Few people on censor board cannot determine what is right or not for society: Shyam Benegal

"What business do you have to be a schoolmaster," Benegal asked.

By Satyen K via Wikimedia Commons

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Speaking at the Pune International Film Festival on Friday, film maker Shyam Benegal said that a group of people on the censor board cannot take over the moral and social responsibility of society and tell people what's right or wrong, The Times of India reported. "When you make a film, you are offering an alternative lifestyle you live in or you are selling a dream. When you show your film to an audience, you are opening them to a certain moral state of society. When I say moral, it may be moral or immoral for you. It depends. But, half a dozen people cannot determine what is right for society or what is not for society...What business do you have to be a schoolmaster," the veteran filmmaker said. Earlier this month, the Centre set up a panel, which is headed by Shyam Benegal, to look into the revamp of the Censor Board and suggest modifications in the Cinematograph Act. Actor Kamal Haasan and director Gautam Ghosh were recently added to the committee. The Censor Board has been in the midst of a raging debate ever since PM Modi loyalist Pahlaj Nihalani was appointed as chairperson.

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