Veteran Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar recently reacted to the ongoing ‘Boycott Pathaan’ controversy and took a dig that since the country has numerous dharmas, they should all have their own censor boards for films.
During an event, Akhtar was questioned about Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra’s comment that ‘Pathaan’ won’t be allowed to screen in his state. To that, Akhtar responded that if the minister thinks his state should have a separate censor board, then he should watch the film separately as well.
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“And if they are unhappy with the Centre’s film certification, we should not come in between them, it is between them and the Centre,” he stated.
‘Dharmas should have their own censors’: Akhtar
Akhtar was also quizzed about the demand for a ‘dharma censor board’ in the country to which he replied that since there are “four-five important dharmas’, they all should have their own censors. “Maybe then moulvis will start watching films. Do it, do it!” he stated sarcastically.
He added that it is not for him or the audience to decide if the song ‘Besharam Rang’ is right or not, and that there is a dedicated agency to look into it.
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Pathaan controversy
Ever since the first song from ‘Pathaan’, titled ‘Besharam Rang’ has been launched, the film has found itself mired with controversies.
The song sparked a huge outrage after Deepika was seen donning a “saffron bikini” in one of the scenes in the song. Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra called her outfit in the song “objectionable” and threatened makers to stall the film’s release.
Several political leaders and Hindu organisations also claimed that the use of the saffron/orange colour in the song was aimed at insulting Hindutva, and have demanded changes in the song.
Some also demanded that the makers change the name of the film as it is insulting for the Pathaani community.
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About Pathaan
Directed by Siddharth Anand, ‘Pathaan’ stars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham in lead roles.
The film is even more special as it will see SRK return to the silver screen with a full-fledged role after a hiatus of four long years.
‘Pathaan’ is set to hit the silver screens on January 25.
