2024-08-26 18:34:32
Padma Shri Prasoon Joshi is a well-known name in Hindi cinema. Many memorable songs and films have come from his pen. However, after becoming the chairman of the censor board, the series of his creations has slowed down a bit. These days he is in the news for the mega musical drama Rajadhiraj: Love, Life, Leela based on the life of Shri Krishna, with which he has returned to writing again. Here is this special conversation with him: Prasoon Joshi, the renowned writer-lyricist who gave Hindi cinema a series of memorable songs like ‘Taare Zameen Par’, ‘Chand Sifarish’, ‘Masakkali’ and award winning films like ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’, has been away from films since becoming the chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
Prasoon Joshi spoke on his distance from films
Regarding the distance from writing for films after becoming the CBFC chairman, Prasoon says, ‘Yes, my distance from film writing has increased. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, more of my time is now spent in CBFC work. Secondly, I have to keep a distance from the film industry because I do not want people to think that I am more inclined towards a project because I am associated with it. This also becomes necessary in terms of my loyalty. Therefore, I try not to write songs for films, but if a project like Rajadhiraj comes and pulls me, then who am I to refuse? I am a simple man. Just think, where films are struggling in theatres, this play is getting standing ovations, what can be bigger than this. Apart from this, my book of poetry is almost ready.’
I don’t even drink CBFC’s tea
CBFC is like Kajal’s room, where the reputation is always tarnished. Recently, many controversies have come to the fore (from corruption to Prasun not going to office). On this, he says, ‘This is really a very challenging responsibility but I think what can I do in this? I can fulfill that responsibility with full devotion and I do. I do this work completely free of cost. I don’t even drink tea. I don’t take any salary or any facility for it. I have been giving my services to the government completely free of cost for seven years. At the same time, I have digitized the entire process. You apply digitally and also get your certificate digitally. You do not need to come to the office. If someone wants to come, that is a different matter but you can get the certificate on your phone with a QR code. Therefore, I can say with pride that I have fulfilled this responsibility with full devotion. CBFC is also accused of being more lenient towards violent scenes in films like Animal? On this Prasun said, ‘I want things to emerge from dialogue, not controversy.’
Fasting is also necessary from entertainment
Prasun believes that films are struggling in theatres. According to him, ‘We are going through such an era when you cannot take the audience lightly. Today they have so many options. There is social media. There is OTT, there is competition with everyone. Then, there should not be too much entertainment. Why should there be too much entertainment brother? Do you want to make us puppets of entertainment? Have some entertainment. Spend some time with family. Discover yourself a little. Serve the society a little. What is this that only content is being watched. Anything has value only when you fast for a day. Then the next day the food will taste better, so fast from entertainment as well.’
Why the inferiority complex towards our own culture?
What does Prasoon, who has earned a name in the advertising and film world, wish to do next? He said, ‘I want that the stories of our country should be taken to the global level. Do something such that our future generation is proud of its culture. For this, I would like to do as much work as I can. For example, this play is a world class experience. Similarly, I made a safety instructions video for Air India, which is based on Indian classical dance. I explained how to wear a belt through Bharatnatyam. In this way, I want to show our culture to the world. I feel very bad that we suffer from inferiority complex about such a great culture. I want to do great work in that field.’