Konkona & Ratna’s Lipstick Under My Burkha Depicts Female Sexuality; Censors Object

Lipstick Under My Burkha is a rare, frank take on female sexuality and the CBFC has not taken kindly to the protagonists- Konkona Sen Sharma and Ratna Pathak Shah’s reel life fantasies

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Konkona & Ratna’s Lipstick Under My Burkha Depicts Female Sexuality; Censors Object



Konkona Sen Sharma and Ratna Pathak Shah-starrer Lipstick Under My Burkha, received a standing ovation at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. But this film may not be allowed to be screened for the common public.



The Central Board Of Film Certification has taken offence to the “abusive words” and “pornography” depicted in the film. Here is their statement:  "The story is lady-oriented, their fantasy above life. There are contentious sexual scenes, abusive words, audio pornography and a bit sensitive touch about one particular section of society."

ratna pathak in lipstick under my burkha

Well, that's exactly what the Censor Board said to the makers of Lipstick Under My Burkha, Prakash Jha. He was in for a shock this morning when he came to know that his film has been denied a certificate.



Once you dissect this statement, the intent is clear: “Women in India aren't allowed to fantasise, but men are."

Lipstick Under My Burkha was screened for the CBFC examining committee in January this year. The makers are now awaiting a formal letter from the Revising Committee. Only once they get that, they will approach the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal.



Lipstick Under My Burkha is the story of four women from a small town, whose dreams and aspirations are governed by the men in their lives. The film received a standing ovation from a packed theatre at MAMI and not a single eyebrow was raised.

The film directed by Alankrita Shrivastava stars Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aahana Kumra, Plabita Borthakur, Sushant Singh, Vikrant Massey, Shashank Arora, Vaibbhav Tatwawdi and Jagat Singh Solanki.


Image Source: youtube/prakashjhaproductions