Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra yesterday came out in support of Anurag Kashyap's 'Udta Punjab' and said creativity should not be stopped in democracy.

"Our forefathers achieved freedom of speech and expression for us after a long struggle... Creativity should not be stopped in democracy," Chopra told reporters here.

In reply to a question regarding the action on 'Udta Punjab' by the censor board, which had raised objection her film 'Jai Gangaajal', Priyank said it was a "Certification body and not censor".

"In democracy you cannot dictate what one should eat or watch a movie on a social issue," said Priyanka, who was recently awarded the Padam Shri and has now ventured into Hollywood.

The leading Bollywood star was here to promote Bhojpuri film 'Bum Bum Bol Raha hai Kashi' produced by her. She was accompanied by her mother Madhu Chopra, who is a co-producer of the film.

'Bum Bum Bol Raha hai Kashi' will be released in cinema halls today. The film's script is written and directed by Santosh Mishra and has Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Niruaha' in the lead role.

Amrapali Dubey and Antra Banerjee are the female cast in the film. Asked why she chose to produce a Bhojpuri film as her first venture, Priyanka said, "Bhojpuri is my mom's mother tongue. Besides, regional movies should be encouraged."

Priyanka's family hails from Gumla near Jamshedpur which was part of undivided Bihar till 2000, when Jharkhand was carved out of it. The film promotion was held at P & M Mall owned by filmmaker Prakash Jha.