CBFC Okay With 'Bombay' In Bombay Velvet

There were speculations that makers of the film Bombay Velvet starring Ranbir Kapoor will have to change the word 'Bombay' with 'Mumbai' as CBFC considers 'Bombay' as unconstitutional name for the city.

However, Bombay Velvet director Anurag Kashyap may not have to change the title and the CBFC has a reason for that.

Recently, CBFC removed the word 'Bombay' from a song by Mihir Joshi as the name 'Bombay' has become unconstitutional after the city's name was officially changed to Mumbai in 1955.

However, Chairperson of CBFC pointed out that if a film is based in an era when Mumbai was called Bombay, then it can have the use the word 'Bombay' and so, Ranbir Kapoor's Bombay Velvet might be lucky enough to retain the same name.

"If a film is a period drama, if it's set during a time when Mumbai was called Bombay then we can consider retaining the old name for the city. But, in the contemporary context, 'Bombay' will not be allowed at all," said Pahlaj Nihalani, Chairperson of CBFC.

The CBFC Chairperson further added, "This is a state matter. The Maharashtra government officially changed the name of Bombay to Mumbai in 1955. Still, if film-makers and song writers continue to use the unconstitutional name for the city, we have no choice but to delete it. Making films and writing songs are a social responsibility . You can't change geography and history just to sound trendy."

Anurag Kashyap's upcoming film Bombay Velvet featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Karan Johar in lead roles is slated to release on May 15th.