Pahlaj Nihalani’s stint as Censor Board chief was marked by many controversies. Members of the film fraternity weigh in on the government's decision to replace him .
Inputs from Namrata Joshi and Kenneth Rosario.
Shyam Benegal, Director:
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:30/08/2010: Noted film director Shyam Benegal.........................Photo:S_Mahinsha
I won’t comment on the sacking of Pahlaj Nihalani but Prasoon Joshi is a very good choice. He is a creative person, a poet. He understands communication and media extremely well. The censorship guidelines are not carved in stone. It’s in their interpretation that you have to bring in your own sensibility and understanding of the society. Prasoon is an artiste, he knows artistic creation and will respond to works of arts of others with sensitivity.
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Filmmaker
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For Prasoon Joshi to accept this responsibility, it's not just a step in the right direction but a huge leap that will bring us at par with the world. He is not just a profound lyricist but a thought leader. I welcome him on this new journey and wish him all the best.
Soumik Sen, Director:
I hope Pahlaj Nihalani now finishes his incomplete film with Govinda. The change ahead will be a function now of whether Shyam Benegal’s recommendations reach Prasoon Joshi’s desk and how soon he acts on them.
Kushan Nandy, Director:
Good baby step. But Pahlaj Nihalani is just a small part of the problem. The problem is an ambiguous act that needs to be changed. It is prehistoric material that needs to be amended. And there is a report that is waiting to be read. The Government needs to do all of that and then there will be true change. Babumoshai Bandookbaaz is now in the Tribunal’s hands and I am hoping that the world sees it in its original form on the 25th of August.
Ashoke Pandit, Director
We had expected this because there was continued discomfort in the film industry and everyone was quite upset with the way filmmakers were treated. He used to disrespect them and ask filmmakers to stand and not sit. It became a one man show. You can’t disrespect a filmmaker. This had to happen. It was high time. Prasoon Joshi identifies with today’s filmmakers and cinema goers. I’m sure with him the Shyam Benegal committee report will be considered now. With Smriti Irani taking over the I&B ministry, she understands the entire ballgame. We’re all very happy, the industry is happy.
When the right person sits on the chair, he will address the right issues automatically. Ideals can’t bring change. You have to be in the industry to bring change, and you can’t be individualistic when you sit on that chair.
