Pathaan has been at the centre of news, ever since its announcement. While the snowballing catapulted after Besharam Rang released and Deepika Padukone’s saffron bikini became the talk of the town, Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) have asked Pathaan makers to make certain edits in the film and Besharam Rang.
Former CBFC chief Asha Parekh, who had previously spoken in favour of Pathaan, has now said that let Besharam Rang be removed if that means smooth release of Pathaan.
“We can’t afford any more flops. I don’t know what the Censor Board says on this. But I am saying, remove the offending portion and ensure that the film gets a smooth release,” says the actress who had a controversial tenure as a Censor Chief in 1998-2001.
Ashaji believes that a fear psychosis is being created among moviegoers. “Woh darr ke mare nahin jaana chahte ke pataa nahin kya hoga. In this way our film industry is being killed. It happened with Aamir’s film (Laal Singh Chaddha).
It must not happen with Pathaan. Our industry needs a big hit. I have been a part of this film industry for more than 60 years. I’ve never seen a worse recession during my entire career. We must have hits. And to ensure that, we must not allow films to be a victim of the boycott culture.”
Talking about the hullabaloo over the saffron bikini controversy, Asha Parekh said, “Why is a stamp being put on one particular colour? Every colour is equally beautiful. Orange was such a favourite colour of many of us heroines. Imagine being told, don’t wear this colour don’t wear that colour. This is the height of bullying. No community can claim ownership over any colour.”
She further added, “We must have hits. Films like Pathaan and Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani can revive the film industry.”