Mumbai, NCPA and Poor Box Productions bring you a panel discussion on the current state of censorship in India and the future of free expression guaranteed under the Indian Constitution. The panel, moderated by Kaizaad Kotwal, will feature eminent speakers from different walks of life. A question and answer session will follow the panel presentation.

From arts to education and political speech, censorship is clearly on the rise. In addition to illuminating the audience about the scope and intensity of the rising censorship, the discussion will also address issues like : Why do we have censorship? What is truly obscene and who decides this? Who controls free expression and what do they stand to gain? How can a secular democracy justify censorship on any ground, particularly censorship based on religious or political self-interest? How do corporate, the police, the judiciary and the media affect censorship? What is at stake for individuals, groups and the nation at large if we dont fight censorship and allow for freedom of expression to flourish?

The final panelists include eminent speakers from different fields like Social Activist and member of Indian Censor Board - Nandini Sardesai, Filmmaker - Govind Nihalani, Theatre expert - Feroz Abbas Khan, Kalpana Sharma, Ravindra Hazari, Jehangir Jani, Filmmaker - Mahesh Dattani.

Admission on a first-come-first-served basis

Notes to Editor

About the NCPA

Inaugurated in 1969, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai, exists to provide leadership on a national level as Indias premier performing arts, research and training centre through the presentation of Indian and international art forms, the promotion of excellence and the preservation of Indian & International cultural heritage.