CBFC should help and respect filmmakers: Anupam Kher

Veteran actor Anupam Kher, who has been a former chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), says the body should help and respect filmmakers rather than be a "villain" in their life.

Regarding the suggested 48 cuts in Babumoshai Bandookbaaz and criticism raised against CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani, Anupam said, "Criticism should not be personality oriented. I don't think Pahlaj Nihalani is doing all that, but having said that, I feel censor board needs to re-look at themselves."

He went on to add, "They are more and more coming across as people who know how to stop a film rather than how to facilitate the film. We live in the 21st century, so we can watch anything on internet. I feel there is a need of self-regulation."

The actor also said, "I feel the censor board should not act as a villain for films. Censor board's existence is defined because of films, so I feel they should help and respect filmmakers. I have been censor board chairman for one year. There are rule books and guidelines, but (we are) seeing that anyone can interpret things in their own way and by following that, you can ban the release any film."

Anupam also feels that Shyam Benegal's Committee report should be executed with immediate effect and filmmakers should be allowed to make the films that they want to make.

Talking about his upcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Anupam said, "It's not a film, it's a movement. Just like Akshay says it doesn't matter whether our film works or not, but if 10 per cent people get aware and get inspired by the film, then it's a great achievement for our film. The message has been presented in an entertaining manner, so I hope people will appreciate it."