In the fourth edition of Screen Live, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore reflected on her tenure as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2004 to 2011.
In the fourth edition of Screen Live, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore opened up about her illustrious career and personal life. During the conversation, she reflected on her tenure as chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) from 2004 to 2011, opening up about her efforts to balance creative freedom with societal and governmental expectations. Sharmila described her role as a mediator, aimed at bridging the gap between civil society and the government.
She said, “When I was there, very few cuts were demanded in films, except in cases where we really felt it would harm the producer. We did it in their interest. I don’t think there was too much interference from the CBFC at that time. However, the more liberal we became, the more difficult it became for the audience.
I wanted to be a bridge between civil society and the government. One section of society wanted a complete abolition of censorship, while the other wanted strict regulations.” Sharmila elaborated on the complexities of the role, saying, “Our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but there is also a clause to maintain the law and order situation. It is not something you can define easily – what will bother someone and what will not. You have to go for it and that is what I tried to bring during my tenure.”
Born into the famous Tagore family, Sharmila made her acting debut at the age of 14 in Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed Bengali film The World of Apu (1959). Her collaboration with Ray continued in several films, earning her recognition for her talent. Shelter forayed into mainstream Hindi cinema, she made her debut with Kashmir Ki Kali (1964). Sharmila went on to star in several iconic films, including Waqt (1965), Anupama (1966), An Evening in Paris (1967), Aamne Saamne (1967), Satyakaam (1969), Aradhana (1969), Safar (1970), Amar Prem (1972) and many more.
These films not only showcased her versatility but also cemented her position as one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. Sharmila Tagore was also one of the few actresses of her era who continued working even after her marriage to cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi – an exception at the time.
Despite taking a hiatus of 13 years, she made a triumphant comeback on screen in 2023 with the critically acclaimed film Gulmohar. She will next be seen on the big screen in Sunil Sukthankar’s film Outhouse.
