CBFC member Ashoke Pandit tears into Pahlaj Nihalani for refusing to certify 'Lipstick Under My Burkha'

Condemning the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for refusing to clear the award-winning film Lipstick Under My Burkha, member of the film board Ashoke Pandit on Friday said such an onslaught breaks the confidence of a filmmaker, adding that film industry is under threat from the attitude of Censor Board chairman Pahlaj Nihalani.

"I condemn the decision of the CBFC of not allowing Prakash Jha's 'lipstick under my burkha' and very arrogantly refusing to give a certificate to a maker like Prakash Jha. You (Pahlaj Nihalani ) are breaking the confidence of the artist, a maker a creator. So I appeal on behalf of the Indian film and television director's association and other association that immediate action should be taken on that recommendation by the Shyam Benegal committee." Pandit told ANI.

Asserting that this onslaught on filmmakers is severely affecting their confidence, he added that the film industry is under threat thanks to the attitude of Nihalani.

He further said he being in the Censor Board himself, objects to this kind of arrogance and behaviour.

"Being on the Censor Board team and as a board member, I feel sad that a maker like Prakash Jha who has got so many national awards, who is one of the iconic filmmakers of the country, who have made such potential films, has to suffer such doctorial decision," he added.

The Central Board of Film Certification has "refused" to clear Lipstick Under My Burkha, saying the "story is lady oriented" and "their fantasy above life".

'Lipstick Under My Burkha', which speaks about the aspirations of women, is directed by Alankrita Shrivastava and produced by director Prakash Jha.

It has won several awards in the film festival circuit, among them the Spirit of Asia Prize at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Shot in Bhopal, Lipstick Under My Burkha is about four women from different sections of society seeking freedom and to fulfill their desires.

Listing the reasons for denial of certificate, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in a letter, posted by Bollywood celebrities online, wrote, "The story is lady oriented, their fantasy above life. There are contanious sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society, hence film refused under guidelines.