What do you think you achieved as CBFC chief and what have you learnt?
I realized that we're far more transparent than the Americans. We speak to the press whenever they want to discuss a decision; we're not "all white"' nor all of "a certain age" . Their debate is about "why X, not A" ; ours is about "why UA, not U" . Except for "Ghajini" which fell through the net, we give 'UA' if there's violence, item songs, expletives... Tell me honestly , is "Kaminey" watchable by a 12-year-old ?
Sometimes a single dialogue tarnishes the dignity of women. One character in "Rajneeti" gave the impression that every woman sleeps around to get a ticket (in elections). Sometimes friendly relations with a country can't be jeopardized. As an insider, I understand the compulsions of both the industry and the audience. I also know that some people take advantage of our openness and go to the press for publicity. Still, and against advice, I opened up to the press. That helped build bridges.
An example?
A long article in a film journal had detailed the director's tension while "Love Sex aur Dhoka" was being censored. Describing the (CBFC) members, he wrote dismissively of "a burqa-clad woman" . I called up the editor and asked him, "Can't a burqaclad lady judge a film?" He had no answer, he kept repeating , "I'm listening madam, I'm listening."
In "No One Killed Jessica" , Tehelka pointed out that, in reality, they had held the candlelight vigils and sting operations. But the sponsors, NDTV, appeared to get the credit. So I spoke to producer Ronnie Screwvala, and he took measures to correct the impression. Such interventions have helped avert conflicts.
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