Noted writer and India's censor board chief will not be attending the ongoing Jaipur Literature Fest, in which he was supposed to participate. Joshi has come under fire by fringe Rajput groups like the Karni Sena for clearing Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmaavat (formerly known as 'Padmavati'). The Karni Sena had previously alternated between threatening Joshi and stating that they would not allow him to enter Jaipur as he had sanctioned the release of a film that, the group alleged, was an affront to Rajput history, traditions and sentiment.
While Rajasthan's police had earlier guaranteed Joshi's security earlier, the censor board chief finally decided not attend the literature festival, stating that he doesn't wish to compromise the dignity of the festival or cause any discomfort to either the organizers or the attendees. Read his full statement:
“Will not be attending JLF this year and must say will miss sharing great moments with literature and poetry lovers. I am doing this so that the dignity of the event does not get compromised or discomfort caused either to the organisers, fellow writers or the attendees. And also so that the lovers of literature get to focus on creativity and not controversy.
Speaking of which , the issue around the film Padmaavat - I did my 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.”
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