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Govt softens stand on smoking ban in films and TV serials
06th July 2005 09.01 IST
By Agencies

Under pressure from the entertainment industry over the proposed ban on smoking scenes in films and TV serials from October 2, the government on Tuesday appeared to hint that it may be headed for dilution.

"The category of exceptions to the ban on smoking scenes could be expanded. It is a continuous process. Whatever comes in the way of aesthetic appeal may be given up," Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told reporters after a workshop, which saw participation from filmmakers and TV producers, social activists, health ministry officials and medical experts.

The four-hour long workshop on certification issues, organised by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, ended with the government agreeing to more of "self-censorship by the industry" and "expansion of creative freedom."

On June 15, the government had announced that smoking scenes in films and TV serials will be banned from October 2, though it said that exceptions would be made in case of situations such as treatment of historical personality, historical period and social messaging against smoking itself.

Sharmila Tagore , chairperson of Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), said that such kind of a near blanket ban was not possible as it "impinged on artistic expression" of filmmakers.

Tagore's view was seconded by renowned film director Mahesh Bhatt , who also objected to any such ban.

Reddy said that a Steering Committee, comprising representatives of government, industry, consumer and social activists group would be formed to "take forward this process of consultation in regard to all societal concerns."

(The picture shows Amitabh Bachchan lighting a bidi in Bunty Aur Babli .)

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