Lyricist Javed Akhtar has commented on the controversy surrounding the Pathaan music Besharam Rang and stated in sarcasm that each dharma (faith) has to have its censor board. The tune providing Deepika Padukone in an orange bikini has earned the ire of a section of society claiming that the color is sacred in Hinduism. Some have also objected to the movie’s identity, which takes place to be a selected ethnic group.
Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra said that Pathaan screening should not be allowed within the state unless a few “scenes and costumes are corrected”. The Madhya Pradesh Ulema Board had also sought a ban on the movie for “misrepresenting Islam”.
Commenting on the same, Javed Akhtar stated, “If he (the minister) thinks there ought to be a separate censor board for Madhya Pradesh, they (must) watch the film one by one. And if they are unhappy with the Centre’s film certification, we should no longer be available between them; it is between them and the Centre.”
On being asked about the lately constituted ‘Dharma Censor Board’, Javed quipped, “There is one censor board in MP, then that is there, and one censor board of the centre is also there. What is the trouble? We have four-5 essential ‘dharmas’ and they should have their censors. Maybe then moulvis (below Islam) will start watching films. Do it, do it!”
He commented on the controversy, “It is not for me or you to determine whether the tune is right or incorrect. We have an organization.” He said the people ought to believe the certification supplied by the censor board and the proposed cuts.
Javed Akhtar was speaking at the release of Jadunama on Monday. It is a coffee table book that is a compilation of extracts from his public speeches, interviews, and quotes. His comments came a day before the Pathaan trailer release on Tuesday. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is set to release in theatres on January 25. The censor board recently gave the film a U/A certification after suggesting a few cuts in the song Besharam Rang and asking to remove references like RAW and PM.
