New Delhi: The controversial Censor Board list that banned 28 “objectionable” words in films is learnt to have been put on hold. This comes after the list, that had the backing of CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, came under fire from several Board members. It is believed the information and broadcasting ministry may also have stepped in to make its displeasure known.
Sources said the decision was taken at a board meeting in Mumbai on Monday held specifically on the fallout of the 28-word list. The controversy arose after a letter by Pahlaj Nihalani on February 13 directed regional officers not to issue certificates to films that had these words.
Most of the “objectionable” words are abuses in Hindi and English, and it was also specified words with double meanings, violence against women and glorification of bloodshed should not be allowed.
The communication, which was also marked to producers’ association, came close on the controversy of Censor Board member Ashoke Pandit slamming the use of language by film personalities during a stand-up comedy show that became viral online.
Ashok Pandit, had made his disapproval public by tweeting, “as a Filmmaker & #CBFC board member do not endorse the list issued by the Chairperson On words not to be used in films.I ws nt consulted. (sic)” Earlier, several Censor Board members had opposed the ban on ‘abusive’ words list and said that they were not involved in the decision.
