Indian Government bans smoking in Indian movies and television
The Indian government has passed a new law banning the portrayal of smoking in the Indian films and television.
The government says no new films or TV programs can portray smoking and old films must carry prominent warnings. It says 800,000 Indians a year die from smoking-related diseases.
Many Indian film makers are against this move and are calling it an “absurd” step by the government.
Film director and producer Mahesh Bhatt said: “One would understand a ban on surrogate advertising, but to completely ban [smoking] is ridiculous, a joke taken too far.”
Fellow filmmaker, Shyam Benegal, said: “The government should, instead, go after the source - the guys who produce tobacco and make tons of money.”
Leading actor Anupam Kher said the move could be the start of a worrying trend: “Tomorrow, the government can turn around and say don’t show guns in movies as it will encourage violence.”
But the government is standing by its decision and has the support of national and global health organizations.
In my opinion the move by the government is ridiculous. Although I agree that youngsters do imitate their favorite onscreen actors but their are other ways in which smoking can be curbed. For instance, last year the government banned smoking in public places, but nothing has been done to impose the ban. People can be regularly seen smoking everywhere such as bus stops, railway stations and even in trains.
Moreover, the cost of cigarettes in India is very low about 1$ per pack. “Bidis” which is tobacco stuffed in dry leaves cost about 20 cents per pack. Increasing the tax on these products will discourage youngsters, especially those who belong to lower middle class, to take up smoking.
Reference - BBC News
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August 19th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
This ban has had no impact. Although the concern over smoking was well placed, it has been a ridiculous infringement of artistic expression. Films are simply the wrong target in the drive to curb smoking.