The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked outrage after it beeped out the word “Bombay”,the former name of Mumbai, from an English song before clearing it for release on television channels.
Musician Mihir Joshi, who released an album called ‘Mumbai Blues’ last year, was shocked to find that when his song titled ‘Sorry’ was aired on television channels a few days ago it had the word “Bombay” muted. ‘Sorry,’ which reflects on the 2012 Delhi gangrape case, is written in the form of an apology from a father to his daughter for the world he is giving her, one where crimes against women are rampant.
The Hindu: Welcome to the live chat with music composer Mihir Joshi on freedom of expression in art forms
omar rashid: Mihir Joshi is joining us in a couple of minutes. thanks!
The Hindu: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has sparked outrage after it beeped out the word “Bombay”,the former name of Mumbai, from an English song ' Sorry' before clearing it for release on television channels.
omar rashid: Mihir Joshis has joined us
mihirjoshi: Hello everyone! Glad to be here. Hope you're doing all right. :)
omar rashid: Mihir please tell us a bit about the controversy. What was your song about?
mihirjoshi: Hi Omar, The song is a conversation between a father and a daughter about the world today. More precisely, it is an apology that the father is giving his daughter for the world he's given her. I wrote this after seeing all the insane things that have been happening with women in our country. All the injustices and crimes.
mihirjoshi: The song was meant to express feelings that a father probably has in today's India.
omar rashid: Yes, we agree with that. But there are accusations at you that you used the word Bombay purposefully to gain traction? It could have been avoidable?
mihirjoshi: And no, I did not see the word Bombay causing such an uproar. In a song that's about 6 minutes long, the word Bombay is there for all of 1 or 2 seconds.
Comment From Ananta: How does the word Bombay turn out to be disgraceful? Were you provided an explanation or did you try to find out the exact grievance the Censor board had?
mihirjoshi: I used the word for one reason only. It rhymed with my first verse. Did not think it would cause any trouble at all...because the context and the usage is very simple and straightforward.
Comment From Madhu:
Are you upset that the censorship controversy has taken the spotlight away from what you are trying to say through your song?
Muralidhar Reddy: If I understand correctly the song was being played on youtube for months and no one had objected. The censor board came into picture as it had to released for television
Comment From Sharmila
What do you think is the next step, Mr. Joshi?
mihirjoshi: Hi Ananta, That is also my question. My label Times Music sent the song out for censor certification. I was just told that the only way to get the song approved is to remove the word Bombay. We didn't want to wait another 3-4 months to fight out a legal battle or apply to revisions committees etc and get the song delayed even more. The song was up on youtube since 31st May 2014. I wanted the song and it's message to get on to TV...so we just went with it because honestly the word Bombay is NOT the integral part of the song.
lalatendu Mishra: Has anybody else other than the Censor Board raised objections? I mean have you come across anybody who said "you should have used to word Mumbai."
mihirjoshi: When I finally did see the edited song on sunday, all I said on twitter was "What is wrong with Bombay? I'd like to know why the censor board removed it."
Comment From Sonia To what extent do you think the censorship of the word Bombay has to do with any kind of moral or socio-political policing on behalf of the censor board?
mihirjoshi: Hi Madhu. I am. Honestly, I wish people were forwarding and sharing the song for the right reasons. For the message that the song actually is trying to get out. This entire thing with the Bombay omission part is quite insane.
But in a way, I'm glad that people are finally seeing the song. And when the fuss about Bombay dies, they'll hopefully see the real message of the song and think about that.
mihirjoshi: Because to me...that is the biggest issue our country is facing...or at least one of the biggest issues.
mihirjoshi: Women don't feel safe. Fathers don't feel good about letting their daughters out. It's ridiculous!! THAT needs to change and be addressed. THAT is what the song was about.
omar rashid: A reader Sonia asks: so what extent do you think the censorship of the word Bombay has to do with any kind of moral or socio-political policing on behalf of the censor board?
mihirjoshi: Hi Muralidhar, Yes. That is accurate. in 8 months of the song being on youtube, itunes, mixradio, gaana.com and every other site...NOT one person wrote to me saying they have a problem with "Sorry" or the word Bombay being in it.
