By Subhash K. Jha
Mumbai, Aug 28 (IANS): Leela Samson, chairperson of the Central Board of Film Certification, is upset over the content of songs in present day cinema. She believes that lyricists, who wrote "brilliant" songs in past, need to stand up and protest.

"The songs are full of innuendos and they get away with really dirty stuff. Don't ask me about them. Ask the really brilliant poets who earlier wrote songs. Where are they now? Why are they not protesting against these indecent songs," Samson said.

"For us women in the censor board, specially in the age group of 40 to 60, it is very hurtful to hear what is being heard in our films. I am worried for our children and for ourselves," she added.

Condemning the lyrics, she said the situation needs to be controlled before it worsens.

"Why don't respected scriptwriters and song writers shout from rooftops that the dialogues and lyrics today are unacceptable? It's very sad. Perhaps the current situation has to be gone through, so we can have a more responsible and mature society.

"The moral and aesthetic change has to come from the top. The change has to be widespread," she said.

CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.