Former CBFC Chief Asha Parekh Speaks Out On 'Saffron Issue,' Saying, 'We Need To Ensure That Pathaan Releases'

Deepika Padukone's saffron bikini will continue to appear in the song "Besharam Rang," as decided by the CBFC and its chairman, Prasoon Joshi, in all their wisdom. Former Central Board of Film Certification chairwoman and former actress says she is concerned about Pathaan. “Our industry has never gone through such a bad phase. I’ve been part of it for more than sixty years. I have never seen such a low phase in the history of the industry. Pathaan needs to be released without any hindrance. Yash Raj has suffered a series of blows recently. They can’t afford another one.”

Ashaji, who earned the nickname "Jubilee Queen" in the 1960s for her constant output of songs, believes that the movie industry is at risk. “We must have hits. Films like Pathaan and Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani can revive the film industry.” Ashaji believes that restricting an artist's freedom should not be encouraged. “Why is a stamp being put on one particular color? Every color is equally beautiful. Orange was such a favorite color of many of us, heroines. Imagine being told, don’t wear this color don’t wear that color. This is the height of bullying. No community can claim ownership over any color.” Pathaan has been in controversy ever since its first song Besharam Rang got released. The movie stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in lead roles.