The names of real life politicians cannot be used in Indian cinema, no matter what the relevance.
A source clued into the development at the censor board tells Subhash K Jha, "You can't make a film about politics and name real life politicians. If you do, you run the risk of getting your film banned. Or else, you can change/mute the names."
In Shah Rukh Khan's forthcoming film, Jawan, a reference to the President has been muted.
Earlier, in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, a conversation where 'Mamta' was mentioned had to be altered when, in fact, there was no mention of 'Banerjee'.
So what happens if a biopic is being made on a real life politician?
"It would have to get clearance from the relevant ministries before proceeding," informs the source.
