Govt Appoints Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty Among 18 New Censor Board Members-Full List
The central government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an 18‑member panel that includes actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty and others. The new board, chaired by Shashi Shekhar Vempati, will serve for up to three years under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- ✓The central government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with an 18‑member panel that includes actors Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty and others.
- ✓The reconstituted board comprises 18 members who will hold office for a maximum of three years, as stipulated by the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
- ✓The panel convened its first meeting on August 29, marking the first gathering in six years, despite statutory requirements for quarterly meetings.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced on Wednesday that the Central Board of Film Certification has been reformed after a six‑year hiatus, appointing a fresh 18‑member panel. The roster features film personalities such as Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Pallavi Joshi, Prosenjit Chatterjee and Grammy‑winner Ricky Kej, with Shashi Shekhar Vempati, the Prasar Bharati CEO, named as chairperson.
The reconstituted board comprises 18 members who will hold office for a maximum of three years, as stipulated by the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Vempati took over as chair in May, succeeding lyricist Prasoon Joshi, who left the post after becoming Prasar Bharati chairman. The panel convened its first meeting on August 29, marking the first gathering in six years, despite statutory requirements for quarterly meetings. Several appointees have documented affiliations with the BJP or RSS, including former MP Hans and RSS pracharak Patange.
The overhaul follows the expiry of the previous panel’s tenure and a period during which the board did not meet regularly, raising concerns among filmmakers and civil‑society groups about the independence of film certification. Stakeholders such as producers, distributors and the viewing public may see the new composition influencing certification decisions, especially given the political links of several members. The move underscores the government's intent to align the board’s functioning with the updated certification rules while navigating the broader debate over artistic freedom and regulatory oversight.
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| Issuing Authority | ABP News |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 16 September 2026 |