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EntertainmentcensorshipPahlaj NihalaniPahlaj Nihalani Censor Board

Superstars Followed By Millions Must Not Be Shown Drinking/Smoking On Screen: Censor Board

Because a mere ticker won't do the trick
By 

Entertainment Editor

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Red Chillies

It's rare, these days, for a week to pass without the CBFC dropping shock bombs.

In what is yet another case of ad-hoc decision-making, the Board's chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has said that superstars must not be shown drinking or smoking on-screen unless the provocation for doing so is 'really strong.'

Basically, Nihalani wants our writers to give a 'provocative' reason for an actor to down a pint or go for a smoke break.

In an interview to The Quint, Nihalani said, "Putting a ticker warning at some remote corner of the screen whenever there is smoking or drinking shown, is not enough any more. We feel the superstars who are followed by millions and who set an example in societal behaviour must not be shown drinking or smoking on screen unless the provocation for doing so is really strong."

We're guessing this isn't a strong enough provocation.

Nihalani also said that a film that has alcohol as an 'essential' will now be given an 'Adult' rating.

Also see on HuffPost:

6 Times Anushka Sharma Nailed It While Speaking About Censorship
(01 of06)
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Yeah… because ultimately you are making a film which is an honest rendition of something that exists in our society, and there is no glorification of anything that can be objectionable.
On being asked whether the censor troubles that NH10 went through worried her, as one of the producers of the film. (credit:Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
(02 of06)
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There is rage. And that is the other thing. Our rage doesn’t unleash itself because we follow the system – judiciary, police etc. So our rage is directed at the systems that don’t work. We all talk about freedom of speech and having opinions. But what is happening is that there is moral policing and people saying that I am so convinced about my opinion that I will be pissed off if you don’t agree with me. That is why we are talking about bans, and taking out material from films.
On why she thinks 'moral policing' occurs in India (credit:Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
(03 of06)
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I just think there is just complete lack of compassion. When you make a film and you are told to reduce the violence. What is happening in real life is much more brutal. What we are making is much milder, and then you tell us to reduce by 30 percent? What does that mean? How do you do that?
On how she feels about the Censor Board's approach to cuts. (credit:AP)
(04 of06)
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Now I know when we are reading a script or making a movie, we are going to think “Is this going to get passed?” And that’s not how you want to make movies.
On how she feels rigid censorship will affect cinema (credit:STR/AFP/Getty Images)
(05 of06)
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We are breeding a 'ban mentality'. You are irritating people to the degree that it's suffocating them. We are educated people, we know what's right and what's not. Let us think for ourselves than follow a particular ideology.
When asked to describe the current climate of censorship in India (credit:Hindustan Times via Getty Images)
(06 of06)
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Believe in the certification. It's there for a reason. Films depict what's there in reality.
On how she would like audiences to approach movies (credit:BCCL)
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-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.