Lyricist and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi has issued a statement as to why he won’t be attending the Jaipur Literature Festival this year.
The Karni Sena had earlier threatened Joshi saying that they would not let him attend the JLF which started on 25 January, the day Padmaavat released. The Sena had also protested in front of the CBFC office in Mumbai after Padmaavat was passed with a UA certificate.
In his statement, Joshi says that he doesn’t want to compromise the dignity of the Jaipur Literature Festival by causing any problems at the event:
“Will not be attending JLF this year and must say will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers. I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy.
Speaking of which, the issue around the film Padmaavat - I did my job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call. As I have said earlier, certification was done with due processes, incorporating valid suggestions whilst staying mindful to the concerns of the society as well as to the canvas of cinema. It’s sad that we are not relying on genuine peaceful dialogue. It’s important that we keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don’t reach this far.”
Prasoon was earlier announced as one of the speakers at the ongoing JLF in a session titled “Main aur Woh: Conversations with Myself” with Anu Singh Choudhary on 28 January.
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