The Pahlaj Nihalani-led Censor Board, which has lately been the subject of much public debate and scrutiny, now seems split wide open with Board member Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi writing a strongly-worded letter to Mr Nihalani over the edits ordered in actor Anushka Sharma's film NH10. (Also Read: Anushka Sharma Says That the 'Ban Mentality is Suffocating')
In the letter, Dr Dwivedi objects to the chopping of certain cuss-words from the film because, as he writes, the Board decided that the list of banned words that was issued some weeks ago would not be implemented without "detailed discussion amongst the members of the board and the cross section of the society." Dr Dwivedi describes the cuts prescribed for NH10 as a 'violation of trust.' (Also Read: Censor Board Clears Anushka Sharma's NH10 after 9 Cuts)
Dr Dwivedi writes: "I have started feeling uncomfortable of being a part of an esteemed institution where, collective decision of the board is ignored or collective voice is unheard." He has asked for an urgent meeting of the Board to address "several uncomfortable issues." The matter has now reportedly been referred to Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.
The list of 23 words outlawed for filmmakers has been roundly criticized publicly by sections of Bollywood as well as Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit who said on Twitter that he had not been consulted and that the ban would restrict creative freedom. Other films to have fallen casualty to the list include actor Varun Dhawan's Badlapur.
Mr Nihalani, took over as Censor Board chief in January, after previous head Leela Samson and nine Board members resigned alleging government interference in the clearing of films.
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