Javed Akhtar’s snarky comment on Pathaan row: ‘We have 4-5 dharmas, they should have their censors’

Lyricist Javed Akhtar has commented on the controversy surrounding the Pathaan song Besharam Rang and said in sarcasm that that every dharma (religion) should have its own censor board.

The song featuring Deepika Padukone in an orange bikini has earned the ire of a section of the society claiming that the colour is sacred in Hinduism. Some have also objected to the title of the film which happens to be a particular ethnic group.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra had earlier said that Pathaan screening shouldn’t be allowed in the state unless some “scenes and costumes are corrected”. The Madhya Pradesh Ulema Board had also sought a ban on the film for “misrepresenting Islam”.

Commenting on the same, Javed Akhtar said, “If he (the minister) thinks there should be a separate censor board for Madhya Pradesh, they (should) watch the film separately. And if they are unhappy with the Centre’s film certification, we should not come in between them, it is between them and the Centre.”

On being asked about the recently constituted ‘Dharma Censor Board’, Javed quipped, “There is one censor board in MP, then this is there and one censor board of the centre is also there. What is the problem? We have four-five important ‘dharmas’ and they should have their censors. Maybe then moulvis (under Islam) will start watching films. Do it, do it!”

Commenting on the controversy, he said, “It is not for me or you to decide whether the song is right or wrong. We have an agency.” He said the people should trust the certification provided by the censor board and the cuts they suggest.

Javed Akhtar was speaking at the launch of Jadunama on Monday. It is a coffee table book which is a compilation of extracts from his public speeches, interviews and quotes. His comments came a day before Pathaan trailer release on Tuesday. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is set to release in theatres on January 25. The censor board recently gave the film a U/A certification after suggesting a few cuts in the song Besharam Rang and asked to remove references like RAW and PM.