Memories of Pahlaj Nihalani, who was known for his strict dictates as chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), have been refreshed by the board's latest decision, which is sure to cause many eyebrows to be raised.
The Ajay Devgn-starrer De De Pyaar De is the latest film to face some serious censorship. The song ‘Vaddi Sharaban’ in the film has actress Rakul Preet Singh dancing with a bottle of alcohol in her hand. But now the makers have been forced to replace the bottle with a bouquet of flowers!
The cuts and changes recommended in the film are mentioned on the official website of the CBFC.
“Deleted the visuals where Heroine holds alcohol bottle and Replaced with Heroine holding flower bouquet (as per FCAT order). Modified the visuals where Heroine holds alcohol bottle in Song ‘Vaddi sharaban’,” says the notification on the website.
The notification says the cuts and changes have been made in accordance with an order from the FCAT (Film Certification Appellate Tribunal). This means the producers had approached the FCAT after the CBFC examining committee ordered cuts in it, but the tribunal has upheld at least some of the changes recommended.
Guideline 2(v) of the rules framed by the central government for certifying movies under the Cinematograph Act 1952 states that "the CBFC shall ensure that scenes which have the effect of justifying or glorifying drinking are not shown".
Of course, film fans can list countless films where some character or the other is holding a glass or a bottle of liquor and there has been no issue. But those were all male drunks. Clearly, the CBFC has a problem now because the drunk is a woman.