The Impact of the Censor Board on Music in India

Not many people recognise how censorship affects not only their TV or movie viewing but also their music listening. It is generally considered that censorship only edits things suited for adult ears, however, the story behind how music censorship works in India is quite astounding.

The Censor Certificate displayed at the outset of Indian Films I Source: Google

Music enthusiasts are acquainted with the small black-and-white emblem that appears on album covers in the lower left corner, especially if they indulge in American pop music. Its abbreviation is PAL or Parental Advisory. In the wake of the surge in music streaming platforms and the emergence of controversial lyrics in modern music, this sticker may seem somewhat trite. Consider the latest top-charting albums from this year alone, 2023: Albums like "One Thing At A Time" by Morgan Wallen, "Utopia" by Travis Scott, and "GUTS" by Olivia Rodrigo all sport this sticker, though their impact on people music listening habits is minimal. India has its equivalent to PAL, known as the Censor Board of Film Certification (CFBC), which has banned, restricted, or censored numerous film tracks since its establishment in 1951.

The Censor Board of Film Certification itself, along with its origin story, is quite intriguing. Following India's declaration of independence in 1947, independent regional censors were assimilated into the Bombay Board of Film Censors. The Central Board of Film Censors took the place of the Bombay Board after the Cinematograph Act of 1952. After the modification of cinematography regulations in 1983, the organisation was rechristened as the Central Board of Film Certification. The board's core principles are to offer wholesome entertainment and education to the general public and to ensure transparency in the certification process and board activities through contemporary technology, benefitting producers, the media, and the public. Despite films and music being embodiments of free speech and self-expression, the board's stance is that some songs were negatively affecting the youth due to their degrading content. Thus, they opted for this certification as a means of imposing some form of censorship.

The Central Board of Film Certification made altercations to songs like "Besharam Rang," "Radha," and "Sadda Haq" I Source: Google

This censorship prohibited any violations. When certain users of social media began to complain about the attire and dance sequence in the song "Besharam Rang," which featured Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, several cuts were made. Similarly, for the song "Ghoomar" from Padmaavat, Deepika Padukone faced criticism from the Rajput community in Rajasthan. Consequently, the movie underwent certain aesthetic changes to conceal Deepika's exposed midriff. The censor board also took issue with "Sadda Haq," a song from the movie Rockstar, because it depicted a flag with the words "Free Tibet" inscribed on it. Numerous students protested against the Censor Board in support of the Free Tibet cause. To convey a strong political statement, the creators of the film were compelled to obscure the flags.

Censorship had an impact on the sales of several music albums during its enforcement. For instance, in the 1980s and 1990s, albums with the Parental Advisory sticker were not sold in US Walmart stores. However, as mentioned earlier, censorship has eventually become ineffectual today. The fact that Mr Morale and the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar won the Grammy for Best Rap Album showcases how far music has progressed. Despite containing swear words and sexual innuendos, the album is one of the most streamed of the year. Similarly, the restrictions on music in India have sparked increased excitement and interest. Consequently, more people discover the music, expanding its appeal.