Is Pahlaj Nihalani's Julie 2 based on actress Nagma's life?

Pahlaj Nihalani cannot stay away from controversy for long. The former head of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is on the verge of releasing his first film post the CBFC debacle, Julie 2, reportedly based on the life of a real-life actress. 

An IANS report suggests that the makers of the film are withholding the name of the actress in order to avoid legal troubles for the film.

Nihalani was also reported saying that the film is based on an actress who started her career with one of the "Khan superstars, before going on to a booming career in south Indian films in Tamil and Telugu. The actress' alleged affair with a south Indian filmstar led her to leave the industry and taking up another career in Bhojpuri films."

The given hints seem to be aimed at former actress Nagma. The actress made her debut opposite Salman Khan in Baaghi (1990) before going on to become a star in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Currently, a member of the Indian National Congress, the actress was also a part of several hit Bhojpuri films in the past. 

The producer-filmmaker also confided that these incidents are faithfully replicated in Julie 2. He said, "It's definitely based on the actress.... In fact, one of the main actors who is a part of our cast was also involved with that actress. We are not naming her as we don't want our film to be stopped." 

Actress Raai Laxmi has said the film might be based on her. She was quoted saying, "I am not denying the similarities between my character and the actress. These similarities are there. I don't know if they're deliberate or just a coincidence." 

However, Nihalani seems to be keen on avoiding mention of the actress, "It's possible that the actress may recognize herself and come forward. However, we have made sure she has not been mentioned anywhere in any of the press meets," he said.

Julie 2 is set to be released on 24 November.