Culture Wars: ‘Pathaan’ Makers Told To Rework Song

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – Days after a Delhi-based advocate filed a complaint with Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur and the Central Board of Film Certification against Bollywood actors Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone for a music video for hurting religious sentiments, CBFC Chairperson Prasoon Joshi has asked the makers of ‘Pathaan’ to make certain changes in the film and songs and submit a revised version before its theatrical release.

Joshi said: “CBFC is always committed to finding the right balance between creative expression and sensibility of the audience…I must reiterate that our culture and faith are glorious, intricate, and nuanced.”

The song ‘Besharam Rang’ from the film aired online on December 12. Advocate Vineet Jindal, who practices at the Supreme Court had said that the song is vulgar and obscene, and hurts Hindu sentiments as Padukone can be seen wearing a saffron color bikini and sarong with Khan.

“We all know saffron color is a symbol of renunciation, sacrifice, knowledge, purity, and service but Bollywood has turned that color into a symbol of shamelessness by insulting the color of pride and devotion by performing obscene moves in this song,” he had said. “The performance by Padukone and Khan has damaged the pure divinity of the saffron color, which is of utmost significance to the Hindu community,” he added.