Muralidhar Reddy: True it helps in reaching out to more people but the flip side is it could also lead to a situation where some fanatic could cook up a storm
mihirjoshi: If anything I got mails from fathers complimenting the song. They said I understand how they feel and have expressed some of their fears in the song. Not just fathers. Many women and young men wrote to me saying similar things.
mihirjoshi: I got a fabulous mail from Marie Trout, wife of legendary blues musician Walter Trout complimenting the song in a big way. That meant so much to me.
mihirjoshi: NEVER did I see a problem with the words. What happened after the song went on TV is unbelievable. :)
Comment From Ismaiel: Freedom of speech in India is so worse, they should allow to release any movie scene or songs like western countries
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi
I think by this ridiculous action they want spread the message that they are very strict and will not tolerate anything.
mihirjoshi: Hi Sharmila, Next step...honestly, I just want an answer from the censor board. I want to know WHY the word Bombay is wrong. If they give me...and all of us a legitimate reason, I'll accept it and let it go. But if they say that there's nothing wrong...then I'd like to give me another certificate saying that they're fine with the song and I'll get Times Music to send the song with the word Bombay to the tv channels.
Comment From Ismaiel
so now bangalore, madras ,etc .. too will be removed from movies/songs or what ?
mihirjoshi: My logic is...if a film called Bombay Velvet can be approved by the censor board...and the word Bombay is ok there. Why is it wrong in my song?
omar rashid: Is it illegal to use Bombay? Anyone can share his or her views?
Muralidhar Reddy: By no stretch of imagination can use of Bombay can be illegal. At the best the government could enforce it on institutions under its control.
mihirjoshi: Hi Sonia, I don't quite know the logic. Is there a law that was passed banning the word? If yes, I'd like to know. If NO then what is the reasoning in banning the word. Also if there's a ban...why isn't it everywhere.
Why do we still have Bombay High Court, IIT Bombay, Bombay Stock Exchange, Bombay Dyeing, Bombay Scottish and so many other places in Mumbai with the name still on?
mihirjoshi: When do they change?
Comment From RN
hi Mihir, did the Censor Board formally respond to you on this so far?
mihirjoshi: No. I've not got any formal response. I expect they'd want to talk to Times Music but I know they've not got a response either.
Comment From satish nandgaonkar
Mihir have you faced any problem from the political parties? as you know the Shiv Sena and MNS have been pretty aggressive on Bombay-Mumbai
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Few years ago Kolkata was Calcutta, till now in Google you will find many articles in the name of Calcutta, What is wrong about it?
mihirjoshi: No. Fortunately, I've not had any problems from any political parties so far. I hope they see that I meant no harm...it fit my song. The word is a synonym to Mumbai and that is why I used it.
omar rashid: Good point arunangsu. But when names are politicised what do we do then?
mihirjoshi: The lyrics of my song are:
I'm sorry sweetheart...this is the world I'm giving you today
Its the same thing no matter what you read...from Delhi to Bombay
I wish it was different darling...wish you could feel nice and safe
But the world's gone crazy, I don't know what to say
Have you seen the papers today
...have you heard the news
What can I do to keep you safe
How do I stop these blues
I'm sorry little girl...I know you're scared and confused
How can they get away with it...they should hang the accused
I hope it gets better some day...I hope you can be free
To do what you want...go anywhere, any time you please
But...Have you seen the papers today
...have you heard the news
What can I do to keep you safe
How do I stop these blues
I feel helpless and lost...this is a dad's biggest fear
It's not that I don't trust you...you know that don't you dear
Tell me what to do...that'll take away my cares
I wish this world gets better...I hope God hears my prayers
Have you seen the papers today
...have you heard the news
What can I do to keep you safe
How do I stop these blues
Shefali Alvares Vocal Solo
Guitar Solo
Have you seen the papers today
...have you heard the news
What can I do to keep you safe
How do I stop these blues
omar rashid: Mihir as a Mumbaikar, what do you prefer to used? Bombay or Mumbai? Have you ever felt restrained? in general talk
mihirjoshi: The first verse
I'm sorry sweetheart...this is the world I'm giving you today
Its the same thing no matter what you read...from Delhi to Bombay
I wish it was different darling...wish you could feel nice and safe
But the world's gone crazy, I don't know what to say
The word Bombay just fit better than Mumbai so I used it.
