The Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has made headlines again and this time, for apparently asking the film's makers to delete shots of a bra and references to Savita Bhabhi from Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra's upcoming film. The Pahlaj Nihalani-led board deems the innerwear shot offensive as much as the reference to Savita Bhabhi, which they believe is a pornographic character. At a time when the Shyam Benegal Committee report, that was submitted to the I&B Ministry in June, is relooking at the responsibilities of CBFC, limiting its duty to certifying films, the board remains unfazed. Pahlaj Nihalani, chairman of the board, however, feels it's their duty to ask for cuts and make it viewerworthy. Excerpts...

The CBFC has removed a bra shot in an upcoming Bollywood film (Baar Baar Dekho).
Yes, it is CBFC's job to censor films and we are not answerable to anyone about the cuts in the film. If the producer of the film has a problem with the certification post censorship, they can approach the revising committee of the board as well. The producer decides the content of the film and the kind of certificate they want. If they are willing to have a U/A certificate, they will need to have a necessary cut for the same. Now, if the makers are not happy with the cuts, they can take it forward. The film is basically the content of the producer and if he raises an objection, I can direct them to the revising committee.

But, the board has been embroiled in controversies due to unwanted cuts in films in recent times as well...
CBFC is aware of the scenes and has reasons for asking for the deletion of a particular scene. The members of the panel are capable enough and know what they would like to retain in the film. So, none of the cuts in films are suggested without reason.

The Shyam Benegal Committee report will revise your responsibilities in the board...
The report has been submitted to the Ministry in June and they are still reviewing it. Though I am not aware when it will be implemented, I believe it will be discussed in the winter session of the Parliament, and implemented after that. Moreover, it is not my work to comment on the report. Once it is implemented, I will follow the instructions.

There were reports that you have sent a strongly-worded letter to the Ministry about members who have criticised the policies of the board.
It is an extremely internal matter of the board and the Ministry and I would not like to discuss it right now. However, I am grateful to the panel members for their transparency, integrity and accountability.