India does not need a second censorship for films: Chavan

India does not need a second censorship for films: Chavan

MUMBAI: The largest meet on the business of entertainment in Asia, Ficci-Frames 2010, got off today with a political statement when Chief Minister Ashok Chavan categorically said that India "does not need another censor board", clearly alluding to the recent controversy relating to the film My Name is Khan.

Chavan assured the film fraternity, which included eminent filmmakers Yash Chopra and Karan Chopra apart from Shah Rukh Khan himself, that the state government will not allow any second censorship when the country already has the Central Board of Film Certification, indirectly referring to the Shiv Sena protests against My Name is Khan after Shah Rukh Khan‘s statement about Pakistanu cricketers not being taken by the IPL (Indian Premier League) franchises.

Chavan said that there was need to send out the message that one needed to uphold the Constitution of the country and support democratic means.

He claimed that the phased release of the film ‘My name is Khan’ in the face of protestors was not a mere political stunt but a well thought out strategy to send out a message to those who fomented trouble.

Addressing the inaugural session, Chavan also assured all help to the film industry in curbing piracy which was resulting in huge losses. He said there were adequate laws to deal with the menace but there was need for greater implementation and enforcement.

He also assured both the Ficci and the film industry that the state government would extend all help in marking the centenary of Indian cinema in 2013 and he would personally look into any suggestions in this regard. 

He said the aim was to work towards the best infrastructure support for the entertainment industry in the state.