I wanted to use Delhi because it was the case there that brought these crimes to the nation's notice and Mumbai because I live here...but since that didn't rhyme but Bombay did...I used that.
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
I just want to ask is there any embargo to use the old name of the cities?
omar rashid: Not legally, but culturally "Sensitive"
Comment From Sruthi How are they justifying beeping out the word 'Bombay'? No law states it as being objectionable.
Comment From Titiksha will you be more cautions in future due to this incident or will you be more assertive about your choices because of this incident?
mihirjoshi: Hi Omar. I don't care either way. I' most often say Mumbai but if someone says Bombay I respond to that too.
As a Maharashtrian...it doesn't bother me that some people still call it Bombay.
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi freedom of speech is only given to the Sakshi maharaj, Owaisis', Togadiya and few other people of politics in India. I think one can use word "Bombay" to abuse anyone . Get on CBFC
mihirjoshi: It's a name. And it's a historic name that we KNOW exists! We can't just delete it out of existence.
omar rashid: Yes. But could you have avoided the controversy? Do you regret using Bombay?
mihirjoshi: So if someone wants to say Bombay in normal talk or in a song...what's wrong in it?
Comment From Preethi Mihir, how do you think the response has been on social media? This has caused quite a buzz on twitter. Is it making any difference? Are people rallying for this cause..?
Muralidhar Reddy: Embargo' can be used by the government only on institutions which is under their jurisdiction
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury : But Omar, till a decade ago people never had any problem with the old names, there was no clash
Comment From Sonia Looking outside of the word Bombay then, are there other examples of the Censor Board picking and choosing its battles over what names or words to censor? Because if this is a trend with other particular words, it seems to me it's more so a reflection of their priorities rather than anything truly obscene to them or the public.
Comment From Sibi Doesn't Censor Board have any guidelines?. They are so obviously inconsistent, with a movie titled 'Madras' being only so recently being cleared. Shouldn't they be made more accountable for the decisions they make - given that these are pretty important decisions!
mihirjoshi: Omar , I wish I had avoided the controversy. Yes. But I don't regret using Bombay. As an artist, I feel it fit my song. It's not a bad word or a derogatory term. I don't think I did anything wrong.
mihirjoshi: That being said, the controversy, unintentional as it is, is at least getting attention to the actual message of the song in some way...and that is quite gratifying.
Comment From Titiksha You were not wrob
Comment From ashish when this song release?
omar rashid: May 31, 2014, the song released online on Youtube and on digital platforms
Comment From ashish thanks..I will definately listen today
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury So why this is becoming an issue now, is it a politically propagated?
Comment From Vyshak Hi Mihir. Rather than beep "Bombay", you could try saying Mumbai like "Mum-bay".
mihirjoshi: Isn't that just as bad Vyshak. I chose to use Bombay rather than mispronounce Mumbai.
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury @Vyshak Why you feel so, What is wrong in Bombay
Comment From kasthuri+rangan Bombay is not a word bashing Hindu culture. That is why they have censored it. Any thing against the majority is welcome in the name of freedom of expression. That is the secular outlook of even the present govt.,
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Is there any particular motif behind this
mihirjoshi: Hi Arunangshu The issue got raised when a couple of days ago I first saw the edited version of the song on MTV Indies. When I saw it, my first reaction was joy...that the song is finally on tv...but after a while I asked on twitter
"What is wrong with the word Bombay"
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury
Mihir Have you ever face any problem from the radical outfits?
