CONFLICT CAN BE SOLVED WITH DIALOGUE: PRASOON JOSHI

CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi says there needs to be openness between filmmakers and the certification board

PRASOON JOSHI BELIEVES THAT THE SOCIETY ISN’T DOING ENOUGH FOR ITS CHILDREN AND THAT THEY DO NEED HAND-HOLDING

Lyricist-adman Prasoon Joshi grabbed headlines when he was appointed Chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in August this year, taking over the reins from the most controversial CBFC chief till date, Pahlaj Nihalani. The 46-year-old, who was in the Capital recently to launch the anthem of the India Music Summit, said that protecting the impressionable younger generation is foremost on his agenda. “We aren’t doing enough to protect our children. It’s a huge jungle out there. Children, till a certain age, require hand-holding.” Joshi’s appointment has pleased many, as the previous chief had put supposedly unfair cuts and bans on certain films. “Some people say, ‘I believe in a free society’ and ‘I don’t care. I don’t agree with those people. If our society doesn’t take care of its vulnerable ends, I will not feel proud of it”, he adds. However, Prasoon is looking to have more room for dialogue, and says, “I think filmmakers are responsible. But there could be hits and misses, and that can be solved by dialogue. I believe that creative people are sensitive and do not start anything to hurt anyone.” Prasoon also doesn’t feel that attacking the CBFC is merely a tactic to create controversy and buzz around films, as has been purported, of late. “I don’t think filmmakers do that. There needs to be more openness working with the filmmakers to ensure that this (film certification) process becomes as smooth as possible.”

Prasoon Joshi does not feel that attacking the CBFC is a tactic on the part of filmmakers to attract buzz around films