New Delhi:
Censor Board chief SharmilaTagore feels freedom of expression is needed in the Indianfilm industry but there should be reasonable restriction.But she said the Central Board of Film Certification,which she has been heading for seven years, is not for moralpolicy.
"Freedom of expression under fundamental rights isneeded but there should be reasonable restriction," saidTagore, who was in the capital for the 16th anniversary ofIndian Women's Press Corps.
"We are, however, not here for moral policing. TheCensor Board will work in the same manner as it has beenworking and its not going to go back. I have tried to buildsynergy between civil society, ministry and producers," shesaid, as she refuted claims that the Board has become liberalin her tenure.
With a spate of films being released with titles likeKaminey and Yeh Saali Zindagi, the veteran actress saidthat she was not in favour of such names as they deteriorateone's routine thinking.
"I really had a problem with the title of SudhirMishra's film Ye Saali Zindagi. The trend started withKaminey and once it triggers you can't stop it. But we tryour best to come to a democratic decision and whateverobjectionable matter is allowed is only five or two percent,"she said.
The 64-year-old actress was not in favour of thegovernment's recent decision to ban smoking in films and TVserials.
"Ban on smoking in films and serials does not make anysense to me. What I believe is smoking scenes can also be usedto dissuade people," she said.
Speaking about the 15-plus category to be introduced,which is still under consideration, the actress said thatmajority of people are in favour of some kind of censorshipthough certain films and documentaries should be banned.
The Censor Board chairman also termed Ashvin Kumar'sclaims as 'untrue' that his documentary on Kashmir InshallahFootball, targetted at football lovers had been deniedcertification.
"After much consideration, we gave InshallahFootball 'A' certificate as there was graphic description oftorture. It's a beautiful film and I want everyone to see it,"she explained.
She also had a word of advice for the audience."I think the most important thing is to be medialiterate as today everything is in images. People need tobecome more tolerant and mature. Impact of obscenity andviolence could be lessened by blurring the image withoutruining the film," said Tagore, who is also UNICEF's GoodwillAmbassador.
Tagore, who was last seen in Antaheen and Break KeBaad is looking forward to her upcoming release Life GoesOn with daughter Soha Ali Khan.
"I don't have problem doing character roles. I havedone films in my life for money, for a friend, if a like ascript or as a therapy and would like to do more of Bengalifilms as it is my mother tongue. I will work in films as longas I can," she said.
"Freedom of expression under fundamental rights isneeded but there should be reasonable restriction," saidTagore, who was in the capital for the 16th anniversary ofIndian Women's Press Corps.
"We are, however, not here for moral policing. TheCensor Board will work in the same manner as it has beenworking and its not going to go back. I have tried to buildsynergy between civil society, ministry and producers," shesaid, as she refuted claims that the Board has become liberalin her tenure.
With a spate of films being released with titles likeKaminey and Yeh Saali Zindagi, the veteran actress saidthat she was not in favour of such names as they deteriorateone's routine thinking.
"I really had a problem with the title of SudhirMishra's film Ye Saali Zindagi. The trend started withKaminey and once it triggers you can't stop it. But we tryour best to come to a democratic decision and whateverobjectionable matter is allowed is only five or two percent,"she said.
The 64-year-old actress was not in favour of thegovernment's recent decision to ban smoking in films and TVserials.
"Ban on smoking in films and serials does not make anysense to me. What I believe is smoking scenes can also be usedto dissuade people," she said.
Speaking about the 15-plus category to be introduced,which is still under consideration, the actress said thatmajority of people are in favour of some kind of censorshipthough certain films and documentaries should be banned.
The Censor Board chairman also termed Ashvin Kumar'sclaims as 'untrue' that his documentary on Kashmir InshallahFootball, targetted at football lovers had been deniedcertification.
"After much consideration, we gave InshallahFootball 'A' certificate as there was graphic description oftorture. It's a beautiful film and I want everyone to see it,"she explained.
She also had a word of advice for the audience."I think the most important thing is to be medialiterate as today everything is in images. People need tobecome more tolerant and mature. Impact of obscenity andviolence could be lessened by blurring the image withoutruining the film," said Tagore, who is also UNICEF's GoodwillAmbassador.
Tagore, who was last seen in Antaheen and Break KeBaad is looking forward to her upcoming release Life GoesOn with daughter Soha Ali Khan.
"I don't have problem doing character roles. I havedone films in my life for money, for a friend, if a like ascript or as a therapy and would like to do more of Bengalifilms as it is my mother tongue. I will work in films as longas I can," she said.