Comment From Vyshak
@Mihir You're right. Trouble-makers just need anything.
mihirjoshi: And this began. I mentioned that the word was bleeped out of my song and people started talking to me and got behind me.
omar rashid: Mihir, do you think the "Bombay" problem has to do only with outfits like the Shiv Sena? Do you feel that otherwise people dont really care?
mihirjoshi: Hi sini, If there are guidelines, I would feel that they should be made public knowledge. I think a lot of us would feel much better and would probably follow the rules if we knew what the rules were. The problem is ...it seems like there aren't any consistent rules.
Comment From Vyshak @Anurangsu My comment was not against the word "Bombay". It's just sad to see how artistes' freedom of expression is easily curbed by the so-called offended. My suggestion to Mihir was a suggestion to protest this action, so that the censor board realises how absurd their comments were.
Comment From Sibi Mr.Mihir,Do Censor Board give any written reasoning for their censoring? If not, should they?
mihirjoshi: Incidentally, if any of you want to see the complete unedited song and see how fleeting the word Bombay is in it, you can see it on youtube. This is the link: https://www.youtube.com/wat... If you watch it on TV, you'll see that the word Bombay has not only been muted but also blurred off the screen!! What bothered me is that the omission of the word is not just in the sound but also in the visuals. HOW is the word so scary/bothersome? That is the question I asked.
omar rashid: There is a question from Preethi, Mihir, how do you think the response has been on social media? This has caused quite a buzz on twitter. Is it making any difference? Are people rallying for this cause..?
mihirjoshi: Don't you think they should Sibi? Because now it's not just me asking. I think a LOT more people are asking it too.
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi Be aware to use word Banglore rather than Bengaluru, Calcutta instead of Kolkata, Delhi Instead of New Delhi.... These changing of name had been done in our presence then its not our fault.
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Mihir How you feel about freedom of expression should be? should it be within the frame of guidelines or it should be as free as the air is
Comment From Vyshak I remember the movie "Shootout at Lokhandwala". The movie, based in the early 90's featured the song "Ganpat" that began with the word "Mumbai". I couldn't help but wonder if that was historically inaccurate. But then again, that could've been the work of our erstwhile censor board.
mihirjoshi: Hi Preethi, The response on social media has been incredible. I think what it is doing is...it is raising the correct questions and it is helping me get my song out to a lot more people. I hope that once they get past the word Bombay, they'll see that the song is a lot more that that one word.
mihirjoshi: I'd also like to clear one more thing. I had put up the censor certificate on twitter and facebook. The certificate was issued on 5th of December, which I was told was under the previous board's tenure. Honestly, I don't care if it happened with the previous board or the new board...I still found it funny and silly and wanted an answer as to how it makes sense.
Comment From RN Mihir, are you planning to pursue any legal options to ensure the beeping is removed? You mentioned Censor Board hasn't responded yet.
mihirjoshi: I don't care about the politics here. In all my tweets, not ONCE have I spoken ANYTHING political...or even against the censor board. I've asked a question and that question has been echoed by thousands of others. WHAT is wrong with the word Bombay and the way I've used it in my song?
Comment From Sibi Mr.Mihir, Absolutely yes!. They should give a written explanation. This will atleast make them think twice and ensure to avoid arbitary decisions. If they are consistent, then creators can atleast know what they are up against.
mihirjoshi: Hi RN, No. I'm not planning legal options to be honest. I'm going to have Times Music ask them the question. I'm hoping that they will answer and let us know why they feel the move was justified or if it was wrong, they'll revert it. If they give no response I think there are enough people incensed about this all over the country...all over the world actually and I'm sure we'll all do something about it. I'm sure something WILL change.
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Mihir have you heard anything from I&B Ministry?
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi I think you have to welcome them with sue...
