Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bollywood's Smoking Poster Paradox Revealed
Bollywood's Smoking Poster Paradox Revealed
27 Sep
Summary
- Filmmaker questions Bollywood's smoking imagery on posters.
- Posters show actors smoking despite anti-smoking warnings.
- New guidelines mandate anti-drug warnings on screen.
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has voiced concern over Bollywood's continued association of smoking with leading men, particularly on film posters. He highlighted posters for 'Animal,' 'Dhurandhar,' and 'Love & War,' all featuring prominent actors smoking.
Gupta questioned the efficacy of anti-smoking disclaimers shown before and during films when promotional materials contradict these messages. His remarks ignited a debate, with some users referencing his past work and others agreeing with his critique of cinema linking cigarettes to masculinity.
This discussion coincides with stricter regulations from the CBFC. New guidelines, notified on September 16, mandate on-screen warnings for films depicting drug use, such as 'Illicit Narcotics Destroy Health and Guarantees Imprisonment. Say No to Drugs.'
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also announced a new 18-member CBFC board. This panel includes notable figures like Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, and filmmaker Priyadarshan, with Shashi Shekhar Vempati continuing as chairperson.
