Censor Board to draw up new list of forbidden words

The outcry over the abusive words reportedly banned by the Censor Board Of Film Certification (CBFC) has temporarily been relieved by hurriedly withdrawing the list.

It is reliably learnt that the Ministry For Information and Broadcasting intends to draw up a much larger list of banned words, as the list that went out to producers recently was found to be 'incomprehensive.'

According to a source, the I&B ministry is keen to expand the list to make it 'more comprehensive and less random.'

This means there will be more words that filmmakers won’t be allowed to use.

Says a reliable source, “The list that (Chairman) Pahlaj Nihlani (in the picture) sent out was actually put out 12 years ago. Nihalani was only reiterating what was already in the public domain. However, it has now been decided by the I&B ministry that the list would incorporate many other words and terms in Hindi and English which would ensure that filmmakers follow the vocabulary code.”

Censor Board’s CEO Shravan Kumar says: "A list of objectionable words was compiled by ROs way back in 2003. The chairman decided to circulate the same for easy reference and guidance. In the first meeting of the board held after his assumption of the charge apart from the other issues, the board also discussed the issue of 'use of abusive language.' It was of the unanimous view that the matter required further consultation with different sections of the society before it is implemented. It was also discussed that a separate meeting of the board would be convened to deliberate on this issue."