about breaking down walls between people, and he felt it was important to preserve every element that reflected that spirit.
