Old and foreign films may escape new smoking rules

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If the Information and Broadcasting ministry has its way, old and foreign films may be out of the ambit of new smoking rules proposed by the Union health ministry.

With the I&B ministry citing 'practical problems' in following the new rules for foreign and old movies, the health ministry is considering to make changes in the notification.

In a meeting held last week with the health ministry officials, the I&B has suggested certain changes with relaxation for the old and foreign films.

“According to the I&B ministry since disclaimer by foreign actors and scrolling messages in old films will be difficult as they are already certified, they have asked the health ministry for relaxation for these films,” said a senior official in the health ministry.

The I&B officials, however, maintained that they would try and convince Bollywood on the new rules.

According to the new rules every time an actor is seen taking a puff on screen, a prominent scroll warning that smoking is injurious to health will run at the bottom. It was also asked that actor will personally read out the ill-effects of smoking before the film starts.

There would also be a disclaimer of minimum 20 seconds by the actor regarding the ill effects of the use of such products. The rules also state to blur the brand names of cigarettes and other tobacco products will be blurred.