Movies – Freedom of Speech and Democracy

This is in response to 'Protests are Symptoms of a disease' column that appeared in SUNDAY Times Of India today.
Too much is being talked about these days about 'democracy' and 'freedom of speech'. When someone says that he has freedom of speech and expression, he must remember that others too have the same measure of such freedom. Freedom doesn't mean being irresponsible and speaking what comes to one's mind. It has certain restrictions and regulations. Just because we have the freedom to move around, are we able to walk into a place of our choice at any time we choose too. Say for example, can Vishal Bharadwaj or Rajkumar Hirani walk freely into 7,Race Course Road or a movie theater? They need permissions at one place and tickets at another place.
Freedom of Speech means showing restraint and speaking that which doesn't hurt anyone, as all are equal as per the Constitution. Just as Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as the Father of the Nation, God by whatever name a religion calls Him, Krishna or Allah or Jesus is regarded as the Father of the Universe. The Government of India will not tolerate any kind of denigration of Mahatma Gandhi. The National Flag, the symbol of a country, is also to be respected irrespective of whether one is a citizen of that country or not. Just as there are symbols for every nation, there are symbols and images for every religion which ought to be respected by everyone. Can we expect Gandhi (or the National Flag) to protect or defend himself, Mr.Vishal? It is the responsibility of the State to do that. It is also the responsibility of every religion to protect their religion from the onslaught of unholy elements and also to respect other's religion as much as their's.
When any person violates this basic principle in the name of freedom, creativity and expression, it is bound to create unrest in the society. Left to themselves, most people are non-violent. Film makers should tread cautiously on issues concerning religious sentiments or national issues. They can't expect the paper not to burn after throwing a lighted matchstick on it. Why at all do that? There are plenty of other issues rocking this nation other than the current subjects that they prefer to produce to make money. The film fraternity are not religious custodians for them to question the belief systems and faith of people of any religion. Their religion must be decent entertainment for all, but not mockery. Religion is an individual's matter.
If any person in the name of freedom of speech or expression insults the image or statue of Rajkumar Hirani's father or Vishal Bharadwaj's grandfather, can they stand that? They do feel offended! Right?
As long as one doesn't trample on another's freedom, there will be no protest of any sort. To say that protests are Symptoms of a disease is equal to being already diseased. Yes, of course! Violence of any nature is not to be entertained, by anyone, either on the screen or on the roads.

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