Despite Rajasthan Police’s assurance regarding his security following the film Padmaavat controversy, Censor Board Chief Prasoon Joshi decided to skip Jaipur Lit Fest. In a statement released by Joshi, he says he does not wish to cause any discomfort to organisers and compromise the dignity of the festival.
Will not be attending JLF this year and must say 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 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.
Speaking of which, the issue around the film Padmaavat – 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.
Joshi had been threatened by the Karni Sena to not attend the Jaipur Lit Fest for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Padmaavat. Meanwhile, Karni Sena has ‘welcomed‘ Joshi’s decision to not attend the festival as he is ‘repentant for his mistake at how he hurt the sentiments of Rajputs’.
