Padmaavat row: CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi to skip Zee Jaipur literature festival after Karni Sena threat

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prasoon Joshi on Saturday said that he will skip the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), after a threat from Shri Rajput Karni Sena to not allow him to enter Rajasthan.

Joshi said that he will be skipping the literature festival so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised. "The lovers of literature should get to focus on creativity and not controversy."

He also said that he will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers.

Last week, Shree Rajput Karni Sena had said that it will protest Joshi's lecture at Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). The fringe group, which was protesting against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmaavat' was upset at the CBFC for clearing the movie after suggesting some modifications.

The Rajasthan government had said that Joshi will be provided security when he arrives in Jaipur to attend an event. He was scheduled to participate in the session 'Main aur Who: Conversation with Myself' on January 28.

Speaking about Padmaavat, Joshi said that he did his job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call. "As I have said earlier, certification was done with due processes, incorporating valid suggestions whilst staying mindful to the concerns of the society as well as to the canvas of cinema. It’s sad that we are not relying on genuine peaceful dialogue. It’s important that we keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don’t reach this far.”