Owing to threats, Prasoon Joshi pulls out from JLF at 11th hour

In the wake of threats given by Shree Rajput Karni Sena, noted lyricist and Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Prashoon Joshi, has pulled out from Jaipur Literature Festival at the eleventh hour.

In a letter to the organisers of JLF, Joshi has mentioned that he has backed out from the festival for its dignity to ensure that his fellow attendees and writers are not harmed. "I will not be attending JLF this year and 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". Joshi has further mentioned that he wanted literature lovers to focus on creativity and not controversy, which is why he decided not to attend the festival.

Unhappy with CBFC's review report of Padmaavat, Rajput outfit Karni Sena had said that Prasoon Joshi will be treated the same way Sanjay Leela Bhansali was treated by Karni Sena if he enters Jaipur or participates in the JLF.In January 2017, Rajput Karni Sena had created ruckus at the sets of 'Padmavati' and roughed up Bhansali and his crew members at Jaipur's Jaigarh.

Prasoon Joshi, who is a regular at JLF was scheduled to take part in the session 'Main aur Woh: Conversations with Myself' on January 28.

In a letter to the Festival organisers Prasoon has made his stand clear on reviewing part of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film Padmaavat. " I did my job and sincerely took a sensitive and balanced call. 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," Prasoon said. He also urged to keep mutual trust and faith in each other and our institutions so that the issues don't reach this far.

Reacting to Joshi's letter to festival organisers Karni Sena has said they will not disrupt any of the sessions at JLF. "We are glad that Prasoon Joshi is not coming to JLF. Now we (Karni sena) will not visit the venue. We will not disrupt any of the sessions".