BOMBAY TIMES (January 29, 2018)

CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi will not be attending the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) this year. His decision came after the Karni Sena threatened that they would not allow him to enter Jaipur as he had cleared Padmaavat for release. Prasoon said in a statement, “Will not be attending JLF this year and must say, I will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers. I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort is caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy.”

Referring to the controversy around the film, Prasoon added, “I did my job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call. As I have said earlier, certification was done with due processes, incorporating valid suggestions whilst staying mindful to the concerns of the society as well as to the canvas of cinema. It’s sad that we are not relying on genuine peaceful dialogue. It’s important that we keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don’t reach this far.”