When the whole industry, specifically Aamir Khan, came out in support of Sunny Leone after a rather unseemly drubbing by the anchor of a prominent news channel, lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi struck a different note.
At an event yesterday to mark 10 years of the cult film 'Rang De Basanti', the 44-year-old lyricist, said that he was not in the habit of insulting a person publicly, but that that did not mean that he is in favour of Leone's past profession.
"I don't support Sunny Leone's past profession and I don't even want the youth to get inspired by that. But it is also not acceptable to take someone up to the well for this," he said.
"If the person is a drug dealer, that's the person's personal choice. Will I disrespect the person? No! Will I insult the person publicly? No! That probably my culture doesn't allow. But at the same time, I wouldn't encourage the profession either. Certain professions don't play a constructive role in bringing up a great society, we need to criticise them as well. I think that's a free society, people have choices to make. But if the choices are not great, then we need to criticise. I think we need to draw a fine line; it is not such a black and white subject," Joshi further explained.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
