If the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has its way, old and foreign films may be out of the ambit of new smoking rules proposed by the Union health ministry.
With the I&B ministry citing “practical problems” in following the new rules for foreign and old films, the health ministry is considering to make changes in the notification that made it mandatory for the film industry of certain rules to be followed if the film had smoking scenes.
In a meeting held last week with the health ministry officials, the I&B ministry has suggested certain changes in the notification with relaxation for the old and foreign films. “According to the I&B ministry since disclaimer by foreign actors and scrolling messages in old films will be difficult as they are already certified, they have asked the health ministry for relaxation for these films,” said a senior official in the health ministry. The I&B officials, however, maintained that they would try and convince Bollywood on the new rules.
According to the new rules, every time an actor is seen taking a puff on screen, a prominent scroll warning that smoking is injurious to health will run at the bottom. It was also asked that actor will personally read out the ill-effects of smoking before the film starts. There would also be a disclaimer of minimum 20 seconds duration by actor regarding the ill effects of the use of such products in the beginning and middle of the film. Also, the names of brands of cigarettes and other tobacco products will also have to be blurred.
“For better implementation, the I&B has also asked the health ministry to define the actor -whether it should be a lead actor or the one who is smoking in the film,” added the official. Citing these practical problems, the ministry has asked the health ministry to make necessary changes in the notification.
According to the new rules, all filmmakers depicting usage of tobacco will have to show a message or spot of minimum 30 seconds at the beginning and middle of the concerned film or TV programme.