Nihalani vs Lipstick Under My Burkha: Time to shout for our rights, says Kabir Khan

Coming out in support of Prakash Jha’s latest film which was denied certification by Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), filmmaker Kabir Khan said a handful of people cannot decide on what people should see and that watching a film is an individual choice.

Produced by Jha and directed by Alankrita Shrivastava, “Lipstick under My Burkha” was denied certification by the CBFC for being “lady oriented” and containing “abusive words”.

“Watching a film is a voluntary act. It is not forced on anyone and two-three people sitting out there in CBFC cannot take decision for the entire society,” Kabir told reporters here at the screening of short film “The Strange Smile” last night.

“It’s a strange situation and it’s happening again and again, the problem lies when these kind of incidents are happening regularly,” he said.

The “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” director feels that the film industry should stand united against the CBFC and voice their opinion.

“We say India is a global power but I think global powers don’t act like this. They (referring to CBFC) think society is so fragile that after seeing a particular film our values will be damaged. Now the time has come for the industry people to formally stand up against this and shout for their rights,” he asserted.

When asked if he will stand by the makers of the film in their fight against CBFC, he said he will support the team.

“I think everyone in the industry will support the film. Till now, no such discussion has been done for an organised effort. But if needed, I will surely be a part of the organised effort,” he added.

“Lipstick under My Burkha” has been screened at various film festivals and has won the Spirit of Asia Award at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality at the Mumbai Film Festival.

Starring Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur in lead roles, the film is about four women from different sections of society, who are seeking freedom and want to fulfil their desires.