IN THE SPOTLIGHT
In the hot seat

Versatile actor and Chairman of the National School of Drama Anupam Kher was recently appointed as the chairman of the Censor Board. He has bold plans to curb the "growing menace" of vulgarity, especially on television, writes Vickey Lalwani.

IN his new role as Chairman of the Censor Board, actor Anupam Kher hopes to give something in return to the film industry which has brought him recognition. Excerpts from an interview:

The Information & Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad called me and asked if I was interested. I thought for two-three days and accepted the offer.

Here, I am not required on a day-to-day basis for hours. I will not even be required to see all the movies. I will be basically involved with the policy meetings and formulation of the advisory board, and of course, if and when there is a controversy.

That's exactly what will go into formulating the advisory board. We will select eminent people from different walks of life for the board, they will be adequately briefed. Also, we will be reviving the Cinematographer's Act. It was last revised 12 years ago. Plus, I want the theatres to come under the new Cinematographer's Act. There is a need of policing at the theatres.

See, I have achieved so much from the film industry. It's time to give something back in return. Not only the film industry, I want to give something back to my society and country. It's time that someone rose, objected and did something concrete to eliminate the growing vulgarity on the big and small screen both. My immediate concern is television.

In movies, a person buys a ticket and enters the theatre fully aware of what he has come there for. He knows that he has come there to see a scary film or a sexy item number. So, he is responsible for the consequences. On television, you are fed with so many things which you don't want to see. Television is a family-oriented medium and should remain so.

Of course. The people of this country have to join me and help me in my cause. If the people see a porn film being aired, they should get up and inform the police. They should form a local committee and inform local mahila mandals.

I am equally concerned about serials. Why are so many people sleeping around at the drop of a hat? They are sleeping with their brother-in-law and sister-in-law! It stinks. The system needs cleansing.

The promos need to be toned down. There are a lot of sexual overtones in most of them. I have spoken about this to the I & B minister. TWF

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