The Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ravi Shankar
Prasad has emphasized that a proper blend of creativity and censorship
of films has to be achieved. The sensibilities of the people as
a whole have to be reflected instead of the views of only a section
of society.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Women, Cinema
and Society’ organized by the FICCI Ladies Organization, here
today Shri Prasad felt that the quest for the identity of Indian
women is still on. He said this identity is still blurred and
needs recognition. How do we see women? Does Indian creativity
means only showing extra-marital relations as shown in some soaps?
He asked. He said, Government does not visualize a role of a regulator
for itself. However, the guidelines for film censorship can be
modified in view of the changed circumstances. He said the sheer
pace of technology is extraordinary and has overtaken us and global
cinema is reaching every home. Some sort of timings for viewing
films would have to be worked out.
Referring to the questions of people’s ‘right
to see’ and the ‘right to show’ Shri Prasad asked as to who would
decide what people want to see. The creative producers have to
act responsiblly and exercise self-control to ensure that people’s
sensibilities are not offended and at the same time creativity
is not curbed and beauty is portrayed with sensitivity, he said.
The daylong seminar is being attended by
film personalities including Jaya Bachchan, Mrinal Sen, Mahesh
Bhat, Vaijayantimala, Tanuja Chandra, Deepti Naval, Shashi Kapoor,
Suhasni Maniratnam and representatives of various women organizations.
