Vidya Balan on her plans for the CBFC

Indian National Award-winning actress Vidya Balan, who has been appointed to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), says it’s an interesting time in cinema.

“What is very interesting is that today, there is a dialogue about various issues in society, courtesy social media. The need to build toilets or the need for every individual to have access to toilet inspires films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha because cinema is but a reflection of reality. So it’s responding to what is happening around us in the society,” Balan said.

“I think more and more, you are seeing films throw light on hitherto unmentionable issues. Today, entertainment is very closely [entwined] with what I think is either awareness or building opinion or just encouraging debate, thereby making you think,” she added.

Balan spoke before last week’s CBFC reshuffle, in which chairman Pahlaj Nihalani was replaced by writer-adman Prasoon Joshi.

With the shake-up in CBFC ranks, cinemagoers and film fraternity members are looking forward to support from the official body.

Balan is clear about the function of movies in society. “Films are a mirror to the society and are derived from the society. So, I think films have the power to influence and to touch people’s lives, to make you think, to make you feel and to change you. That is the power of cinema but the change has to come from society.

Everyone’s problem

“So I believe that reality inspires films, and films could then further inspire reality,” said the actress, who is involved with many social initiatives.

She also feels that it’s not just an actor’s responsibility to bring about change in the society through films.

“If you want to make [a] change, you have to step up and do something about it. Whether you are an actor or a common citizen of the country, I think it’s the responsibility of each one of us to contribute to the change that we want to see around us. Why hold only actors up to it?” asked Balan.

The actress is known for taking on films with strong women such as The Dirty Picture, for which she won a National Film Award.

Her other films are Kahaani, No One Killed Jessica and Begum Jaan.

Asked if she will ever do message-based films, Balan said: “Not really. I think the intention of the film should be to tell a story as an actor,to live a certain character. If the message is organic to the story and if the film make you think about something, then it’s good, but I don’t think I am OK with doing a film in order to preach something or to effect change.

“That can be a by-product, but that cant be the aim,” she said.

Important to study

Emphasising the importance of education, she said: “It’s [education is] the birthright of every individual and child. So, whether you come from the rural or urban areas, education can be huge differentiator. It really dictates what your possibilities could be in your life, and that’s why I’m associated with this initiative.”