Censors allow Ajay Devgn to Smoke. Here's Why...

Censors allow Ajay Devgn to Smoke. Here's Why...
Thursday, July 29, 2010 13:29 IST
By Subhash K Jha , Santa Banta News Network
/> Once upon a time not so long ago (in 2002) when Ajay Devgn played Dawood Ibrahim in Ram Gopal Varma's Company he was shown smoking or holding a cigarette throughout the film. No one objected. Not even Devgn who was an oblivious smoker back then.

Much water has flown since then. Now when Devgn plays another character based on a real-life gangster in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai he's again shown chain-smoking. Much water has flown since the time Company was released. Today any character smoking on screen invites immediate censorial rectification.

Even Devgn who has a little daughter and pregnant wife at home had cut down on his smoking. But the the chain-smoker's role in Luthria's film has gotten him addicted to cigarettes once again.

So what gives?

Ok let's get this straight. Haji Mastan was a chain smoker. So is Ajay Devgn who plays a smuggler from the 1970s smokes through most of Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai.

Until very recently the censors clamped down on any character holding a cancer stick in his or her hands. In fact censor chief Sharmila Tagore was at her wit's end when in April this year the government sent the censorboard a circular stating that if any characters in any film lights up a cigarette the film automatically gets certified for adult viewing.

Once Upon A Time in Mumbai not only shows Devgn puffing away the cancer stick the film has been awarded a ‘UA' certificate.

How on earth did Devgn and the film get away with it?

Director Milan Luthria tries to find a rationale behind the ‘know'-smoking in his film. "First of all, Ajay's character in Once Upon A Time In Mumbai smokes less than he did in Company. We had to put a disclaimer at the beginning of the film in both Hindi and English saying, ‘Smoking Is Injurious to Health'. That apart I think this shows a sign of maturity on the censorboard's part. It's the character not the actor who's smoking."
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT