Rang mein bhang: Navalkar rocks it again

Vulgar and offensive lyrics are out, the minister has decreed, while also turning rock shows into sit-down affairs where audiences are supposed to savour the twangy strains of the electric guitar like civilised and responsible adults.

Navalkar told Express Newsline: 8220;I am not a cultural czar but now I have decided to strictly implement censorship rules on all rock songsthat will be performed at any venue in the state. However, we have not yet banned rock concerts; you may perform but don8217;t promote such western culture.8221;

The minister says if at all a rock show is permitted, the audience should be seated and not dance about wildly, converting the entire theatre into a discotheque.

The minister8217;s decision follows the arrest of college students at a rave party on a Marve beach last week, where youngsters displayed wanton behaviour, high on alcohol and drugs.

The decision to clamp down on rock concerts, the minister explains, is meant to meant prevent youngsters with alcohol-soaked brains and drug-filled crania from staggering into the 21st century.

Commenting on the annual Independence Rock8217; concert on August 15 to commemorate India8217;s Independence, Navalkar says: 8220;How can you have a rock show and Independence Day together? It8217;s like cutting a Christmas cake on Diwali.

8220;Our youngsters are the future of the 21st century, but they are being misled by these rock showsand rave parties on the beaches where they indulge in drugs and drinks,8221; he says.

The deafening decibel levels released by both musicians and hysterical fans at Dhobi Talao8217;s Rang Bhavan are a nuisance to residents in the neighbourhood, Navalkar adds.

8220;I have received complaints from the principal of the adjoining St Xavier8217;s College and the nurses8217; quarters of GT Hospital. In fact, even the staff quarters of Elphinstone Technical High School are next to the open-air theatre,8221; he reasons.

But, he clarifies, the corrupting influence of rock concerts is not confined to lovers of Indipop and rock music alone. Hindi and Marathi performances will also be closely scrutinised and censored by his department.

8220;We recently took stern action on two vulgar Hindi plays: Saali Poori Gharwaali and Pati Naram Naram, Patni Garam Garam,8221; Navalkar remarks.

Meanwhile, rockers have already got wind of the clampdown, which is why the organisers of Rock Yatra-988242; at Rang Bhavan kept pleading with the youth on Sundayto jointly appeal to the state government to retain the venue for future concerts.The lead vocalist of Indus Creed, Uday Benegal, who had also performed at Rock Yatra, merely said: 8220;It is a little stupid to discourage any art form.8221;

Vishal Dadlani of Pentagram was more vocal. 8220;The state cannot stop us because if they do then they will end up with their a8230;s kicked! It is a lot better to get rid of aggression and anger at a rock concert than on the streets,8221; the rock singer says.

Fans too are indignant. 8220;When you allow vulgarity in Hindi movies fashion shows which are more like panty shows8217;, why discourage a rock concert,8221; she argues. Remo8217;s telling lyrics couldn8217;t be more apt, one rock enthusiast retorts, recalling the musician8217;s words: 8220;8230;Politicians don8217;t know how to rock 8216;n8217; roll.8221;

Oops, nothing offensive about that, Mr Navalkar?