Item Songs Banned

ITEM SONGS banned on TV by Censor Board

After the outrageous Delhi gang-rape incident and public reaction to the same, the censor board has decided to make its standards for certification of item songs meant for telecast on TV more stringent. The so-called "item songs" in films can no longer be shown on television. The government has decided that all such songs will now be rated as adult content and item songs banned from being shown on television channels.

"The certification for songs is granted before the certification of the entire film. We have informed the I&B ministry that songs, which the board classifies a 'A' should not be allowed to be telecast on TV," said Pankaj Sharma, spokesperson Central Board of Film Certification.

The Central Board of Film Certification, or the Censor Board, has told the government that instructions in this regard have already been sent to all its regional offices and everyone else involved in certification of films to give 'A' (adult) rating to such songs. "These songs, thus, would not be allowed to be telecast on television as only (a maximum of) 'UA' rated content is allowed on television," said the Censor Board.

The move is part of the efforts to check vulgarity and obscenity in television serials and cinema. "Item songs are essentially adult content. We ourselves do not define what an item song is, but what we mean is that all those songs which are meant for adult consumption, either because of their lyrics or because of visuals, should be given adult certification," CEO of Censor Board said.

The board has also decided to act tough on songs and scenes in which "any kind of direct or indirect violence is shown against women". It will recommend deletion of such scenes or songs, and will not allow these even in A-rated films.