In continuation to my previous blog, I read this article written by Manisha Almadi, for Delhi Times, Times of India on 18th June 2005 regarding the statutory warning from the government, to ban smoking scenes from Indian movies as well as teleserials from 21st October 2005. The Hindi film industry did not appreciate it as it would now interfere with the total look and feel of the character they wish to portray in their movies. Some of the directors raised their voice against this statutory warning laid down by the government. Mahesh Bhatt a senior and ace filmmaker refutes that “this is outrageous; it's an absurd ruling in today's age." Actor-director Rahul Bose says that “this is a very narrow-minded decision on the government's part and that the ban will curb the creative expression of filmmakers and actors.” Director Madhur Bhandarkar argues that “what's the point in banning smoking scenes in Bollywood when people can watch actors smoking in Hollywood films?” he further states that his movies Page 3 and Corporate wouldn't have been possible without showing business tycoons smoking and drinking.
Actor Aman Verma rationalizes “How can one justify the character of a chain-smoker on screen without showing cigarettes? Would Devdas an award winning movie have been possible without showing Shah Rukh Khan smoking and drinking?” he also says that “the government should mind its own business; it should look at more important issues like the country's population and economy.” However director Mahesh Bhatt does feel that the government shouldn’t have imposed the ban on the fraternity they should have communicated with the industry and come to an amicable solution, while director Ajay Sinha feels that the film industry could screen 'smoking is injurious to health' warnings before showing actors smoking. Actresses Neha Dhupia and Mandira Bedi do understand the governments ban as they sense that smoking on screen is not the right thing for an audience that is so gullible and would emulate their favourite celebrities.
Although I agree with Ajay Sinha and feel that if a character demands a certain look and smoking is a part of his mannerisms it should be carried out, however the audience must be cautioned about the ill effects of smoking. I advocate that the ill effects of smoking should be communicated to the mass audience that is likely to emulate, during the publicity of the film before and after its release.
