Actors smoking on-screen to convey anti-smoking message through short films
What's the story
The government is looking into suggestions by a panel that short films could be made to convey an anti-smoking message to viewers by the "same actor who is depicted as smoking on screen", Anurag Srivastava, the CEO of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), said. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had set up the committee, led by filmmaker Shyam Benegal in 2016.
Smoking
Exposure to smoking in movies initiates smoking among adolescents: Srivastava
"There have been studies which indicate that exposure to smoking in movies initiates smoking among adolescents. Many Indian movies portray tobacco use. Also, use of tobacco has been glamorized in popular perception," Srivastava said. There is also a perception that tobacco consumption gives a sense of freedom and is for people who live life king-size, the CEO of CBFC, said.
Editorial justification
Filmmakers have to give 'strong editorial justification' for depicting smoking
Srivastava was addressing a group of participants during a panel discussion at India Tobacco Leadership Program in Goa on Friday. Srivastava said every filmmaker in their application to censor board has to give a very "strong editorial justification" for depicting smoking or other tobacco products on screen. "At present, there's no law which says that they have to give it in writing," he added.
Rules
Films, TV programs must carry anti-tobacco health spot of 30s
According to rules, all films and TV programs certified/produced on or after October 2, 2012, that depict tobacco product must carry anti-tobacco health spot of 30 seconds duration each, at their beginning and middle. They should also have an anti-tobacco audiovisual disclaimer of 20 seconds and a prominent static message during the period of display of tobacco products or their use on screen.