Why Vidya agreed to join CBFC as a board member

Pahlaj Nihalani’s exit from the CBFC was sudden, but not unexpected. After months of uncalled moral policing, the film fraternity heaved a sigh of relief as the new chief Prasoon Joshi took over. Along with that, a new set of members also entered the board. One of them was Vidya Balan; one of the most couragious and honest artistes of our times.

When quizzed about her decision to enter CBFC, Vidya answered, “”When I was asked to join, I thought if I didn’t agree to it now, then I will lose the right to criticise any decision ever made by the CBFC. When I got the chance to do it, I said I am ready to take on that responsibility. (Also Read: Teaser of Vidya Balan’s ‘Tumhari Sulu’ will definitely make you smile)

I really don’t want to say anything about what our approach is going to be or what our decisions are going to be based on but I would like to say that we just had a board meeting and it felt good that we are all in sync with our thoughts about the board and CBFC.”

At the same time, she feels films have travelled a long way in terms of content, and cites the recently released ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ as an example.

“I saw ‘Shubh Mangal Saavdhan’ recently and I enjoyed the film thoroughly. Two years ago, you couldn’t have imagined there will be a film about erectile dysfunction with a fairly popular actor. And it’s been treated so beautifully. I don’t personally look at it as a cause-based film… I think it’s about relatability,” she added.

On the professional front, Vidya will be next seen in ‘Tumhari Sulu’, which releases on December 1.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.