VOA News - Indian Filmmakers Criticize Smoking Ban in Indian Films: "India has banned depiction of smoking in films and television programs as part of its war against tobacco use. The World Health Organization has welcomed the move, but filmmakers have denounced the ban as an infringement of artistic freedom.
The latest Bollywood hit, 'Bubbly and Bunti,' is dominated by scenes of Indian film icon Amitabh Bacchan lighting up as he plots how to [arrest] two [criminals].
But the government says films made after August 1 will no longer be able to depict such scenes, and older movies showing images of smoking will have to carry a health warning. The same rules will apply to television programs. "