Lipstick Under My Burkha: Ekta Kapoor says problem is with society, not CBFC

Tagged as one of the most controversial films of the year, Lipstick Under My Burkha has been facing several restrictions from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). However, the trailer of the Alankrita Shrivastav directorial venture was released on Tuesday in Mumbai. During the film's trailer launch, Ekta Kapoor, who will be presenting and distributing the film, said that she had no problem with the CBFC, but with the society.

''There is no problem with CBFC, my problem is with society, which at some point speaks about the same issue in its own ways. If you talk to any girl, you will come to know about five to 10 such incidents happening with her in one day where, being a woman, she has to prove herself a little harder. She has to learn how to combat from a very young age,'' Ekta Said.

Explaining about the middle finger shown in the poster of the film "Lipstick Under My Burkha", Ekta said: "The middle finger is not for the CBFC but pointed towards the patriarchal society that does not let us come out, which compels us to suppress our voice. That is why this issue is not just CBFC's, this issue is about ideology, it is about patriarchy."

During the press conference, the panel consisted of Ekta Kapoor, Alankrita Srivastava, Konkana Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur.

The film, produced by Prakash Jha, was stuck with the CBFC for six months as it revolves around four women and their sexual desires and freedom. But finally, the CBFC has passed the trailer of the film with 'A' certificate.

Ratna Pathak Shah, who was one of the senior most actors among the four women in the film, said the film should not be loaded with any label as it is difficult to live with and she did this film as she found it very interesting and funny.

"Let's not load the film down with words such as 'life changing movement' or 'new wave' etc., as these things, these labels can be very hard to live with.

"When I saw the film, I found it extremely interesting, extremely sensitive, funny film. I enjoyed watching it and I think even the audience will do," said the Sarabhai vs Sarabhai actress.

She also addressed the issue of Goods and Services Tax (GST) by saying: "Not just lipstick, but sanitary pads should also not be taxed by the government. It's a necessity for a woman's hygiene."

Lipstick Under My Burkha, starring Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra, Plabita Borthakur and Vikrant Massey, has already created a great buzz among the audience. The film will be released on July 21.

(With IANS Inputs)