Cast of 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz' fumes over 48 cuts by Censor Board

NEW DELHI: Despite the film receiving an 'A certificate', the Central Board of Film Certification's (CBFC) Chief Pahlaj Nihalani has demanded 48 cuts for Nawazuddin Siddiqui starrer upcoming Bollywood flick 'Babumoshai Bandookbaaz'. Revolting against Nihalani's decision, many filmmakers from the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association ( IFTDA) gathered to take a stand against CBFC's repetitive cuts in almost every film. While talking about the troubles created by Nihalani, Nawazuddin told the media, "The situation is such that I have to count my words. When conditions like these arise, the producers feel scary while improvising as there is no creative freedom. These words and language are important to give local flavor and authencity to the role for the story growth. As an actor, I think if the film has a local flavour, then only it becomes global. My character is not polished, how can I not use abusive language?" Leading actress of the movie, Bidita Bag said that CBFC's attitude is reminding her of grandparents as they used to limit her freedom. "The CBFC is acting like grandparents as 70 percent Indians are adults. Why are we told what to do and what not to do? People can watch porn for free on the internet but people are told what to do when they spend money. Films are a slice of life. In real life, we make love. So, why can't people show all that on screen?" said the actor," she added. Film's producer Kiran Shyam stated that she felt threatened by Nihalani, when said that if they go to FCAT, he would make sure the film is not released at all. Alankrita Shrivastava, whose recent release 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' was denied certification for being "lady oriented" and sexually explicit, was also present at the press conference and said, "I feel censorship is not required. We are from a free and democratic country. We need to get rid of censorship."