KATHMANDU: It is not a new issue that filmmakers in Nepal frequently face difficulties with the Censor Board. The employees serving on the Censor Board are often criticized for troubling filmmakers and making unnecessary demands for snacks during the film certification process.

Although some filmmakers have occasionally spoken out on the matter, most remain silent due to fear of facing problems when certifying their own films.

However, the issue recently gained traction in the film industry after veteran actor Haribansha Acharya publicly shared his personal experience with the Censor Board. His statement has encouraged others in the film sector to speak up.

Haribansha said, “A woman at the Censor Board told me, ‘I’m fasting today, please buy me some cashews.’ I felt very disheartened. I’m here as a filmmaker, as an artist—I told her, ‘I didn’t come here to buy you cashews. I’ll give you the money; please get them yourself. Asking for snacks or favors like that is inappropriate. If that’s the case, let’s just go to a restaurant and do the censoring over a beer instead.’”

Following Haribansha’s remarks, the issue has created a stir in the film community. There is increasing criticism of the Censor Board’s methods and conduct, and it is clear that the board’s staff need to take these concerns more seriously.