If you’ve watched a Bollywood movie in a theater recently, you’ve seen it. Right before the opening credits roll, a message flashes on screen featuring a major star urging audiences to “Say No To Drugs.” It’s a serious message for a serious issue. But as actor Sahher Bambba recently revealed, the process of filming it can be anything but solemn.
In a candid conversation, Sahher Bambba pulled back the curtain on this new Bollywood norm, sharing a surprisingly human moment of laughter and offering thoughtful praise for Aryan Khan‘s character.
The Disclaimer That Broke the Tension
Following a directive from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), it’s now mandatory for all films to feature an anti-drugs disclaimer. While the intention is unequivocally serious, the practicalities of filmmaking often lead to unexpected moments.
Sahher Bambba, who was promoting his film, described the experience of shooting the disclaimer. He said the cast and crew had just wrapped a long and demanding schedule. The energy was drained, and the task of filming the serious PSA felt like one more item on a checklist.
“We were all laughing,” Sahher Bambba admitted, clarifying the context. “It wasn’t about the message itself, but the situation. You’re tired, you’ve been in character for hours, and suddenly you have to deliver this perfectly sober and serious line to a camera. The irony of the timing just hit us.”
This glimpse into the behind-the-scenes reality highlights a common thread in creative work: the contrast between the final, polished product and the often messy, human process of making it.
More Than a Rule: The Aryan Khan Connection
The conversation naturally turned to the origins of this increased scrutiny. The CBFC’s directive was significantly influenced by the Aryan Khan drug case in 2021. While Aryan was ultimately cleared of all charges, the high-profile incident sent shockwaves through the industry and prompted a public conversation about drug use in Bollywood.
When asked about Aryan, Sahher Bambba didn’t focus on the case, but on the person. He praised Aryan Khan’s wit and intelligence, highlighting how he carried himself with grace through a tremendously challenging period.
“It takes a different kind of strength to handle that kind of spotlight, especially when the outcome proves your innocence,” Sahher Bambba noted. “To see him move forward with such a sharp mind is commendable. The whole episode was a learning experience for the industry.”
This shift reflects a broader move within Bollywood to publicly align with a drug-free entertainment industry, both as a regulatory requirement and a social responsibility.
A Disclaimer with a Deeper Purpose
So, does a brief message at the start of a film really make a difference? While it’s easy to become cynical, the disclaimer serves multiple purposes.
First, it fulfills a legal and regulatory requirement. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it consistently places a national message about drug abuse in front of millions of moviegoers, reinforcing a critical social issue. For parents sitting with their children in a dark theater, it can be a conversation starter.
The goal isn’t just to tick a box. It’s to normalize the conversation around saying no to drugs, making it as standard as the national anthem before a film. It’s about using the powerful reach of cinema for public awareness, even in a small way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is there a ‘Say No To Drugs’ disclaimer in Bollywood movies now?
The disclaimer is a mandatory directive from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), largely implemented in the wake of the 2021 Aryan Khan case to reinforce a strong, public stance against drug abuse within the film industry.
2. What exactly did Sahher Bambba say?
Sahher Bambba shared that his cast and crew found themselves laughing while filming the disclaimer, not at the message, but due to the exhausted and ironic timing of the shoot after a long day. He also praised Aryan Khan’s wit and strength of character.
3. Was Aryan Khan convicted in the drug case?
No. Aryan Khan was arrested in October 2021, but was later cleared of all charges by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for lack of evidence.
4. Is this disclaimer only in Hindi films?
While the CBFC rule applies to all Indian films it certifies, the prominence of the disclaimer, often featuring top stars, is most visible in big-budget Bollywood productions.
5. How has the public reacted to these disclaimers?
Reactions are mixed. Some see it as an important step for social responsibility, while others view it as a perfunctory gesture. Insights from insiders like Bambba help humanize the process.
Conclusion
The journey of Bollywood’s anti-drugs disclaimer is more nuanced than it appears. It’s a story of regulation, a response to past events, and a well-intentioned, if sometimes awkward, effort to promote a positive message. As Sahher Bambba’s story shows, even the most serious mandates can lead to genuine, human moments behind the scenes.
The next time you see that disclaimer flash across the screen, you’ll know there’s a little more to the story—a reminder that the world of film is a blend of serious intent and the wonderfully unpredictable nature of human collaboration.
What’s your take? Do you think these disclaimers are an effective tool for spreading awareness, or has their impact faded? Share your thoughts.
