Producers to request health ministry to replace 'no-smoking' static warnings with anti-tobacco ad films
Aamir Khan
A producers' meet was held at actor-filmmaker Aamir Khan's house yesterday to chalk out a proposal on alternative 'no smoking' disclaimers for films. The proposal will be sent to the health ministry for consideration.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aamir Khan
Mukesh Bhatt, who is also the president of the Indian Film and Television Producers' Guild, said: "We plan to make short films on no-smoking and want to present a proposal on the same to the ministry. The industry is against the static messages. We have shortlisted names of seven-eight filmmakers and top actors to be part of such films."
From left: Karan Johar, Farhan Akhtar, Vikram Bhatt and Vishal Bhardwaj will be roped in to make short films or ads for anti-tobacco awareness
The directors' names include Karan Johar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Farhan Akhtar, Vikram Bhatt and Anurag Kashyap.
Industry members had earlier discussed this issue with Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, in the city. Bollywood folk have been vocal about their disapproval regarding the static warning that pop up during smoking scenes. Anurag Kashyap had raised objections to the disclaimer and filed a case before the release of his film Ugly last year.
An industry source says, "We want the audience to engage with us. There have been times in the past that the lead actor or actress gave a voice-over to the 'smoking is injurious to health' disclaimer flashing on screen."