Hindi actress in body double row

Ms Koirala says shots in the film are obscene

By Ayanjit Sen BBC reporter in Delhi

The screening of Hindi film Ek Chhoti Si Love Story (A Small Love Story) has been postponed after the leading lady claimed a body double was used without her permission.

The film had been due for release across the country on Friday.

The judiciary has protected my dignity

Manisha Koirala

But the high court in the western Indian state of Maharashtra put the screening on hold after actress Manisha Koirala alleged that her reputation would be damaged if the film was screened.

The actress had alleged that the film's director, Shashilal Nair, used a body double in allegedly obscene shots - thereby portraying her in an indecent manner.

She said this amounted to violating her right to privacy and defaming her in public.

Manisha Koirala told the BBC: "The judiciary has protected my dignity."

Body double

She said had the court not restrained the screening, other actresses would have felt that they could be used in any way a director wanted.

But the director of the movie, Shashilal Nair, said he had shown the shots to Ms Koirala before submitting the film to the board of censors.

He said the body double was used with Ms Koirala's consent.

According to reports, Mr Nair said he used Ms Karalla's body double because she had gained weight - an allegation Ms Koirala denies.

Mr Nair said 97 prints of the film had already been despatched all over the world for screening.

Mr Nair said he had told the court that it was not possible for him to take back those prints of the film.