A balancing act

Aditya Roy Kapur on the struggle between censorship and freedom of expression

MUMBAI: Actor Aditya Roy Kapur says that maintaining a balance between censorship and freedom of expression is a constant struggle but the Indian film industry is endeavouring for it. “As an artist, it’s great if you have complete freedom of expression but censorship is also important,” said Aditya. “It’s just about finding the right balance, which is not an easy thing to do. It’s a constant struggle and there’s no perfect way to do it,” he added, at recent a fashion show by designer Manish Malhotra, where Aditya and his Fitoor co-star Katrina Kaif walked the ramp. “There’s going to be a give and take, there’s going to be some people who might think it is right or wrong but the endeavour is to find the right balance. I hope we’re getting there.”

The censor board, helmed by Pahlaj Nihalani, has been in the news constantly for its decisions and the problems film-makers and actors have with them. In return, actors, directors and other performers have also been under attack for some of the content they create.

The debate has been triggered by a recent incident, wherein comedian Kiku Sharda was arrested for imitating Dera Sacha Sauda chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim.



Aditya avoided giving a statement about Kiku. “I’m not well-informed to make a completely informed point of view on it. It’s quite a sensitive topic, so without having the necessary know-how, it’s not necessary to make a comment like that.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2016.

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