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.
3 comments:
Although not done correctly i almost agree with the governments decision to ban smoking in movies, filmmakers forget that thier work is viewed by millions and aped by millions of others. from the hollywood movies of the 50's smoking was given this cool image and nowadays far too many bollywood movies portray actors lighting up.
Smoking, unfortunately does make u seem cool and even rebellious, (and i have never smoked a cigarette mid you,) i think the correct way to go about this would be to alert the movie industry that the censor board would be looking at this issue and cutting scenes with unnecesary smoking.
ANd as for that argument that it crams thier cretivity, i woudln't worry too much with the same drab movies with cretivity at 0 it shouldn't be a problem. Just an idea but directors could show people being cool in other ways, for example a cool character could instead of smoking, start a revolution and overthrow the censor board, or even the government :).
Celebrities do have an impact on the society in general. Being in such a important position they should understand that smoking on screen will only encourage a whole lot of people who see them as their role model to start as well.
I agree that millions of people all over the world watch the movies & a certain number will emulate the character. Keeping in mind these basic points it is advisable that the industry takes care in portraying characters sensibly & responsibly. After all we should remember that they do impact the future generation & their views. Liberal views is ok but what with aping the west we have lost the sensuality of the olden days golden era of Indian Cinema.Those days also movies were being made & the love of watching Mr. Raj Kapoor or Nargis still lingers in our memories. The beauty of the movies was in the sheer intelligent portrayal of those directors. Not that we do not have directors these days but they have to be a little more careful in how & what they portray. To conclude it is better to cover up than expose completely. Leave something to the imagination. Similarly smoking can be covered up rather than show the scenes boldly.Governments need not ban smoking but can request the directors to be as I said earlier a bit more responsible to the social aspects of the society.
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