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Mihir How you feel about freedom of expression should be? should it be within the frame of guidelines or it should be as free as the air is
Comment From Vyshak I remember the movie "Shootout at Lokhandwala". The movie, based in the early 90's featured the song "Ganpat" that began with the word "Mumbai". I couldn't help but wonder if that was historically inaccurate. But then again, that could've been the work of our erstwhile censor board.
mihirjoshi: Hi Preethi, The response on social media has been incredible. I think what it is doing is...it is raising the correct questions and it is helping me get my song out to a lot more people. I hope that once they get past the word Bombay, they'll see that the song is a lot more that that one word.
mihirjoshi: I'd also like to clear one more thing. I had put up the censor certificate on twitter and facebook. The certificate was issued on 5th of December, which I was told was under the previous board's tenure. Honestly, I don't care if it happened with the previous board or the new board...I still found it funny and silly and wanted an answer as to how it makes sense.
Comment From RN Mihir, are you planning to pursue any legal options to ensure the beeping is removed? You mentioned Censor Board hasn't responded yet.
mihirjoshi: I don't care about the politics here. In all my tweets, not ONCE have I spoken ANYTHING political...or even against the censor board. I've asked a question and that question has been echoed by thousands of others. WHAT is wrong with the word Bombay and the way I've used it in my song?
Comment From Sibi Mr.Mihir, Absolutely yes!. They should give a written explanation. This will atleast make them think twice and ensure to avoid arbitary decisions. If they are consistent, then creators can atleast know what they are up against.
mihirjoshi: Hi RN, No. I'm not planning legal options to be honest. I'm going to have Times Music ask them the question. I'm hoping that they will answer and let us know why they feel the move was justified or if it was wrong, they'll revert it. If they give no response I think there are enough people incensed about this all over the country...all over the world actually and I'm sure we'll all do something about it. I'm sure something WILL change.
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Mihir have you heard anything from I&B Ministry?
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi I think you have to welcome them with sue...
omar rashid: Mihir, will you urge more artists to come out and use Bombay?
Comment From Vyshak Hey Mihir, please don't take this silently. Do protest. If the censor board or any other body finds the word "Bombay" offending, cut it. Instead, like I previously said, say Mumbai like "Mum-bay". Never go for the "beep". The protesters must realise how stupid their actions can get. Wish you all the best. I'll keep following the news.
omar rashid: and Arunangsu asks Mihir have you heard anything from I&B Ministry?
mihirjoshi: I'll ask her to help me out for sure :)
mihirjoshi: Thank you Vyshak. This is JUST for TV. Wherever I perform the song live or if you hear it on youtube or download it off itunes or mixradio or anywhere else, the word Bombay is there and they can't do anything about it. But thank you for your support. Means a lot to me.
Comment From Zakwan Kureshi Directly or indirectly they are promoting your song, so don't get bother
omar rashid: Mihir , what to you think about the ongoing fracas over the AIB? |Was the govt right in initiating an inquiry?
Comment From satish nandgaonkar Mihir, as an artist what is your take on the sweeping powers given to Censor Board? Do you find them oppressive? The new censor board chief is talking about imposing curbs on the internet? But something like the AIB Roast show is viral as we can see.
mihirjoshi: Thank you Zakwan. I agree :)
Comment From Arunangsu Roy Chowdhury Mihir Do you think the controversy has made you star today?
omar rashid: Prachi's question: Lyricists have gotten into trouble for using words like "paaon ke tale firdaus chale," or communities such as teli, chamar etc. Are we as a society, including the censor becoming over-senstive?
Comment From bombay mumbai is immaterial. it is the show of power by goons, who r well protected by political parties and sadly, our impotent executive bodies, cant stand up to change this
mihirjoshi: AIB first :) Don't see how that can be censored to be honest. It was for youtube over which the censor board has no jurisdiction. Whether you liked it or not...was it crass or not...is a different story. They were very clear about what they were going to do.
mihirjoshi: The first line was...if you're not comfortable with obscenity or get offended...get out. That there is your disclaimer. If you watched it post that...that's YOUR problem :)
omar rashid: Does all this discourage an artiste then?
mihirjoshi: Personally, I found it hilarious for the most part. Some jokes were not all that great but hey...what the heck. You can't only hit sixers in a cricket match right. some were singles, some were boundaries and some were sixers. Some were lame ducks too :)
mihirjoshi: But it was funny :)
