Prasoon Joshi on The Challenge of Entertainment

A lyricist, screenwriter, poet, marketer, and presently the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification. Prasoon Joshi is someone who wears multiple hats. Though involved in cinema for more than a decade, he isn’t someone entrenched in the industry. How does he see the present-day Bollywood, and its various problems? “It is important to understand that the film industry is a world of its own. The entire system is chaotic,” said Prasoon in a chat hosted by Prabhu Chawla, the Editorial Director of The New Indian Express, and senior journalist Kaveree Bamzai. This interview was arranged as part of Express Expressions, a series of webinars organised by The New Indian Express group.Weighing in on the raging nepotism debate, Prasoon said, “We have to understand the ecosystem first. You can’t just show the example of an exceptional talent getting it all in Bollywood—not till your weakest link feels supported. Bollywood should create the belief that it is a system where success can be designed,” said Prasoon, adding, “During success, everyone is there for an outsider. Only in a time of crisis do these people have no support system.”Going on to comment on the growing disconnect between Hindi cinema and reality, he said, “It began when Hindi cinema stopped adapting stories from literature. Nowadays, stories are weaved out of a fantasy and are not rooted,” said the National Award-winner, who admitted that there will always be space for escapist films. “But now, we see people getting comfortable with their real life. Not everyone needs that flight of fantasy.”